Gilchrist Blue Kayak Tour: Explore Florida Springs
4.9
66 Ratings
Fort White
Embark on a guided crystal-clear kayak tour along the Historic Santa Fe River in Florida. Explore the largest congregation of Fresh Water Springs in the world and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Dive into the refreshing clear blue spring waters for an unforgettable experience!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Blue Springs Park - Paddle with us along the Historic Santa Fe River, which boasts the largest congregation of Fresh Water Springs in the world! In this 2 hour tour, we’ll meet and launch from Rum Island County Park where we’ll be able to explore over 5 freshwater springs including one of Florida’s hidden treasures Ruth B. Kirby’s Gilchrist Blue Springs. The paddle itself starts with a short beginner to intermediate level paddle against the current to several locally known springs including: Danielle’s, Johnathen, and several unnamed springs. We’ll have plenty of picture opportunities and a chance to really experience “Old Florida”, where there is an abundance of wildlife and scenic natural landscaping along the way. You’ll then enjoy a relaxing float down the river into the Spring run of Gilchrist Blue. Here you’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, or just enjoy more of the natural beauty of the Gilchrist Spring group. The tour will then return to Rum Island County Park via a short float/paddle.
What's Included
  • 100% Clear Kayak
  • Paddles
  • Life Jacket
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Safety Whistle
  • Dry Bag for Personal Belongings
  • Comfortable Seat Cushion
What's Not Included
  • Parking fee for the County park $5
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a transparent kayak adventure with us and discover a unique perspective of Florida’s aquatic channels. We invite you to paddle alongside us down the historic Santa Fe River, famed for being home to the world’s greatest gathering of freshwater springs. The journey presents abundant exploration possibilities and photo-worthy scenes. It’s a golden opportunity to truly discover the essence of ‘Old Florida’, with its rich biodiversity and picture-perfect scenery along the route. Our expert guides will provide intriguing insights into the history and ecosystems as we traverse the Gilchrist Blue Spring run. We strongly advocate that you take a plunge or go snorkeling in the invigorating, crystal-clear waters of the spring! Be ready to catch sight of the native fauna such as whitetail deer, river otters, turtles, birds, fish, and potentially even an alligator, all flourishing in their indigenous surroundings!

Location
1447 S W Rum Island Terrace
South West Rum Island Terrace
(Located on site: Restrooms, Park Benches, & BBQ Pits) Follow the prompts on the gate, and follow the road down to the parking area where your guide will greet you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(66 Ratings)
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29maddim
May 9, 2024
Great Kayak Tour Guided by Sam - Sam was amazing! Me and my family had so much fun and learned so much about the springs! He was very encouraging and helped us dive down into the deeper part of the spring!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Justisa2014
Apr 28, 2024
Easy pace kayaking - Our guide Sam was very friendly and we enjoyed the tour plus the swimming. We would definitely do it again. Bring towels because there is a time for swimming in a spring.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W8566qqgrantb
Apr 22, 2024
AMAZING VIEWS - The entire experience was amazing! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with great views. Would definitely recommend it for any family and/or couple.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E7301hhgrahamw
Apr 13, 2024
Clear Waters Clear skis - Great day viewing natural springs with our guide Sam. Awesome afternoon trip filled with turtles and lots of clear waters!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lanac714
Apr 12, 2024
Beautiful Experience. - The main spring was breathtaking when viewing it from under the water. So glad we all got in and swam. Get in. Use the masks. You don’t want to miss it! Wish we had an underwater camera with us. Sam was extremely patient with our group of 6. We arrived about 1/2 hour early and he was already there setting up with the kayaks pulled out. I am terrified of alligators, but Sam helped quash my fears. We didn’t see one and trust me I was looking. Lol! Glad we did the early morning run as more visitors were showing up as we were leaving. Great experience. Great guide. Sam was wonderful! Would definitely book with them again. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y9804nrjosephr
Apr 7, 2024
Beautiful experience - The trip was excellent! The springs are beautiful. Pictures do not do it justice. Sam was also a great guide! The only down side was that it was way too cold to fully appreciate the springs. However, my wife and I will definitely do it again when it is a little warmer.
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Jessicalynnzibell
Apr 1, 2024
So Fun - Megan did a phenomenal job with our tour today. I would highly recommend this tour. The clear kayaks were very cool for exploring the spring run and springs.
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Dawn
Mar 26, 2024
Great time Even for our Teens - This was such a fun time! We got to swim and do a trail walk to the oldest cypress tress. My teens loved it as well. The tour guide was knowledgeable and brought along dry bags for us to use as well as goggles. Great time and beautiful area! Old Florida!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trip09422934547
Mar 25, 2024
Family Fun - Fun tour. Springs were beautiful. Sam and Megan were great guides and had swim masks for those who didn't ring them. Great fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michielhess
May 1, 2024
Surprisingly amazing nature - Well that was surprisingly beautiful. Especially since we were on a weekday off season. Can imagine it is totally different on the weekend. Amazing nature. Tour was perfectly by Sam.
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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