Exploring Florida’s Intracoastal waterways offers a great opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife, here are several locations near Camachee Cove that provide opportunities for spotting manatees, dolphins, bird species, and more. Camachee Cove is our favorite marina and one of the top spots in Northeast Florida, particularly for Freedom Boat Club members.
1. Palmetto Road Boat Ramp
Quiet and calm, this spot is ideal for wildlife watching, especially if you’re looking to avoid the busier areas nearby.
Located north of Fort Matanzas, plenty of marshes around for wildlife to thrive.
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Wildlife to Watch For:
- Manatees: Often seen in warmer months, especially early mornings.
- Sea Turtles: Frequently spotted in the area, surfacing for air.
- Bird Species: Look for great blue herons, egrets, and ospreys along the marsh.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: Arrive early in the morning or around dusk to catch manatees. Keep your boat’s speed low to protect them and improve your chances of spotting sea turtles.
2. Fort Matanzas
Fort Matanzas offers fantastic viewing and boating opportunities. The area surrounding the fort is known for its spectacular views, and the calm waters make it ideal for observing wildlife.
Located just north of the Matanzas Inlet, it’s one of the farthest locations from Camachee Cove, taking 30+ minutes.
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Wildlife to Watch For:
- Dolphins: Frequently seen playing in the waters near the fort.
- Otters: Sometimes spotted along the riverbanks.
- Bald Eagles: Look out for them soaring above the fort and wooded areas.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: Keep an eye on the wake of your boat for dolphins, and scan the riverbanks for otters. Bald eagles are often spotted perched in trees near the fort.
3. Guana River
The Guana River, part of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, is not only known for its duck hunting but also as a fantastic spot for catching wildlife, particularly birds. It’s considered one of the best locations for birdwatching in the area.
Located just north of Camachee Cove Marina, this is one of the closest spots on the list, making it a convenient location for a quick trip.
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Wildlife to Watch For:
- Mockingbirds: Known for their songs, these birds are very territorial and can be easily spotted.
- Pelicans: Plentiful here, they are fascinating to watch as they dive and hunt for food.
- Falcons: Occasionally seen hunting along the river; the best time to spot them is during spring and fall.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: Spring and fall are prime times to catch a glimpse of the falcons, the highlight of this area. Be aware that duck hunting season typically occurs around September to January, so plan your visit accordingly.
4. Robinson Creek
Robinson Creek is a quiet waterway off the Matanzas River, known for its marshes and calm waters. This area is a prime spot for birdwatching. Be sure to check the tides, as the water can get quite shallow, especially at low tide.
Located very close to Camachee Cove Marina, it makes for an easy and quick trip.
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Wildlife to Watch For:
- Egrets: White birds often found lining the creek’s edges.
- Ospreys: Frequently seen diving into the water to catch fish.
- Shorebirds: Home to over 100 species, including sandpipers and plovers.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: The best time to visit is during low tide when shorebirds feed along the exposed mudflats. High tides bring ospreys hunting for fish. Be mindful of your depth, as some areas of the creek can become quite shallow, and fishing in the creek is very popular.
5. Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park offers miles of pristine beaches and peaceful lagoons, making it a perfect spot for wildlife viewing by boat. Known for its quiet, scenic environment, the park is located just a few miles from downtown St. Augustine.
Located just south of the St. Augustine Inlet, it’s an easy place to find an anchor spot or beach your boat for a relaxing day on the water.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXce1cJ6MpduKhKi9
Wildlife to Watch For:
- Dolphins: Often seen near the coastline, especially in the mornings.
- Manatees: Spotted in the park’s shallow lagoon areas.
- Herons and Spoonbills: Commonly seen in the marshy habitats, offering great birdwatching opportunities.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: Early mornings are the best time to spot dolphins near the shore, while manatees can often be found in the shallow lagoons. Be aware that this spot can get busy, especially around Salt Run, which is a popular area for boaters.
6. Pablo Creek
Pablo Creek is a scenic, marsh-lined waterway located in the northern Intracoastal Waterway, known for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings. If you are a Freedom Boat Club member, we recommend using the Jacksonville location due to the creek’s northern location.
Located just west of the Jacksonville Inlet (St. Johns River Entrance), this area is where cruise ships enter.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RnkdEnZLPRGnytst6
Wildlife to Watch For:
- Dolphins: Frequently spotted in the deeper sections of the creek.
- Egrets and Herons: Commonly seen along the marshy edges.
- Fish Species: Known for good fishing, with redfish and trout being common catches.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: Focus on the deeper sections for dolphin sightings, and keep a lookout for egrets and herons along the marsh edges. The waters here are calm, though you might see a jet ski or two. This is one of our favorite locations.
7. Sisters Creek and Clapboard Creek
Sisters Creek and Clapboard Creek, located northeast of Jacksonville, are popular fishing spots with many small creeks that are accessible by kayak or bay boat. These locations are known for being quiet and peaceful, offering a relaxing retreat for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Located north of the St. Johns River on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), these remote creeks provide a calm and scenic environment perfect for a day on the water.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pNbgcbQUFbPansQg6
Wildlife to Watch For:
- Red Drum: Some really nice-looking redfish can be found here.
- Seatrout: Spotted seatrouts are abundant in these waters.
- Bald Eagles: Often seen soaring overhead or perched in the surrounding trees.
Wildlife Spotting Tip: The calm waters and marshes make this area prime for fishing, which is the main attraction here. Keep your eyes peeled for fish activity, as well as bald eagles flying high above.