Everything You Need to Know About Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding with Your Dog on the Santa Fe River.
The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Paddling Guide to Florida's Springs
Explore the Santa Fe River your way — from quick spring runs to full-day Adventures with your pet
AOA is currently offering 2 paddle trips that are pet friendly
Finding true outdoor adventures that welcome your four-legged family members can be a challenge in Florida. Many state parks and commercial springs have strict "no pets allowed" rules when it comes to getting on the water. Fortunately, the scenic Santa Fe River remains one of the premier destinations for pet-friendly kayak rentals in Florida.
At Anderson's Outdoor Adventures, we believe that dogs are part of the family, which is why we proudly offer pet-friendly watercraft rentals and shuttle services. Here is our official local guide to successfully kayaking with dogs in Florida's springs country, covering rules, safety, and the best routes for you and your pup.
Blue Springs Hopper (1.5 - 2 hours) Short and Sweet
8 Springs in 8 Miles® (4 - 5 hours) Customer Favorite
Rules & Accessibility: Where Can My Dog Go?
Navigating park boundaries with a pet can be confusing. When you book a trip with us, here is exactly how the land lies for your dog:
• Poe Springs Park (Our Main Launch Hub): Pets are welcome on a leash in the designated park areas and can comfortably load directly into your rental craft at our kayak launch. Note: To protect the delicate aquatic ecosystem, pets are not permitted inside the literal swimming limestone spring boil itself.
• The Santa Fe River: The river corridor itself is completely public and 100% dog-friendly. Your pet can swim, splash, and ride along with you down the entire river run.
• Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: If you take a downriver trip, you will be passing by this park, your dog can enjoy the views from the watercraft, or get out and walk with you on a leash. But you must immediately vacate the docking and swimming areas. Park trails and public access areas require leashes at all times, but is still pet friendly.
• Ginnie Springs Park: If you take a downriver trip you may be passing by this park. Your dog can enjoy the view from your paddle craft but it is strictly prohibited from getting off of the vessel at this park. Instead, paddle straight across the river. There are two springs that are not restrictive to pets at all. At these two locations, your dog can splash and swim as much as he/she desires.
• July and Sawdust Springs: Both of these springs are across the river from Ginnie Springs Park. They are not monitored in any way, and many dogs get to swim in them.
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