St. Augustine and clay county's best-priced charters and excursions

From fishing charters to sandbar excursions, explore the waterways of St. Augustine and Clay County in an unforgettable experience.

Southern Cove

Charters & Excursions

Welcome to

Southern Cove Charters & Excursions

Hello there - I am Captain Harold Burke. To introduce myself, I was born and raised in Green Cove Springs and have a beautiful wife and four kids. We live close to the Lake Asbury area. My son recently got married and moved to Indianapolis and my oldest daughter attends FSU. We have two daughters still home who attend Clay High School. I used to be a teacher and then opened an antique shop in Fleming Island called Junque in the Trunk. One of our vendors bought the store from us after five years. I have always dreamed of being a boat captain, and I am so happy to say I operate your local Clay County charter fishing and excursion company.

Captain Harold Burke holding a fish on the water

I have been fishing the area waters around Green Cove Springs, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas since I was a young boy with my granddad, dad, and uncle. My experience and time on the water help me know where to find the fish. I specialize in inshore charters in the St. Johns River and surrounding waterways, as well as backcountry marsh fishing trips in St. Augustine for a wide range of species of fish depending on the time of year. We also offer sunset cruises, excursions to sandbars complete with rafts, boat rides to dinner at local restaurants, and historical cruises in Green Cove Springs with an option to have lunch on Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs at the conclusion. My wife, Dr. Kristen, is a local chiropractor and also a Clay County commissioner. When she has any spare time, she loves to come on trips too, especially the sunset cruises and historical boat rides! Occasionally our two daughters, Kenzie and Khloe, who are still in high school come along for the ride also.

My goal is to make sure you and your family have the best trip possible, making memories to last a lifetime, whether you want to go on a charter fishing trip or just want to have a day out on the river or Black Creek with some lunch or dinner. Or, maybe those memories are a proposal at sunset! Whatever it is you would like, we would love to cater to your needs to make it an unforgettable experience. Our trips are always private and can accommodate up to four people for fishing trips on our 24' bay boat. If you would like a marsh backcountry or creeks fishing trip, I can accommodate two people, and for all other boat rides to the sandbars, sunset cruises, or restaurants, I can take up to six people.

My boats will always be clean and comfortable for your trip, whether it's a family trip, a business trip or just fishing/riding with friends. Explore this site to get more great information for booking your trip: what types of trips we offer, how long they are, what you should bring, and frequently asked questions. Send me an email if you have any questions.

I look forward to showing you the beautiful waterways Clay County has to offer you and your friends or family.

Welcome Aboard

FAQs

How many people can we bring?

Most charters are for up to six passengers total, including children. The exception is our Marsh Backcountry Tour, which can accommodate two people.
Where do we meet or check in?

We will meet at the Knight's Boat Ramp and Marina facility located at 1470 River Lane (off Highway 17) Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Please arrive 15 minutes early. We depart on time! If you miss the boat you will be considered a NO SHOW & CHARGED FULL PRICE!
Where do I park? Is parking free?

You can park in the marina for free.
What should I bring?

Included on every trip: -fishing license -bait and tackle -cooler with ice for food and drinks (for additional charge we can provide boxed lunches) -fish cleaning and storage bags for your catch for additional charge -rafts for floating on our Sandbar Excursions You are welcome to bring a bottle of wine on our Private Sunset Cruise. Warm and hotter months: We suggest you bring sunscreen, hat, and polarized sunglasses. Cooler months: We suggest you bring a jacket, sweater, or wrap. Also good to have: Camera Binoculars
Are children and babies allowed?

Of course! Please keep in mind that the Coast Guard regulates the number of passengers we have on board, so that means everyone counts as a passenger, regardless of age. An adult is required for passengers under 16.
What if the weather isn't great?

Safety is our top priority, and the captain will make a decision about how the weather could affect that, usually about two hours prior to departure. Please keep in mind, our Florida weather isn't always easy to predict, and the captain might have to make a decision down to the wire. We will contact our guests by the phone number listed on the reservation if we have to cancel. We will do our best to work around the weather, but if a reservation is cancelled, we will try to reschedule, issue a full credit or full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?

If you have to cancel your tour or excursion, customers will receive a full refund, full credit or a re-booking if you provide 48 hours notice before departure. Customers will also receive a full refund, full credit or re-booking if we have to cancel due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please call us as soon as possible to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. NO SHOWS WILL BE CHARGED FULL PRICE. We will not provide a refund without proper notice.
How many passengers are allowed on the boat?

The Coast Guard regulates the number of passengers allowed on board, and that number is six people, regardless of age.
Are reservations required?

Yes reservations are required. Online reservations can be made up to 2 hours before departure.
How long are the tours and excursions?

The tours and excursions vary by activity. Check out our packages for the full details.
Can we swim off of the boat?

Yes, during our Sandbar Excursion! We'll provide floats so you can enjoy the river like the locals.
Is the boat handicapped or easily accessible?

Our boat is not handicapped accessible, but we'll do our best to accommodate all of our guests and their needs. Getting onto the boat requires stepping up and down, but we'll be happy to work with you to find a safe solution so all of our guests can enjoy the trip. Please contact us for any specific needs.
Is there a restroom on board?

There are restrooms located at the Knights Marina for your use before and after our trip. We do not have a restroom on board.
Can I smoke or vape on board?

No, we do not allow that.
Can we bring alcohol on our tour or excursion?

Guests who are 21 and older are welcome to bring alcohol to be enjoyed in moderation. Please keep in mind that safety is key and it is up to the captain's discretion to end the charter if guests become unruly or unsafe. There will be no refund if that occurs. We want our guests to enjoy themselves, but we want them to do it safely.
Are pets allowed?

We always welcome working service animals on our tours and excursions. Please let us know if you'd like to bring well-behaved pets on your tour or excursion. That approval will be noted written in the reservation.