This seasonal, interactive tour will re-open to the public June 2024. The Shrimping Eco Tour is also available year-round on a charter basis for field trips & groups

Shrimping Eco TourDeploying and retrieving the shrimp net, identifying the catch, and then releasing the catch back into the wild is just part of this interactive cruise, our Shrimping Eco Tour.

Shrimping Eco Tour

Join us in the summer for this hands-on encounter where you will help us deploy an otter trawl net, retrieve it, then learn all about your catch in aquariums while our onboard marine biologist helps you identify your treasures.

Known as the “Birthplace of the Modern Shrimping Industry,” dive into the heritage of Fernandina Beach, and experience the operation of the “shrimp” net, just like the ones that were historically developed here to catch the tasty crustacean known as the Atlantic white shrimp or litopenaeus setiferus.

After we safely release our catch back into the wild, we will cruise the enchanting backwaters and tidal creeks that form this estuary as we look for the abundance of wildlife that calls this haven home.

Our Location

Our locationAmelia Island, surrounded by untamed wilderness, is a nature lover’s paradise. To the south lies the Timucuan Ecological Preserve, encompassing Big Talbot, Little Talbot, and Fort George. To the north, you’ll find Fort Clinch State Park and in Georgia, the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Towards the west, the captivating Tiger Islands and Tiger Basin await, many of which are part of the Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserve, a mesmerizing backdrop for our Shrimping Eco Tour.

The backwaters and tidal creeks of this estuary also connect Tiger Basin to the Okefenokee Swamp through the St. Mary’s River Basin. The vital oyster beds, mud flats, and vast expanses of marsh grass in Tiger Basin play a critical role in our local environment. These salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems on earth, acting as a nursery for native sea creatures and offering a bountiful food source for others. During the summer months, these waters teem with life, presenting a thriving spectacle of nature’s wonders.

Our Ecosystem

Our ecosystemThe captivating display of life intensifies in these waters. Local dolphins give birth, and as the winter’s waters warm, manatees migrate from central Florida springs into the saltwater to mate and give birth. Sea turtles visit and nest on our sandy shores, while a myriad of shore birds elegantly wade and feed along the coastline. Egrets, herons, spoonbills, ospreys, and various other species form an integral part of this pristine wilderness.

At Amelia River Cruises, we take pride in our deep understanding of this critical habitat and its delicate balance. By sharing our knowledge with our cherished visitors, we aim to protect and sustain the incredible diversity that thrives in this captivating corner of our world.

Reservations for this unforgettable Shrimping Eco Tour are highly recommended to secure your place in this immersive and educational experience.

Reservations are recommended

Other Cruises

The first of our new Tapas & Tasting Tour Series are now listed on our Specialty Cruises page!

tastings on our cruisesIntroducing our Tapas & Tasting Tour Series
Embark on an enchanting journey with our Tapas & Tasting Tour Series where we present themed evenings of exquisite food and drink pairings, meticulously curated by the island’s top chefs. Picture your favorite flavors gliding across your palate, accompanied by the soothing melodies of live music, the antics of playful dolphins, the majestic presence of wild horses, and a breathtaking sunset.

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These are are regularly schedule tours… scroll down for the Specialty Cruises.

CruiseDeparting
Cumberland Coastal ToursDeparting daily at 2:00 PM
Cumberland Sound Sunset ToursDaily, but times change with the sunsets
Adult Twilight BYOB CruisesFriday & Saturday Evenings
Shrimping Eco ToursOpens to the public in June 2024

Specialty Cruises 

Tapas & Tasting Tours
April 11, 2024 “Tide to Table” 6:30 PM Culinary expertise by: Kitchen 251 Entertainment by: Manny Lopez
April 25, 2024 “American Swine & Wine” 6:30 PM Culinary expertise by: New South Entertainment by: Giselle Tapia
May 9, 2024 “Espanol Maridajes de Tapas” 6:30 PM Culinary expertise by: Luxe Picnics by Les, LLC Entertainment by: Manny Lopez
May 22, 2024 “Four Course Culinary Cruise” 7:00 p.m. Culinary expertise by: Dinner at Your Place Entertainment by: Vibe RW
June 5, 2024 Additional themes coming soon!
June 19, 2024
June 26, 2024
July 10, 2024
July 17, 2024
July 24, 2024
August 8, 2024
August 15, 2024
August 22, 2024
September 5, 2024
September 19, 2024
(Limited tickets are available for special events)