Discover the Coastal Treasure of GTM NERR
Discover the Coastal Treasure of GTMNERR
Experience nature at GTMNERR (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve) with a visit full of activities. Begin at the Exhibit Hall with interactive displays that introduce the area’s natural wonders.
Explore aquaria featuring local marine life, including snakes (don’t worry, they’re non-venomous).
Join our public outreach programs to learn about coastal ecosystems and conservation. For adventure seekers, enjoy scenic trails or kayak through beautiful waterways.
Whether you’re drawn to reptiles, exhibits, or outdoor fun, the GTMNERR promises a memorable experience for all. Discover this coastal treasure today!
Experience nature at GTMNERR (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve) with a visit full of activities. Begin at the Exhibit Hall with interactive displays that introduce the area’s natural wonders.
Explore aquaria featuring local marine life, including snakes (don’t worry, they’re non-venomous).
Join our public outreach programs to learn about coastal ecosystems and conservation. For adventure seekers, enjoy scenic trails or kayak through beautiful waterways.
Whether you’re drawn to reptiles, exhibits, or outdoor fun, the GTMNERR promises a memorable experience for all. Discover this coastal treasure today!
Explore and Enjoy!
Explore and Enjoy!
1. Events
Start your GTMNERR experience with a visit full of activities at the Guana Preserve. Each year, over 300,000 visitors explore the reserve’s unique ecosystems at Guana. Begin at the Exhibit Hall with interactive displays that introduce the area’s natural wonders. Explore aquaria and terraria featuring local critters of the estuary, ocean, and forest! For adventure seekers, enjoy scenic trails or kayak through Guana’s waterways. Discover this coastal treasure today!
2. Public Use
Whether you’re coming to explore, spend time with family, build on a hobby, experience new adventures, or recharge, the GTM Research Reserve is the ideal location.
Under special circumstances, areas of the reserve can be used for special uses.
These uses require a permit. To begin the process, please take note of the following:
- Use the links below to submit your permit request. Please provide as much information as possible.
- Once your permit has been reviewed and tentatively approved, we will email an invoice using the information submitted on the form.
- Once the invoice has been paid, we will approve your permit and email it back to you, informing you that the request has been accepted.
- Please keep all emails until your event is completed.
Beach Permit Request
This permit applies to any formal gathering on GTM’s managed beaches, such as weddings, memorials, or other services. Click HERE to apply for a permit.
Special Use Permit Request
If you want a special use permit for the GTM Trailhead Pavilion or the Guana River Picnic Area, click HERE to apply for a permit. For any other activities on property directly managed by the GTM Research Reserve, please email Patrician Price at [email protected] for more information.
Commercial Videography/ Photography Permit Request
This permit is for commercial videography and photography occurring within property directly managed by the GTM Research Reserve. Examples of commercial videography and photography include but are not limited to commercial filming or marketing photography. Click HERE to apply for a permit.
3. Annual Parking Passes
Proceeds from parking passes help support the research, education, and stewardship of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. When you purchase a parking pass, funds go toward local programs that help protect and preserve this place we love so much.
Annual Parking Passes are available for $50 plus tax and fees. Passes can be used for parking in the following areas:
- Visitor Center
- Guana Dam and Fishing Area
- Guana Trails
- GTM Beach Access Lots – North, Middle, and South
Parking passes are good for one year from the date of purchase.
To purchase a pass:
Whether you’re visiting for a hike, a beach day, or one of our many programs, paying for parking is now easier than ever.
Simply park, then scan the QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number (P5913, P5912, P5911, P5910) to 504504 and follow the directions.
For frequent visitors, annual passes are a breeze to purchase. Just visit premiumparking.com or text 504504 with the message P5913 to get started. Enjoy more time in nature with less hassle!
Honoring our disabled veterans
All veterans receive a 10% discount on parking passes with ID or DD214. Any veteran with a service-related injury (with medical documentation) will receive a free parking pass.
Thank you!
4. Guana Outpost South
Kayak concession at the GTM
The Friends of GTM Research Reserve is partnered with Guana Outpost South to provide kayak rentals, stand up paddleboard rentals, and retail items at the Guana Dam.
Business Hours
Guana Outpost South is open every day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and in cases of extreme weather conditions. Call ahead to confirm. It is recommended that you make a reservation for kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals.
Rental Rates
Click HERE to access the most up-to-date rental rates.
About Guana Outpost South
Founded in the spring of 2014 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, North Guana Outpost (NGO) is a locally owned and operated outfitter store and rental operation. With two locations on the Guana Preserve, NGO is the perfect outdoor adventure destination. North Guana Outpost services include kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals and sales, guided eco tours, SUP Yoga, fishing charters by kayak and paddleboard, and full moon paddles. Guana Outpost South located at the GTM Research Reserve offers rentals as well as bait, tackle, and gear to make the best of your adventure during your time at Guana.
