Tamenend Dolphins

There’s a NEW DOLPHIN species in the St Augustine waterways and they are making a BIG SPLASH!

Join Get Up and Go Kayaking – St Augustine on a clear kayaking tour and meet the Tamenend Dolphin!

There’s always something magical about paddling through the Matanzas waterway, near historic St. Augustine, and Salt Run Estuary, near Anastasia Park, in a clear kayak—but recently, we’ve spotted a new kind of magic swimming alongside us. Say hello to the Tamenend dolphin (Tursiops erebennus), a newly recognized dolphin species that’s making a splash right here in the waters of St. Augustine!

We were seeing many dolphins on our tours that appeared to be smaller than the traditional bottlenose dolphins. We initially thought that they may have been baby bottlenose. Now we discovered that they are a new species of dolphins… the Tamenend!

Who Are the Tamenend Dolphins?

Officially named in 2021, the Tamenend dolphin is a coastal species found along the southeastern United States, including the Atlantic waters of Florida. Named after Chief Tamanend, a peaceful and respected Lenape leader, this dolphin honors both nature and Native American heritage.

Though long grouped with the bottlenose dolphin, research revealed enough genetic, behavioral, and physical differences to recognize the Tamenend dolphin as its own unique species. They’re typically smaller, with subtle differences in head shape and social behavior—traits our guides are now trained to help guests spot on tour.

Why Are They in Salt Run and Matanzas?

Our tours often cruise through the vibrant Salt Run Estuary and the scenic Matanzas waterways—areas rich in sea life and ideal for dolphin sightings. Lately, we’ve noticed more of these Tamenend dolphins swimming solo, in pairs, or even in small social pods. Their presence here may suggest an expanding range, a healthy local ecosystem, or maybe they just love our clear kayaks as much as we do!

Because these dolphins favor shallower coastal zones, our clear kayaks provide the perfect front-row seat.

Sometimes we hear them as they surface for air before we actually see them… It’s so exciting!

Yak Fax – How Can You Tell Them Apart?

While they share the iconic smile of their bottlenose cousins, Tamenend dolphins stand out with:

• Smaller size and more slender build

• Slightly different head and snout shape

• Unique behaviors—some of which we’ve caught on camera!

Join a Tour and See for Yourself

We offer four different tours every day, giving you multiple chances to catch a glimpse of these amazing dolphins:

• Sunrise Tour – Greet the day as wildlife wakes up around you. Perfect for peaceful moments and early risers.

• Dolphins and Wildlife Tour – A guest favorite! Designed to explore dolphin hotspots and see other sea life.

• Evening Ecotour – The golden hour is prime time for birdwatching, dolphin spotting, and stunning reflections.

• Sunset and Glow Tour – Our kayaks light up after dark for a magical experience that’s both relaxing and unforgettable.

Every tour is in a 100% clear kayak, offering the most immersive view of the natural world beneath and around you.

Yak Fax: Fun Facts About Tamenend Dolphins

• The Tamenend dolphin was officially recognized as a distinct species in 2021.

• They’re named after Chief Tamanend, a Lenape leader known for peace and diplomacy.

• Unlike deep-diving oceanic dolphins, Tamenends prefer shallow, coastal waters—making them more visible to paddlers.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience in St. Augustine, join us on the water and meet the Tamenend dolphin for yourself.

Book your clear kayak tour today—and don’t forget to follow us on social media to see the dolphins in action!

Get Up and Go Kayaking – St. Augustine
Let’s go!