For tour times, directions and tickets, see the more information section under the story below.
This floating tour begins with some instruction.
"What we're going to do, is put the net in the water just at the surface," the Captain says over excited little voices.
Where Florida flows into Georgia, awaits a hands-on eco cruise just off the coast of Amelia Island.
"We got 90 feet of rope here," is overheard on the PA system as boat line goes overboard.
"This is a catch and release program," marine biologist Justina Dacey explains.
Unlike days of old, when Fernandina Beach was a center of the shrimping industry, today, Amelia River Cruises sets sail for an eco-excursion only offered in the summer.
"Unfortunately, there are no shrimp cocktails that go home," Justina says of this shrimping eco tour.
Justina Dacey is a marine biologist on board. After trawling for a bit, she encourages passengers to pull those nets aboard before gazing at what's living in the St. Mary's River Basin.
"We're going to go around and fill up the bin in the front there and that aquarium in the back," Justina says. "So wherever we are is sort of the splash zone."
All the creatures that entered the net while it was dragged behind the boat, are then placed in aquariums and shared with passengers.
"He's doing all these somersaults and flipping around," says a little voice.
Some hold the creatures by hand, while others pass around small aquariums for an up-close look.
"What was that? Teddy, say 'Shrimp!' SHRIMP!" says a mother while holding her toddler.
"It was cool seeing all of these cool animals," says Brian Shey, a young passenger on board.
"Those big beady eyes look like bees," Brian shares. "It's not attractive really," he continues wrinkling his forehead.
"That is, actually, its poop chute. It's edible. It's okay to eat," Justina says.
Hummm. I'll pass. Before you get too comfortable, the wildlife return to the river basin.
"We have to make sure everything stays alive, and then goes back overboard, and that is what our educational permit allows us to do," Justina explains.
"Why doesn't everybody put their hand on it," I suggest as the time arrives and it's time to send the aquatic samples back swimming. "On the count of three. 1, 2, 3! Bye buddy!"
About this destination
Where: Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Nassau County
Times:
Tours depart Most summer weekends & select weekdays.
See calendar here: http://ameliarivercruises.com/book-online/
Phone number:
904-261-9972
Tickets:
Adults age 13+: $27
Children 4-12: $17
Children under 3; FREE
Dock Address:
1 North Front Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
Website: http://ameliarivercruises.com/eco-shrimping-tour/
Parking:
Good Luck. Limited in the marina, Arrive early or be ready to hoof it a few blocks. Check the north and south sides of Brett’s Waterway Café. Open spaces on Centre Streets and the side streets of downtown Fernandina are also fair game.
Accessibility Note:
Call for details. Ramps may be available in the Marina. Steps lead to the boat deck.
GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 30.671588
Longitude: -81.465307
Latitude: 30° 40' 17.7162"
Longitude: -81° 27' 55.1046"
Drive Times:
From Orlando: 3 hours
From Tampa: 4 hours
Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.
Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip. Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.