St Augustine's best 100% FREE online dating site. Meet loads of available single women in St Augustine with Mingle2's St Augustine dating services! Find a girlfriend or lover in St Augustine, or just have fun flirting online with St Augustine single girls. Our Lake County singles are in the 847/224 area code, and might live in these or other zip codes: 60085, 60079, or 60087 personals. There are thousands of active singles on DateHookup.dating looking to chat right now. Free Waukegan chat, latest topics discussed: funny things your cat does lol. ABOUT St Augustine Lowe's 1955 US Highway 1 South. Looking for the best deals on major appliances, tools or patio furniture? You'll always find what your home needs and more at the St Augustine Lowe's. Located in St Augustine, FL, your local Lowe's has everything you need for your next job or home improvement project.
Matanzas River Facts
Matanzas River Location
The Matanzas River is located in northeast Florida. It runs from St. Augustine Inlet near St. Augustine, Florida, to right around Gamble Rodgers State Park, where it becomes the Halifax River.
Matanzas River Basic Description
The Matanzas River isn’t a true river, but is actually a long, narrow lagoon created by the Florida northeast coast and three islands – an large unnamed barrier island, Rattlesnake Island, and Anastasia Island. Because it is not actually a river, some people refer to the Matanzas River as “Matanzas Bay,” however, this can be confusing, as there is another Matanzas Bay in Cuba as well as the lagoon in Florida. The Matanzas River, at about thirty-five miles long, is part of the famous Intracoastal Waterway. The thinnest section of the lagoon is roughly 300 feet wide, while the broadest section is almost a mile wide.Most of the Matanzas River is saltwater, however, it may begin to turn brackish in its very southernmost end. The Matanzas River has two inlets to the ocean – St. Augustine Inlet, located near St. Augustine, Florida, and Matanzas Inlet, just north of the Marineland/Summer Haven area.
Matanzas River Water & Clarity
The Matanzas River is quite murky, though some visibility is available. The water is usually a blue-green-gray mix in color closer to the inlets, and browner towards its southern end. On a good high tide, you may be able to see about three to four feet down.
Matanzas River Tides
Although the tide levels vary, it appears that the Matanzas River usually experiences a roughly five foot tide difference. Also, if you plan to go swimming and/or kayaking in the Matanzas, please be careful, as outgoing tidal currents can be very strong in the main boat channel!
Matanzas River Bottom & Depth
I’m honestly not sure how deep the water is in the main boat channel. I have gone wading in several areas of the Matanzas River, and discovered that the bottom is mostly muddy. Though it may be firm in some places, in others the mud is very deep and soft.
Boat Channels in the Matanzas River
The Matanzas River is part of the Intracoastal Waterway, so of course, it has marked boat channels. There is a deep, marked channel running straight through the middle of the lagoon, from it’s south end where it meets the Halifax River to its north end where it meets Saint Augustine Inlet and the Tolomato River.
Saint Augustine Area Speed Dating Site
Matanzas River Surrounding Landscape
The land surrounding the Matanzas River is a mix of marsh and mangroves. There are relatively few houses and docks on the river. The northern section of the river and the Palm Coast area are the most developed sections of the Matanzas.
Wildlife on the Matanzas River
Bottlenose Dolphins, West Indian Manatees, and a variety of fish and birds are often seen, along with the occasional octopus and sea turtle.
Fun Facts – Matanzas River History Overview
The now well-known town of St. Augustine, which sits on the east side of Saint Augustine Inlet and the northernmost section of the Matanzas River, was founded in September of 1565. A few months later, Matanzas Inlet was named, after the Catholic Spanish Pedro Menéndez de Aviles killed over 200 Protestant Frenchman who refused to convert to Catholicism on the shores of what is now known as “Matanzas Inlet” (“Matanzas” meaning “slaughters”). In 1695, the currently well known Castillo De San Marcos fort was built in St. Augustine, on the northernmost section of the Matanzas River to protect the town of St. Augustine. Later, in 1742, Fort Matanzas was built on the Matanzas River, just east of Matanzas Inlet. It’s purpose was to guard the inlet. In 1938, the world’s very first oceanarium opened in what is today known as the town of Marineland. The park, first called Marine Studios, changed over time, and today, the facility is now known as Marineland Dolphin Adventure – a non-profit dolphin conservation center dedicated to inspiring the public to have a better appreciation for marine life and the ocean.
Matanzas River Information For Visitors
Places to Go Camping on the Matanzas River
There are several places to go camping on the Matanzas River…
Gamble Rogers State Park: This park offers beachside camping, along with a boat ramp on the Matanzas River. The facility is located near where the Matanzas River becomes the Halifax River. For more information on Gamble Rogers State Park, I recommend visiting the Florida State Parks website’s Gamble Rogers State Park page.
River to the Sea Preserve: Located in the town of Marineland, River to the Sea Preserve offers lagoon-side and slightly inland camping. This location is best suited for tent camping, as there is no electricity at the campsites. No boat launch is available, however, you can launch your boat at nearby Bing’s Landing, and drive it up to the waterfront campsite. Form more information on River to the Sea Preserve, I recommend visitingFlaglerCounty.org’s “River to Sea Preserve” page.
Jordan Island: Located near Marineland and Summer Haven, Jordan Island helps to separate the Matanzas River from Pellicer Creek and the marsh that connects to the mainland. First come, first serve camping is allowed free of charge. You must have a boat to reach the island, and the nearest boat launch is Bing’s Landing. This is completely primitive camping, and no electricity or facilities are provided.
Boat Ramps on the Matanzas River
Need to find a boat ramp on the Matanzas River? I recommend visiting my “Florida Waterways Info Map.”On this map, I have marked boat ramps with a brown dot. To find a ramp, scan over the lagoon, until you find a brown dot. Click on the dot for more information (if any is available).
Got Questions?
Do you have questions about visiting the Matanzas River, or about the waterway in general? No problem – just head on over to our contact page!
Whether it be a hybrid bike, road bike, trail bike, electric bike, trike or cruiser. We’re here to find the best bike for you.
Home Delivery Available
Saint Augustine Area Speed Dating
To St. Augustine Beach and Downtown/Uptown St. Augustine when you purchase any bike, surfboard, kayak or SUP purchase. There is a small fee for delivery. There is a small fee to deliver to Vilano & Crescent Beach. For Palencia, World Golf and North Beach Campground, please contact us so we can schedule a delivery for you.
Gravel Bikes
Electric Bikes
Fitness Bikes
Road Bikes
Mountain Bikes
Saint Augustine Area Speed Dating Websites
Kids’ Bikes
Bike Service & Repair
At Island Life Bikes, the repair services we offer are what truly separate us from others. We are open 7 days a week and a fully-trained professional mechanic is available everyday.
Bicycle & Beach Rentals
We rent everything you need for a day at the beach, the park or the great outdoors.