Amelia River Cruises, Northeast Florida’s historic and wildlife sightseeing boat tour operator, announces the one-year anniversary of its popular eco-shrimping tour. Led by Marine Biologist Andrea Margiotta, the two-hour interactive cruise focuses on the importance of protecting the coastal environment for all of the inhabitants of Northeast Florida’s eco-system.

The Eco/Shrimping Tour explores the waters of Northeast Florida and allows passengers the chance to experience the eco-systems first-hand. Visitors are taken into the backwaters, tidal creeks and estuaries to explore a portion of Tiger Basin. During the tours, Marine Biologist Andrea Margiotta asks guests to assist in deploying and retrieving an Otter Trawl shrimp net to safely capture a variety of sea life from the water. The catch found in the net is then displayed in an onboard aquarium, where passengers can view them up close before they are returned to the wild.

The opportunities to spot wildlife during the cruise are plentiful. Dolphins and manatees are usually very active in these waters, particularly during warmer months. Sea turtles visit and nest on the sandy shores annually, and an abundance of shore birds are often seen wading through the shallow waters looking for their next meal. Egrets, herons, spoonbills and ospreys can also be spotted in the air, trees or water.

Eco/Shrimping Tour tickets are $26, plus sales tax, for adults and $16, plus sales tax, for children ages 12 and under. Food and beverage are allowed aboard and people-friendly pets are also welcome. For more information on Eco/Shrimping Tours, nature and history cruises, or to book a private charter, contact Dena Doehler at (904) 261-9972 or via email at [email protected].