Bartram's Landing of Murphy Island

Discover Wild Florida: William Bartram’s Legacy and Eco-Adventures on Murphy Island, Welaka

Tucked away along the serene banks of the St. Johns River in Welaka, Florida, Murphy Island remains one of the few untouched treasures of wild Florida—a place where the timeless rhythm of nature still prevails. Accessible only by water, this pristine island was once explored by famed naturalist William Bartram, and today, it offers modern-day adventurers a rare chance to paddle into the past with Earth Kinship Ecotours.

A Journey Back in Time with William Bartram

In the late 1700s, William Bartram, America’s first native-born naturalist, botanist, and explorer, ventured through Florida’s lush wilderness. His journals describe an Eden-like world brimming with wildlife and beauty. One of his stops included Murphy Island, where he observed the native flora and fauna with awe and reverence. This site is still evocative of that untouched landscape, offering a living window into Florida’s ecological history.

Earth Kinship Ecotours: Paddle into the Wild

Today, Earth Kinship Ecotours carries forward Bartram’s legacy by guiding visitors through the same waterways and natural habitats he once chronicled. These intimate, low-impact kayak tours are designed for nature lovers who want to experience the island’s magic up close.

Day Trip Guided Tours

Perfect for nature enthusiasts and day-trippers, Earth Kinship offers guided tours around Murphy Island. You'll paddle through cypress-lined sloughs and clear freshwater springs, guided by expert naturalists who share insights about the island’s rich ecology, Bartram’s journey, and the importance of conservation.

Tour Duration: 2.5 - 4 hours
Highlights: Botanical stops, wildlife spotting, historical storytelling

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Overnight Kayak Camping

For those seeking deeper immersion, Earth Kinship also offers overnight kayak camping trips. Set up camp on Murphy Island under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. This experience allows for early morning and dusk paddles—prime time for wildlife sightings and serene solitude.

Camp Amenities: Primitive campsites, fire rings, and leave-no-trace ethics
What’s Included: Kayak, paddle PFD, safety gear, naturalist & guide

Duration: 2 days / 1 night (custom longer trips available)

A Living Sanctuary: Flora and Fauna of Murphy Island

Murphy Island is part of the St. Johns River Water Management District and is protected for its ecological value. The island and its surrounding waters are teeming with freshwater habitats—blackwater creeks, spring-fed pools, and floodplain wetlands.

Wildlife You May Encounter:

Birds: Bald eagles, ospreys, limpkin, wood storks, great blue herons, and migratory warblers
Reptiles: American alligators, softshell turtles, water snakes, and the occasional striped mud turtle
Mammals: River otters, raccoons, wild hogs and white-tailed deer
Fish & Aquatics: Gar, largemouth bass, bluegill, blue crab and shrimp

The area is a birdwatcher’s paradise and a reptile enthusiast’s dream. Each paddle stroke brings the possibility of a new discovery—an osprey diving for fish, a gator sunning on the bank, or an explosion of butterflies in a wildflower bloom.

A Rare Slice of Wild Florida

Murphy Island is one of the last remaining places in Florida accessible only by kayak where the wilderness remains as Bartram saw it—unspoiled and alive. It is a haven not just for wildlife but for anyone yearning for a connection to the land, the water, and a quieter, wilder world.

So pack your paddle, bring your curiosity, and join Earth Kinship Ecotours for a voyage that bridges centuries and ecosystems. Whether you're tracing Bartram’s footsteps or carving your own path through Florida's natural beauty, Murphy Island offers a transformative escape into the heart of wild Florida.

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