Santa Fe Paddling Adventures
Visit us at location to rent same day, or reserve online
Guided Tours & Down river paddle trips to enjoy, explore, and recharge yourself …
$50 - $65 single kayaks/ $75 - $85 tandem kayaks or canoes
Personal equipment shuttles are located inside the booking process for $25 - $35 per vessel
Current Downriver Season - Open: Thur. - Mon. Closed: Tues. & Wed.
Open 7 days a week at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park • Guided Tours: Mon-Fri
-
$75 per person
Get ready for an unforgettable Adventure in the heart of North Florida! This 2-hour-Guided Clear Kayak Tour is perfect for wildlife spotting, spring exploration, and paddlers who like a scenic view.
• Your journey begins at the breathtaking, clear, sapphire waters at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, approximately 30 minutes from Gainesville and UF. From there, you’ll paddle along the scenic Santa Fe River, stopping to explore some of Florida’s most breathtaking freshwater springs — including the famous Rum Island, where the water is clear, the story is fanciful, and the untamed island allows for some decent wildlife viewing. Reserve
-
$55 - $75 Our newest and shortest Adventure! Enjoy a downriver paddle that allows you to visit Poe Springs, Lilly Springs, Pickard Springs, Mermaid Springs, Rum Island Springs, and end at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. A magical little paddle with less paddling and more spring enjoyment than any other. Start by coming to Poe Springs Park, then paddle downriver to Gilchrist Blue Springs where you will wait for your return shuttle back to Poe Springs Park Reserve
-
$50 - $75 Our Most Popular Adventure with 8 marquee springs to visit along the way including Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, & Ginnie Springs. (Average 4 hours)
Your adventure starts at Poe Springs Park boat ramp. Check in and we will get you on your way to paddle downriver to Santa Fe River Park. There you will be shuttled back to Poe Springs Park.
*Don't forget to paddle a short stretch upriver first to see Poe Springs, adding an extra Spring to your 8 in 8 Adventure!
• Check in times 9am - 12pm Walk-ups welcome.
• This trip requires waiting for return shuttle at the end. Wait times vary but may be up to 45 minutes. Restrooms and pavillions are on site at Santa Fe River Park ( takeout point )
• All rentals are due back to Santa Fe River Park by 5pm
Reserve Now Check in location-Poe Springs Boat Ramp: 28800 NW 182nd Ave. High Springs
-
$65 - $85 Our 2nd shortest paddle trip. Only 5 miles downriver. Meet at Poe Springs Boat Ramp and begin your Adventure… A downriver paddle, riddled with dazzling springs along the way. Enjoy visiting Rum Island, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and all of the springs found at Ginnie. Finally, end at the Ginnie Springs Boat Ramp and get a shuttle ride back to Poe Springs Park. Magical, practical, and aquatical!! (We know it’s not a word. But shouldn’t it be?)
• All rentals are due at the Ginnie Springs Boat Ramp no later than 4pm.
Check in location-Poe Springs Boat Ramp: 28800 NW 182nd Ave. High Springs
-
$65 - $85 For those who need a little bit longer river therapy session!
This 10 mile Adventure down the Santa Fe River takes you by over a dozen natural springs. Including Poe Springs, Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, and Ginnie Springs to name the marquee ones at least.
•Your Adventure starts at Poe Springs Park, where you will be shuttled to the drop in point at Hwy 27 Bridge, with your rented kayak/canoe. You paddle down the river back to the 47 bridge ( Santa Fe River Park). Here you will be picked up by our shuttle and brought back to Poe Springs.
•Departure Time: 9:45am
• There is a short wait time at the end of your trip, while waiting for return shuttles. But there are restrooms and pavillions to use.
•All Rentals are due back at Santa Fe River park by 5:00pm
-
Read about our Adventure to be more informed, more prepared, & more excited
-
Single Kayak $50- $65 Tandem Kayak/Canoe $75 - $85
Personal equipment shuttle $25 - $35 per vessel
Guided Clear Kayak Tour $75 per person: Available Mon-Fri
Open: Thur. - Mon.
First Adventure begins at 9:00a
Last Adventure begins at 1:30p
Return shuttles begin after 1 pm
Last Return shuttle at 5 pm
The Adventures on this page are downriver trips. All trips begin with check-in at Poe Springs Park
We are ready for Walk-ups or you can reserve here
AOA Santa Fe River Adventures
-
Clear Kayak Tours at Gilchrist Blue
2+ hours of exploration with a friendly and knowledgable guide to lead the way.
Paddle crystal-clear springs & spot wildlife on the only guided clear kayak tour at Gilchrist Blue Springs, just 30 mins from Gainesville.
Perfect for nature lovers!
-
Blue Springs Hopper
Our shortest trip but it is sure to impress.
2.5 Miles down river with at least 5 springs to visit. (Average 2 hours)
Meet us at Poe Springs and begin your down river Adventure. Once you arrive at Gilchrist Blue Springs check-in with staff for the next available shuttle back to Poe.
-
8 Springs in 8 Miles
Our Most Popular Adventure!
8 Miles down river, with well over 8 marquee springs to visit along the way. (Average 5 hours)
Meet us at Poe Springs Park Boat Ramp and to begin your down river Adventure. Once you end at Santa Fe River Park, we will shutte you back to Poe Springs.
