Dancing Dolphins Oyster Trail: Matanzas River Kayaking in St Augustine, FL

Go kayaking to get a glimpse of the natural beauty and cultural significance of the waterways in St Augustin, Florida.The Oyster Trail winds through the serene and productive waters of a largely intact estuary basin with the last commercially viable wild oyster harvesting areas left in Florida.
Paddlers pictured in this video are on GeoTrippin's Dancing Dolphin Oyster Paddling Trail in the Matanzas River Basin. It begins at the headquarters of the Matanzas River Keeper along the Intracoastal Water Way at Genung's Fish Camp near Verle A. Pope Drawbridge on SR 206 to Crescent Beach on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida. Kayakers are transported into a rich historical and ecological journey that spans thousands of years.
Over 5,500 years ago, the indigenous people of this region began harvesting oysters from the very waters you’ll paddle through today. These oysters are not only a staple food source but a living testament to the health of the ecosystem. The Matanzas River, named "The River of Dancing Dolphins" by the early native tribes, is home to an abundant variety of life. As you glide through these waters, you may spot the same dolphins the natives once revered, playfully chasing fish in the shallows.
Kayakers will encounter vast oyster reefs that stretch along the trail, forming intricate three-dimensional structures. These reefs, with their clean, hard surfaces, attract a wide range of marine life. Crabs, minnows, and fish find shelter in the nooks and crannies of the reefs, while overhead, nesting birds soar and dive in the hunt for food. The reef system also provides crucial protection for the soft marsh shorelines, creating calm areas where seagrasses can thrive. These grasses, along with the marsh and reef, form an interconnected habitat that is essential for local shellfish and fin fish, and it's where juvenile sea life grows and flourishes.
One of the highlights of the trail is observing the filtering power of the oyster reefs. A single healthy oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, cleaning the water of algae and sediment and returning it clearer and healthier to the environment. The Matanzas River itself is a living, breathing ecosystem that not only supports a wealth of biodiversity but also serves as a natural water filtration system, ensuring the health of the watershed.
Paddlers are likely to encounter crabs scuttling along the marsh, schools of fish darting beneath the kayak, and even the occasional dolphin breaking the surface of the water. The landscape is alive with the sights and sounds of a thriving estuarine environment. And, like the early peoples who once depended on these waters, modern-day kayakers can witness firsthand the delicate balance of life that depends on this remarkable ecosystem.
Throughout your journey, you’ll also be paddling through history. The indigenous peoples who lived here not only harvested oysters but left behind vast shell middens-piles of discarded shells that stand as evidence of their long relationship with the river. These people, who gave the river its poetic name, The River of Dancing Dolphins, understood the deep connection between the land, the water, and the wildlife that called it home.
As you complete your paddle along the trail, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the ecosystem and the thousands of years of human history tied to this vibrant waterway. This is a special place where nature, history, and conservation come together, making it a unique paddling experience for all who venture out.
Creative Commons video excerpts:
The Amazing Oyster Reef | The Nature Conservancy | Sep 26, 2012 • The Amazing Oyster Reef
The Incredible Oyster Reef | Chesapeake Bay Foundation | 2017
• The Incredible Oyster ...
Matanzas Riverkeeper | Matanzas Riverkeeper | 2020
• Matanzas Riverkeeper
Florida Oyster Reefs Under Siege by Snails: In the Grass, On the Reef | WFSU Public Media | 2013
• Florida Oyster Reefs U...