Amelia Island has an incredible breadth of wildlife and knows how to celebrate it. Take a step outside cozy Amelia Island rentals and walk on the wild side this May for the island’s biggest celebration of outdoor life.
The Wild Amelia Nature Festival is a three-day celebration of Amelia Island’s diverse wildlife, unique ecosystems, and natural beauty – and is a must-visit on your spring vacation getaway. This event seeks to educate visitors on why Amelia Island, from its coastline to grassy fields to marshland, is such a vital bioregion of northern Florida.
What is the Wild Amelia Nature Festival?
The event spans three days on the third weekend in May from the 18th to the 20th, 2018. While geared toward families, there are activities for adults as well. The event primarily seeks to inform people of the area’s natural richness and importance.
The festival offers guided tours led by local naturalists and park rangers. Tours take visitors through the mangroves, to the local historic sites, and along the beaches.
EcoTours & Workshops
Guests can sign up for a number of EcoTours that cover a variety of topics, such as dolphin conservation, manatee protection, plant identification, how to attract birds, going green, and what to do if you find a lost sea turtle.
The workshops, whose topics vary from year to year, are led by local professionals. There are also specific trails and paths designated for nature photography.
Guests can also stop in at the Green Business Expo, which features leading business professionals who offer invaluable insight into saving money, marketing green, and conservation.
The Eco-Expo
About 30 conservation exhibitors will be featured at the Wild Amelia Eco-Expo. This main event includes a raptors and reptiles exhibit, the Bat in the Belfry exhibit, a kids’ area, and a silent auction.
The Kids Niche is a family-friendly favorite of Wild Amelia. In partnership with The Jacksonville Zoo, this event brings some of the cuddliest – and scaliest – critters out to the island for the day. Kids can interact and learn about these animals and what everyone can do to protect them.
There are a number of events visitors, young and old, can participate in at the Wild Amelia Nature Festival. While its goal is educational, it’s a lot of fun, too.
Observe the release of a rehabilitated sea turtle at Main Beach on May 19. Kayak the creeks, marshes, and coastline of Amelia Island with daily tours running throughout the weekend.
Relax on a family-friendly sunset cruise on May 18 or the Sunset Ecotour and Shrimping Demonstration on May 19. The cruises are informative and led by a guide. Preregistration for all tours and cruises is required.
For more details about the annual event, visit the current full schedule of events here.
Where is the Event?
The event is at the Atlantic Recreation Center (also known as the Fernandina Beach Recreation Center) located at 2500 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Some workshops and tours will depart from other locations.
The festival takes place from May 18 to 20, 2018. It is an exciting three-day event of family-friendly activities, adventures, learning, and animals – if you’re vacationing on Amelia Island in May, you have to check it out.
Admission fees vary by event. Sunset tours cost about $20 per person. A kayak tour, such as the Cumberland Island Tour, is $25-35 per person. The Bat Trek hiking adventure is $10 a person.
Give us a call at 800-741-4011 for vacation rental availability and information. The Wild Amelia Nature Festival is just one of the many local events you can enjoy during your vacation getaway. Stay in our cozy, family-friendly Amelia Island rentals that feature amenities such as quick beach access, spacious designs, and more.