Amelia Island boats at sunset

Dive into Exciting Water Sports on Amelia Island

The northeastern Florida coast is world-famous for its stunning sights, along with its saltwater recreation. Spend your days on Amelia Island sailing, paddleboarding, fishing, and more. The possibilities are endless when you explore the many Amelia Island water sports available on our island. Plus, all these offerings are close by to The Addison on Amelia Island to make your experience a breeze!

Find Boat Tours & Water Sports on Amelia Island 

1. Sailing 

Nothing beats being on the water with the sails full of the fresh ocean breeze. There are plenty of sights to see along the way! Sail past historic Fort Clinch Park and Cumberland Island on your way out to the open ocean. Captain Tony of Windward Sailing is a wonderful guide and one of our top recommendations if you’re interested in sailing tours. You can provide 3-hour tours, full-day tours, or anything in between! Your innkeepers can make all the arrangements for a great day out on the water. 

2. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Private Boat Tours 

Whether you’re a novice or experienced kayaker and paddleboarder, Amelia Adventures has the tour for you! Enjoy a lazy kayak in the calm blackwater of Lofton Creek, experience a true tidal marsh, and view the Amelia Island lighthouse while paddling Egan’s Creek. Or, cross the channel to visit Cumberland Island, home to the ruins of the Carnegie Mansion, Dungeness, and wild horses. The oceanfront and protected marshlands provide an up-close paddleboard venue for spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and a multitude of shorebirds. Interested in a private boat tour? Amelia Adventures offers customized tours for up to six people to destinations such as Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, and Kingsley Plantation. 

Before you hit the glistening water or explore stunning local trails, make sure you’re prepared for the adventure. Lost Dog Outfitters has comfortable, coastal-ready apparel designed for paddling, touring, and everything in between. Keep your body cool, stay protected, and show your affection for the outdoors with gear made for explorers like you.

3. Backwater Cat Adventure

Drive your own 2 man catamaran with Backwater Cat Adventure, while a guide (on his boat) leads you to Fort Clinch, Cumberland Island, Ga and throughout the backwater of Amelia Island seeking wildlife, sea life and a superior boating experience. Adventure Awaits you!

After a briefing on how to operate your own boat, this adventure takes you on a river run through some of the most beautiful backwater and marshlands that Amelia has to offer. We’re looking for dolphin, sea birds and other sea life along the way. After some really cool boating in the backwater, we visit Cumberland Island, Ga to view the wild horses on this beautiful island. Then it’s off to historic Fort Clinch on the tip of Amelia Island to take pictures and hear about the history and events of years past. Back down the Amelia River to the Historic Fernandina Harbor where we started.

This adventure will capture the hearts and minds of young and old alike. Perfect for couples, groups, and families.

4. Fishing 

Amelia Island offers excellent fishing charters! Whether you’re looking for the quiet rivers and tidal creeks of in-land fishing or the excitement of deep-water fishing. Fish the surrounding waters of Amelia, Cumberland, and Talbot Islands with Captain Lawrence Piper. Fish the oyster beds for flounder or sheepshead and experience the thrill of trout exploding on a topwater lure.  

If the open water is calling you can go fishing with Captain Allen (904-261-9481) in his 32’ Topaz, the Wahoo II, and fish for King Mackerel, Barracuda, and Cobia. As Captain Allen says “Quit wishin’ and let’s go fishin’! 

Find the full range of fishing charters available on Amelia Anglers. Fishing charters will provide you with all required fishing licenses, bait, and tackle. If you want to do a bit of solo exploring to find the fishing opportunities offered by the local piers and jetties, then Amelia Anglers is the shop for you. Located right downtown, Amelia Anglers can provide licenses, bait, and lures. They even rent rods and reels! You’ll be in excellent hands. 

Contact us and take advantage of our concierge services to help you plan a memorable Amelia Island water sports experience. 

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