6800 First Coast Highway
Amelia Island, Florida 32034
Phone: 904-261-6161, Fax: 904-321-5046
Amelia Island Nature Center
Join one of our naturalists and explore Amelia Island’s natural wonders. Amelia Island Plantation’s very own Nature Center was established in 1997 and now has grown to incorporate several staff naturalists with backgrounds in biology, ecotourism, and environmental studies.
Stop by the fully stocked retail shop, complete with top-of-the-line binoculars, field guides, and bird feeders to fulfill all your exploring needs. The facility includes a large classroom fully equipped for children’s programs and interpretive presentations. Explore Amelia’s natural wonders with the Nature Center. Drop by the Nature Center to see our local rescued critters, chat with our naturalists, or sign up for a tour. 904-321-5082 or ext. 5082. Because of the limited space, pre-registration for all tours is recommended.
Monday - Sunday
Nature Center 9am - 5pm
Nature Nook 10am - 4pm
Summer Nature Camp:
Young Eco Explorers: Participate in fun, educational activities, games and crafts around the resort such as fishing, crabbing, bird detectives and beach bounties. Two local off-property trips to Fort Clinch and Huguenot State Park.
Ages 6-9; July 9-13 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $250/week.
Junior Explorers: Explore Amelia Island Plantation and learn necessary survival skills, orienteering and eco-friendly practices. Off-property trips are planned to Jekyll Island, Huguenot State Park and St. Augustine Alligator farm.
Ages 9-12; July 16-20; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $350/week.
Teen Explorers: Participate in educational games, challenges and special skill learning activities. Teens will have the chance to kayak, Segway, and paddleboard. Off-property trips are planned to Okefenokee Swamp, Huguenot State Park and St. Augustine Alligator Farm.
Ages 12-15; July 30-Aug. 1; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $350/week.
For registration and more information, please call the Nature Center at (904) 321-5082.
Critter Talk:
Come and visit the animals at the Nature Center at their favorite time of the day - feeding time.
Discovery Series:
| Beach Bounty: |
Comb the beach with our experienced naturalists and learn the secrets of when and where to find the best shells, sharks teeth and other treasures! Meet at the Nature Center. $12 per person. |
| Children's Discovery: |
A program combined with a craft and field exploration to introduce children (parents too!) to bugs, birds, reptile, fossils & more. $15 per child, parents are complimentary. Tour lasts 1 1/2 hours. |
| Crab Grab: |
Learn about these fascinating marsh dwellers the old-fashioned way. Meet at Nature Center. $15 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Complimentary for parents not participating. |
| Fishing: |
Enjoy a leisurely hour of freshwater fishing on the banks of Aury Island. All equipment is provided. $15 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Complimentary for parents not participating. |
| Shark Tooth Necklaces: |
Learn fascinating facts about sharks as you design your own necklace featuring a shark’s tooth. $10 per necklace. |
| Treasure Seekers: |
This introductory course teaches participants about compass use and reading maps. It offers training in cardinal directions, finding treasure key points, correctly counts paces, sun and star navigation and more. $12 per person. |
Amelia Nightlife Series: Nature at Night: $15 per person. Ages 4 & up.
| Sunset with the birds: |
Observe Amelia's birds as they feed and roost. |
| Moonrise Beach Walk: |
Stroll by moonlight and learn about nighttiem beach activity! Search for turtle, crabs and glow-in-the-dark critters. |
Ecology of Amelia: $12 per adult. $10 per child 4-12 years old.
| Bike Hike: |
Join a naturalist through forests dunes and marshes. Bike rental not included. |
| Birds of Amelia: |
Amelia's list of bird species is enormous. Search for unique native and migratory birds with a naturalist. |
| Marsh Walk: |
Stroll through the woodland habitat and salt marsh grasses to explore this ecologically important plant and animal community. |
| Woodland Walk: |
Discover the maritime forest and dune communities along the Sunken Forest boardwalk trail. |
Naturalist Segway: $60-$80 per person. Minimum weight requirement is 65 lbs.
Explore the resort by Segway through maritime forests, marsh boardwalks and beach side paths to learn about plants, animals and natural force that shape the Island.
Kayaking: $65 per adult. $55 per child. Must be 8 years old to participate, and 13 years old to paddle alone. Be sure to bring sunscreen, bug repellent and dress to get wet! Tandem kayaks are available.
| Naturalist Kayak: |
A leisurely paddle though the marsh on a search for fish, birds and other unique animals. |
| Sunset Kayak: |
Enjoy the spectacular view of Amelia's sunset by paddling through the salt marsh and learning about the wildlife as they settle in for the night. |
| Moonrise Kayak: |
See the view of Amelia Island's sunset and paddle through the moonlight as you encounter the nocturnal critters that frequent the marsh. |
Off-Property Trips: Prices vary for each tour. Half or full day excursions to Amelia Island's surrounding parks and preserves. All off-property trips require a minimum of four participants. Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance with 24 hour cancellation notice.
| Fort Clinch State Park: |
A pre-Civil war fort located inside a beautiful state park. |
| Lofton Creek Kayak: |
Guided paddle to view birds and other wildlife. |
| Talbot Island State Park: |
Hike maritime forest trails and unspoiled beaches. |
| Okefenokee Swamp: |
Includes a guided boat tour, wildlife hike and scenic drive. |
| Okefenokee Swamp at night: |
Includes sunset boat tour and dinner. |
| Cumberland Island: |
One of the East Coast's most historic barrier islands. |
| Catty Shack Ranch: |
Meet tigers, lions cougars, leopards and witness feeding time! |
| White Oak Plantation: |
Enjoy a bus tour through the White Oak Conservation Center and catch a glimpse of exotic wildlife seldom seen in nature. |