Shields Marina

Shields Marina is a well-maintained public boat ramp providing access to the St. Marks River in the charming town of Saint Marks, about 25 miles south of Tallahassee. Located at 95 Riverside Drive, this full-service marina offers a reliable launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. The ramp operates well at all tide levels, making it convenient for paddlers planning trips on the river or exploring the nearby Gulf of Mexico. A launch fee applies, and parking can be limited during busy periods, so arriving early is recommended.

The facility includes excellent amenities such as a marina store and helpful staff, with nearby restaurants and services in downtown Saint Marks. This is an ideal starting point for exploring the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a 17,350-acre protected area managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing. For more information about current conditions, services, or fees, contact Shields Marina directly at (850) 925-6158 or call the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge at (850) 925-6121.

The St. Marks Wilderness now contains a total of 17,350 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service's St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Florida. In 1975 the St. Marks Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System.
The U.S. Congress designated part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as the...

The St. Marks Wilderness now contains a total of 17,350 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service's St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Florida. In 1975 the St. Marks Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System.
The U.S. Congress designated part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as the St. Marks Wilderness in 1975. The refuge is located along the Gulf coast of the Panhandle of Florida, 25 miles south of Tallahassee, the state capitol.
The diverse habitat and abundant wildlife populations make St. Marks NWR one of the most outstanding units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Visitors view wildlife across primitive saltmarshes, and in hardwood swamps, freshwater pools and lakes, fragrant pine flatwoods and pine-oak uplands. The refuge also protects 32,000 acres of Apalachee Bay that runs along the 40-some mile long coast, where visitors will see pelicans, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles. The bay is also a popular saltwater fishing destination.

Whether you are interested in birds, frogs, mammals, snakes, alligators, wildflowers, butterflies or just walking quietly in the woods, St. Marks NWR provides a generous variety of activities for visitors. Besides saltwater fishing, the refuge also boast year 'round freshwater fishing, hiking, birdwatching, seasonal hunting, and educational programs. Nesting birds include the Southern bald eagle, the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood ducks, ospreys and many song and shorebirds. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bear, river otter, bobcat, and foxes may be seen in their native habitats. In October, thousands of migrating monarch butterflies pause at St. Marks NWR to feed on their way to Mexico.

Forty-one miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverse St. Marks NWR from west to east, including through the eastern portion of the St. Marks Wilderness. Through hikers do qualify for camping permits. Otherwise, all visitor use is daylight use only. Entrance fees apply to the Lighthouse Rd. area of the refuge. The refuge visitor center is open every day except federal holidays and offers visitors many free publications,exhibits, a bookstore, and friendly information about the refuge.

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