Amelia Island Historic Tours — Attraction in Fernandina Beach

Amelia Island, located off the coast of Florida, is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. On a recent visit to the island, I had the pleasure of taking a tour with Amelia Island Historic Tours, where I not only learned about the rich heritage of the area but also had a unique encounter with a gentle giant of the sea - the manatee.

As I strolled along the docks with my tour guide, I was captivated by the stories of the pirates, explorers, and settlers who had once called Amelia Island home. The guide's passion for the island's history was infectious, and I found myself transported back in time to a bygone era. The architecture of the historic buildings and the cobblestone streets added to the charm of the island, making it feel like a living museum.

As we walked along the waterfront, my guide suddenly pointed out to the water, where a large, gray shape was slowly gliding through the shallows. It was a manatee, a gentle sea creature known for its peaceful nature and slow movements. I had never seen a manatee in the wild before, and I was awestruck by its sheer size and grace.

The manatee seemed unfazed by our presence, continuing on its leisurely journey through the water. Its whiskered face and round body were a sight to behold, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at being so close to such a magnificent creature. The guide explained that manatees are a protected species in Florida, and encounters with them are rare and special.

As I watched the manatee disappear into the depths of the water, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such a beautiful moment in nature. The experience was a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world and the need to protect these gentle giants for future generations to enjoy.

In conclusion, my visit to Amelia Island with Amelia Island Historic Tours was a truly unforgettable experience. From learning about the island's rich history to encountering a majestic manatee in the wild, every moment was filled with wonder and awe. I left the island with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it for generations to come. Amelia Island is truly a hidden gem waiting to be explored, and I can't wait to return and discover more of...

I have lived in Fernandina Beach for 35 years and I just recently went on my first island tour with Amelia Island Historical Tours. Let me tell you, it was amazing! I thought I knew a lot about Amelia Island/Fernandina, but what I discovered is that I knew facts about our island, but I didn’t know the historical details or why things happened as they did. This was what made this tour so impressive. Some of you may know Daniel and if so I’m sure you will agree with me that he is the most personable and knowledgeable tour guide ever! He helped me make the connections of what and why things happened as they did on Amelia Island in relation to what was going on in Florida history, United States history and World history! Not only does he really know his history and can answer any question, but he also made the 90 minute Eight Flags Tour fun! I also hear that he is fabulous on the Historical Home Tour and that the other tour guides are also great. There was never a dull or boring moment with Daniel! He kept us entertained with his unique storytelling expertise and helped bring the history of Amelia Island to life. In addition, the tour van was comfortable and the complimentary adult beverages were a nice bonus! I have been on many different tours in my travels and I can honestly say that this tour, right here in my hometown, was the absolute BEST!!! I just wanted to share this, because I predict many local residents are like me and have never been on this tour. It would be a wonderful tour to take with your family, friends, out of town guests, work groups, or even by yourself. Now I know why the Amelia Island Historic Tours was awarded Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best...

The tour was a historian's dream enhanced with lots of practical local knowledge imparted with enthusiasm by our wonderful guide/driver Daniel. His encyclopedic knowledge of the complex history of Fernandina Beach from its initial settlement by the French in 1562 through to the current ongoing preservation and redevelopment of the community's many historic properties. With due recognition of the role of Native Americans who greeted the early settlors, Daniel explained and put in the context of European and early US History, 4 centuries of struggle to control the gateway to the Florida Peninsula, while contrasting the community with its larger, more promoted, rival, St Augustine to the south. The van was very comfortable and well equipped with ease of entry and unlimited cold bottled water available. On his own initiative Daniel included in his narrative a description of the principal historic structures and brought them to life with detailed stories of their past owners. He provided detailed answers to our questions about the timber processing facilities that dominate the Town's waterfront and support the local economy by product shipments to global markets. He also willingly shared his local knowledge of the many dining spots in the historic district area. We've taken many city tours in the past and this was by far the best experience--you'll leave excited about the area and feeling you received incredible value for the price...