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About us

meet the team

At Nature Coast Eco Tours, we pride ourselves on the “Real Florida” experience our customers gain. We are always eager to get you on the best outdoor adventure!

The Team’s knowledge of wildlife and the surrounding ecosystems is resounding. The best outdoor adventures would not be possible without our adventurous, passionate & devoted Team!!!

Capt. Jodi Spaulding

The owner of Nature Coast Eco Tours started the business out of passion in 2017. Jodi is a certified USCG Captain who enjoys exploring Florida's waterways and hidden gems! As a native to Florida, she developed a passion for the region's wildlife and habitats at an early age. She is a Florida Master Naturalist and has been a member of the Florida Native Plant Society since 2012. Nature interpretation is her niche and she loves sharing her knowledge of the diverse ecosystems, plants and wildlife. As a certified Lifeguard with wilderness experience to ensure a fun and safe adventure, she is ready to get your family outdoors!

Capt. Ed Paul

As a native to Florida, Ed grew up spending most of his time outdoors exploring the woods, rivers and waters of the Gulf of Mexico. He has extensive knowledge of Florida's wildlife and keen instincts of the surrounding environment. His fun and adventurous personality makes him a one of kind and great tour guide. He has a passion for teaching and showing off the Real Florida!

JACOBY PEPPERS

Jacoby is one of our newest and youngest Kayak & Inwater Guides! We luckily found him through our summer kids kayak camp!

He had such a great time and expressed how much he would love to have such a cool job! He proved himself by learning in camp, setting a good example and being responsible. Part of our mission is to educate our youth on the importance of being a good steward of the environment as well as taking leadership.

Jacoby is highly motivated and loves interacting with quests! He is now a trained guide as well as a Lifeguard with CPR & first aide certified!!!

 

Jacoby loves being outdoors. Hanging in his hammock, camping, fishing, kayaking and hiking. Born and raised in Alabama. Moved to Florida in 2020 with his Family. He has a passion for animals and loves teaching others about the wildlife here in Florida. His favorite animal is the fox. When Jacoby is not out on the water, he enjoys making wooden rings and leather bracelets.

captain rick

Capt. RICK BURNS

Capt. Rick Burns is a 5th generation Florida Native that offers experienced fishing charters since 1974 with “Conventional and Fly Fishing tackle” for Inshore Fishing.

Come enjoy a day in Florida’s premier area for Snook, Redfish, Spotted Trout, Cobia, Tarpon, Shallow Water Grouper, and more! Homosassa and Crystal River Florida at it’s best and See the Real Florida!!!

Capt. Rick offers Fishing, Scalloping Adventures, Manatee swims & Scenic Back Country Boat Rides throughout the St. Martin’s Marsh Aquatic Preserve and premier areas.

 

One of Rick’s passion’s is fly fishing and he has been actively doing it in Homosassa since 1995. You can call yourself an expert when you can tie your own flies like Rick does. If you want to try!!!”

KIZZY PEPPERS

KIZZY PEPPERS

Kizzy Pepper is an important part of our Team!

She is always ready to answer your phone call to get you set up on a fun adventure with us!!!

She has excellent customer service skills as well as patience. She can answer any questions or concerns you have with a professional and caring outlook!

Born and raised in Alabama. Kizzy grew up camping and boating surrounded by beautiful mountains.

“ I love to travel and explore. The beach, rivers and wildlife of Florida is my happy place so I made it my home in 2020. I am a former Administrative Assistant for a Christian PreSchool Academy. I enjoyed interacting with the children and getting to know their parents. I was also the Social Committee Leader at my Church. I planned and scheduled fun events for everyone to come together and learn more about one another. My favorite time is spent with my Family and friends. I love to get them out on fun adventures in the real Florida when they come to visit. “

meet the fLEET

river life II

river life 2 in dock

TWINVEE CATAMARAN

22’ Twin Vee Catamaran for those hard-to-reach “skinny” backcountry and flats areas that are teaming with Redfish, Snook and Trout. The hull is built for a stable, dry ride on choppy bays, and the wide beam provides plenty of roaming room.

This boat is perfect for our Back Country Bayou, Fishing Charters, Scalloping Adventures and much more!!!

Nature Coast Eco Tours