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 experience of the GTM NERR (Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve) 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 6.5% sales tax and 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 month of purchase.
Options to purchase a pass:
- Visit the GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center during normal business hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm). Purchase a pass at the front desk. Debit and credit cards only.
- You can purchase parking passes online HERE.
Honoring our disabled veterans
The GTM Research Reserve offers free parking passes to veterans with 100 percent disability. If you would like to learn more about this program, please call us at (904) 823-4500 or email [email protected].
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 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 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, FL, 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 webite 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
Marineland Beach Walk
Matanzas Inlet Walk
Beach Clean-up
Beach Exploration