- Visit our website at www.NorthGuanaOutpost.com
- Call: (904) 373-0306
- Email: [email protected]
Visit Us
Visit Us
Directions
- From US Hwy 1 (Ponce De Leon Blvd)
- Turn onto W San Carlos Ave. (at the Public Library)
- Left at San Marco
- Merge into the Right lane onto N May Ave/A1A N
- Continue over the Vilano Bridge
- Turn left onto A1A North, continue for 7.5 miles
- Turn left onto Guana River Road (just north of Exxon Gas Station)
- Take FL 202/Butler Blvd. East
- Take the A1A S Exit toward Ponte Vedra/St. Augustine
- Continue on A1A South for 16.8 Miles (note- you will pass the 3 beach access points along this stretch of A1A)
- Turn right onto Guana River Road (if you reach the Exxon gas station, you have gone too far)
Directions
- From US Hwy 1 (Ponce De Leon Blvd)
- Turn onto W San Carlos Ave. (at the Public Library)
- Left at San Marco
- Merge into the Right lane onto N May Ave/A1A N
- Continue over the Vilano Bridge
- Turn left onto A1A North, continue for 7.5 miles
- Turn left onto Guana River Road (just north of Exxon Gas Station)
- Take FL 202/Butler Blvd. East
- Take the A1A S Exit toward Ponte Vedra/St. Augustine
- Continue on A1A South for 16.8 Miles (note- you will pass the 3 beach access points along this stretch of A1A)
- Turn right onto Guana River Road (if you reach the Exxon gas station, you have gone too far)
The Visitor Center
- 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
- Phone: (904) 380-8600
- 9am – 4pm Tuesday — Saturday
- Closed on Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
- Annual passes available for $50 + tax
Guana Dam
- 4am – 9pm 7 days a week
- $3.00 cash per vehicle up to 8 people + Tax
- $1.00 cash per pedestrian, bicyclist, and extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8 + Tax
Guana Trails and Guana Beach Lots
- 8am – Sunset 7 days a week
- $3.00 cash per vehicle up to 8 people + Tax
- $1.00 cash per pedestrian, bicyclist, and extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8
The Visitor Center
- 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
- Phone: (904) 380-8600
- 9am – 4pm Tuesday — Saturday
- Closed on Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
- Annual passes available for $50 + tax
Guana Dam
- 4am – 9pm 7 days a week
- $3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people + Tax
- $1.00 per pedestrian, bicyclist, and extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8 +Tax
Guana Trails and Guana Beach Lots
- 8am – Sunset 7 days a week
- $3.00 per vehicle up to 8 people + Tax
- $1.00 per pedestrian, bicyclist, and extra passengers in vehicle beyond 8
Our Recurring Events:
River to Sea Preserve Walk
Join us for this seasonal guided trail walk at the River-to-Sea Preserve. Step into the ancient Florida coastal woodlands along the preserve trail and learn how Native Americans once thrived there on natural resources. Your guide will point out indigenous plants along the trail that lead to the Matanzas River. Meet your trail guide at the GTM Marineland Office, at 9741 Ocean Shore Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080. Look for a “Research Reserve” event sign for the correct place to turn. Designated parking is in the lot located in front of the office building.
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Beach Exploration
Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a guided beach exploration on the GTM beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, plus discover seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you learn about the different habitats on the reserve’s beautiful seashore. Afterward, the group heads to the beach for a salty adventure!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Join us on the third Saturday of every month for a guided beach exploration on the GTM beach. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, plus discover seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience the entire family will enjoy. The hike begins at the Visitor Center where you learn about the different habitats on the reserve’s beautiful seashore. Afterward, the group heads to the beach for a salty adventure!
Matanzas Inlet Walk
Join GTM Research Reserve, on this seasonal guided interpretive walk around the Matanzas Inlet. Your guide will explain the inlet dynamics and movement of the sand. Hikers will explore the incredibly rich and diverse communities of plants and animals throughout the ecosystem and witness how hurricanes have affected the inlet. Participants will meet at the Matanzas Inlet west parking lot at 9:15 a.m. The hike begins promptly at 9:30 (click here for map). The event is free, but online registration is required. Check gtmnerr.org/events or call 904-380-8600 for up-to-date scheduled hikes and registration details.
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Beach Clean-up
On every fourth Saturday of the month, GTM’s Stewardship Beach Clean-Up takes place from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please report to the front desk at the Visitor Center located in Ponte Vedra Beach at 9:30 a.m. to pick up supplies. You can choose which beach location you wish to clean up and work as long as you want. There is no sign up required for this event, just show up.
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Beach Exploration
On the third Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m., join GTM Research Reserve volunteers for a beach walk. Learn about the animals that call the beach their home, seashells and other interesting facts. This is a “Beaches 101” experience that the entire family will enjoy. The hike will begin at the Visitor Center for a presentation, visitors will then walk across the street to the beach.
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Family Seining
The GTM Research Reserve will host a Family Seining on the second Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. Join GTM Research Reserve volunteers and/or staff for a guided family seining activity. Visitors will get the chance to pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting a variety of species (including fish, crabs, and shrimp), learning about the animals and their habitat interactions during the activity. All necessary gear, including waders and boots, will be provided.
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