Santa Fe Paddling Trips
Choose Your Perfect
Paddle Adventure
Explore the Santa Fe River your way — from quick spring runs to full-day adventures.
Blue Springs Hopper (1.5 - 2 hours) Short and Sweet
8 Springs in 8 Miles® (4 - 5 hours) Customer Favorite
Ginnie Springs Adventure (3.5 -4 hours) Comes with Ginnie Day Use
8 Springs in 8 Miles®
The Santa Fe River’s Signature Paddle
What This Experience Feels Like
This is not just a paddle — it’s a journey through one of Florida’s most unique freshwater ecosystems.
From the moment you push off, the river begins to reveal itself. Dark tannin water winds beneath towering trees, and then suddenly — the water shifts to brilliant shades of blue as hidden springs emerge along the shoreline.
Each spring feels like its own world. Some are wide and open, glowing with crystal clarity. Others are tucked quietly into the banks, waiting to be discovered.
You’re not just floating a river — you’re discovering it.
What You’ll See Along the Way
This trip is designed to give you the most spring exposure possible in a single paddle.
Depending on conditions, you may encounter more than the Magical Eight (listed below) and the bonus spring (Poe). Just keep your eyes peeled for the extra ones that can be well hidden.
• Poe Springs
• Lily Springs
• Mermaid Springs
• Rum Island Spring
• Gilchrist Blue Spring area
• Devil’s Eye Springs
• Ginnie Springs
• July Springs
• Dogwood Spring
Each stop offers a chance to:
✔ Swim in crystal-clear water
✔ Take photos
✔ Explore at your own pace
✔ Just float and take it all in
Adventure Breakdown
• Duration: 4–5 hours (varies with pace)
• Distance: ~8 miles
• Launch: Shuttle to upriver starting point
• Finish: Paddle back to Poe Springs
You control the pace — some guests move quickly, others spend time swimming and exploring.
Is This Trip Right for You?
This is our most recommended experience for a reason.
✔ First-time paddlers
✔ Couples and families
✔ Groups
✔ Anyone wanting the “full Springs experience”
No prior kayaking experience is required.
If you can paddle casually and enjoy being on the water, you can do this trip.
How the Shuttle Works
We’ve simplified the hardest part for you.
Check in at Poe Springs
Launch at the boat ramp inside the park
You paddle downstream
You finish right before the bridge and we shuttle you back to Poe
No vehicle coordination. No stress.
What to Bring
Bring whatever you like but to get the most out of your trip:
• Water (very important)
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof phone case
• Snacks or lunch
• Towel / change of clothes
Optional:
• Snorkel gear for spring exploring
• Small dry bag
Things to Know
• River conditions vary slightly with weather
• Wildlife is natural and unpredictable (you may see fish, turtles, birds, occasionally otters and manatee, and yes - other reptiles )
• Springs are protected - please respect the environment. Leave no trash in the water or on shore. Be a friend find a bin.
What Guests Love Most
“Seeing so many springs in one trip was incredible.”
“The water clarity is unreal.”
“Best kayaking experience we’ve had in Florida.”
Why This Trip Stands Out
There are many places to kayak in Florida.
Rare to find even one of these, but to find them all in one?!
Easy booking process + Easy check-in + Over 8 springs in a single day + Easy downstream paddle + No guide to hurry you + Comfortable shuttle return + Friendly and knowledgable staff
That’s what makes 8 Springs in 8 Miles® special.
Ready to Experience It?
Blue Springs Hopper
The Short but Sweet Paddle
What This Experience Feels Like
Four iconic springs. One beautiful stretch of river.
The Blue Springs Hopper is an easygoing paddle from Poe Springs Park to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, bringing together three of the Santa Fe River’s most memorable destinations in one Adventure.
Launch at Poe Springs Park and let the current guide you downstream. Along the way, shaded riverbanks, clear spring water, and glimpses of wildlife create a journey that feels peaceful, refreshing, and distinctly Florida.
There’s no need to rush. Stop, explore, swim, or simply enjoy the ride.
This isn’t just a paddle between two parks—it’s a spring-hopping Adventure.
What You’ll See Along the Way
This route showcases a beautiful section of the Santa Fe River and the natural places that make it special.
You may encounter:
• Clear, spring-fed water flowing into the river
• Shaded riverbanks and scenic bends
• Birds, turtles, fish, and other native wildlife
• Inviting places to pause, float, and cool off
• Four iconic springs of the Santa Fe River. (Lily, Mermaid, Rum Island, and Gilchrist Blue)
• More than five harder to find springs (Spring Seeker App recommended)
• Three Santa Fe River parks (Poe Springs Park, Rum Island Park, and R.B.K. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park)
Every paddle is a little different, and that’s part of the Adventure.
Trip Breakdown
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours
• Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles
• Launch: Poe Springs Park
• Finish: Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
• Return: Shuttle from Gilchrist Blue Springs back to Poe Springs
This adventure can be enjoyed at a comfortable pace, with time to take in the scenery along the way.
Is This Trip Right for You?
The Blue Springs Hopper is a great choice for paddlers who want more than a quick outing without committing to a full day on the river.
✔ Couples, families, and groups
✔ Beginner and recreational paddlers
✔ Guests who want time to swim and explore
✔ Visitors looking to experience a few springs in one Adventure
✔ Anyone who enjoys a relaxed, scenic river Adventure
You should be comfortable paddling for the full distance and getting in and out of your chosen paddle craft.
How the Shuttle Works
We take care of the return trip so you can enjoy a one-way paddle with the current.
