The Tolomato River sits just north of the St. Augustine city proper, running north from Vilano Beach to the Ponte Vedra area. The water is brackish; it has the inlet salt water clashing with the freshwater of natural springs along the way.

The area is very serene and full of wildlife. It’s not unusual to have dolphins swimming alongside your boat or kayak. Several species of manatees call this area home, and if you’re patient you’ll see a few of them.

Fishing is a big thing. It’s an important part of St. Augustine, both for the economy and for the boredom. You can find all the equipment you need to go fishing on your own, or you can take out a charter from one of the many places offering such.

St. Augustine is known for it’s large coquina fort downtown, the Castillo San Marcos, but there was also another ‘fort’ in the area, Fort Mose. Today there is no trace of the fort that was there, but the land opens up to the Tolomato, and they have a great park there to commemorate what used to be. Fort Mose was a very important piece of St. Augustine, and we have annual re-enactments of a battle here each year. This is a place you’ll definiately want to check out on your trip.

I like to go out to Stokes Landing Conservation Area, which is just a park along the waterfront. It’s a peaceful place, with long trails out to scenic overlooks. There are paths with glow-in-the-dark paint for night walks, though I’m yet to try that. Stokes Landing is on the mainland side of the Tolomato.

If you’re coming from a First Choice Florida property, odds are you’re approaching from the beachside. The best place is the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Public boat ramps, hiking and biking trails, and more. There is a fee to enter the park, but I think you’ll agree it’s worth it.

In all, the Tolomato River is an important part of the St. Augustine ecosystem. There are all the animals I’ve mentioned, plus the birds and snakes and insects and turtles and oh it’s an amazing place to just float down.