About Riptide Watersports Tours & Rentals
Riptide Watersports is a multi-activity tour and rental company on Amelia Island's south end, built around the salt marsh and freshwater creeks that ring the island. Rather than specializing in one craft, Riptide runs guided tours by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, bike, e-bike, boat, and its distinctive two-seat CraigCat catamarans — nimble little powerboats that guests drive themselves while following a guide through the backwaters.
Wildlife is the through line on every trip: dolphins, manatees, five species of sea turtles, alligators in the fresh creeks, otters, and white-tailed deer all make regular appearances, and guides layer in five centuries of local history as they go. The 75-minute CraigCat tour is the signature outing, while kayak and SUP rentals serve independent paddlers who want to explore on their own schedule. A thoughtful touch: guides photograph every tour and share the images afterward, so guests never fumble with phones on the water.
Based on First Coast Highway near the island's southern resorts, Riptide is the convenient pick for guests staying at the Omni or the south-end vacation rentals who do not want to drive downtown. The breadth of options — paddle, pedal, or motor — makes it easy for mixed groups to find a trip everyone can enjoy.