Check in and launch at Poe Springs Park
Paddle downstream at your own pace
Finish at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Check in again at the Gilchrist Blue Springs Smokehouse & Mercantile
Shuttle back to Poe Springs Park
Please arrive at the designated pickup location on time so we can keep every guest’s Adventure running smoothly.
What to Bring
Preparation makes this Adventure much more enjoyable:
• Plenty of water (very important)
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof phone case
• Towel and dry clothes
Optional:
• Dry bag
• Hat and sunglasses
• Extra layers depending on weather
To increase chances of finding springs and an interactive map designated for this Adventure:
• Spring Seeker App
Please pack out everything you bring and help us keep the Santa Fe River beautiful.
Things to Know
• This is a one-way, downstream paddle
• Guests finish at Gilchrist Blue Springs and shuttle back to Poe Springs
• Paddling time varies based on pace, stops, river conditions, and weather
• Wildlife sightings are natural and unpredictable
• Park conditions, capacity, and access may affect the experience
• All paddlers should be comfortable managing their chosen paddle craft
What Guests Love Most
The chance to experience four iconic springs in one Adventure.
“The spring run was so clear!”
A relaxing paddle with the river’s current.
“Looking forward to what the Smokehouse will have to offer.”
Time to swim, explore, and enjoy the scenery.
“Ending at Gilchrist Blue and having time to enjoy it, was my favorite part.”
The convenience of a return shuttle waiting at the finish.
Why Choose Bridge to Bridge
Because one spring is never enough.
Three beautiful parks.
One scenic stretch of the Santa Fe River.
A relaxed downstream paddle.
And a shuttle ride back when the Adventure is done.
The Blue Springs Hopper is more than a route—it’s one of the best ways to experience the springs, scenery, and natural rhythm of the Santa Fe River.
Ready for the Full Adventure?
Ginnie Springs PaddleAdventure
An exciting paddle downriver, ending at the most famous park on the river
What This Experience Feels Like
This is where a peaceful river paddle becomes a true spring-country Adventure.
The Ginnie Springs Paddle begins at Poe Springs Park and follows the Santa Fe River downstream through one of its most spring-filled stretches. Dark, tannin-colored river water gives way to flashes of brilliant blue as one spring after another reveals itself along the journey.
Take your time exploring, swimming, and soaking in the scenery before finishing inside Ginnie Springs, where diving into the clear water with time to enjoy the park make for an unforgettable ending.
This isn’t simply a paddle to Ginnie Springs, it’s an Adventure through the heart of Florida’s spring country.
What You’ll See Along the Way
This route brings together several of the Santa Fe River’s most memorable springs and scenic areas.
Along the way, you may encounter:
• Poe Springs
• Mermaid Springs
• Rum Island Spring
• Gilchrist Blue Springs
• Devil’s Eye and Devil’s Ear
• Ginnie Springs
• Clear spring runs meeting the darker waters of the Santa Fe River
• Native wildlife, including turtles, fish, birds, and possibly otters or even manatees
Each spring has its own personality, giving you plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.
Trip Breakdown
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Distance: Approximately 5 miles
• Launch: Poe Springs Park
• Finish: Ginnie Springs
• Return: Shuttle from Ginnie Springs back to Poe Springs Park
• Season: October through February
Your paddling time will depend on your pace and how long you spend swimming, exploring, and enjoying the springs.
Is This Trip Right for You?
The Ginnie Springs Paddle is ideal for guests who want a spring-filled adventure with time to enjoy the destination.
✔ Couples, families, and groups
✔ Recreational and experienced paddlers
✔ Guests who enjoy swimming and spring exploration
✔ Visitors who want to experience multiple springs in one trip
✔ Anyone looking for a memorable seasonal Adventure
You should be comfortable paddling for the full distance and getting in and out of your chosen paddle craft.
How the Shuttle Works
We handle the return trip so you can relax and follow the river downstream.
Check in at Poe Springs Park
Launch from the Poe Springs boat ramp
Paddle downstream at your own pace
Finish at Ginnie Springs
Spend time enjoying the park
Call our office to set up the next shuttle
Meet at the Ginnie Springs Boat Ramp for your return shuttle to Poe Springs Park
No need to coordinate multiple vehicles. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
What to Bring
A little preparation makes the experience even better:
• Plenty of drinking water
• Sunscreen
• Waterproof phone case
• Towel and dry clothes
Optional:
• Dry bag
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water shoes
• Snorkel gear
• Extra layers for cooler seasonal weather
Enhance your Adventure::
• Sprig Seeker App
Please pack out everything you bring and help us protect the Santa Fe River and its springs.
Things to Know
• This is a seasonal Adventure offered from October through February
• This Adventure is an unguided, downstream paddle
• Paddling time varies with pace, stops, weather, and river conditions
• Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed
• Portions of the route pass private property and protected natural areas
• Follow all posted park rules and respect spring boundaries
• All paddlers should be comfortable managing their chosen paddle craft
What Guests Love Most
The dramatic contrast between the river and the crystal-clear springs.
The chance to experience several signature springs in one Adventure.
The freedom to paddle, swim, and explore at their own pace.
Finishing the journey with time to enjoy Ginnie Springs.
Why Choose the Ginnie Springs Paddle
Because the destination is only part of the experience.
Multiple springs.
Miles of beautiful river.
Time to swim and explore.
A finish inside one of Florida’s best-known spring parks.
And a comfortable shuttle ride back when the Adventure is done.
The Ginnie Springs Paddle brings together the best of the Santa Fe River in one unforgettable seasonal adventure.
Ready for the Full Adventure?
