Kayaking in Gilchrist Blue: Clear kayak tour on Santa Fe River

Paddle through crystal water and spot wildlife from a glass-bottom kayak

A 2-hour guided kayak tour on Florida's Santa Fe River using a clear kayak with paddles, life jacket, goggles and dry bag included. You paddle through Gilchrist Blue Springs and past Rum Island, spotting white-tail deer, otters, turtles and birds while a guide shares the river's history: 36 named springs feed these waters, and you get time to swim in the 20-foot swimming hole. Children from age 2 are welcome. The state park entrance fee is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and explore Gilchrist Blue

• Kayak along Santa Fe River
• Learn about local springs and wildlife
• Paddle around Rum Island
• Swim in Gilchrist Blue Springs
• Relax and picnic at Rum Island

The experience

You're paddling a clear kayak, so the water below you is not a mystery. The Santa Fe River runs through an underground cave system before emerging here, and on the right conditions it flows clear enough that you see the submerged plants, the sand bottom and the fish moving through it. A guide leads the way and talks through the ecosystem as you go. The river has 36 named springs feeding into it, and you'll paddle past several of them. Rum Island sits along the route with its own on-site springs, and the landscape around you stays thick with vegetation and wildlife the whole way.

The tour runs 2 hours, and most of that time you're on the water. You'll paddle through a 0.25-mile stretch of the clearest section, where the submerged aquatic vegetation is dense enough that photographers usually stop here. Along the way you're watching for white-tail deer on the banks, river otters, turtles, herons, swallow-tail kites and mullet in the water. A 400-year-old cypress tree called Aric the Giant stands in the river as a landmark. It's the kind of detail a guide points out and you remember.

After paddling, you get time to swim in a 20-foot-deep swimming hole fed by 44 million gallons of fresh water daily. The water stays cool and clear, and snorkeling gear is included if you want to go under. Bring a swimsuit. The park has picnic areas and clean restrooms if you want to stay longer after the tour ends.

What’s included

• Clear kayak, paddles, life jacket, goggles and dry bag.
• state park entrance fee.
• live guide sharing history and ecosystem information.
• time to swim and snorkel in the 20-foot swimming hole.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (2 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Gilchrist Blue

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a guided pace for 2 hours on the water, so you're paddling steadily but not racing. It suits anyone comfortable sitting in a kayak and moving through water at a moderate tempo. If you want to see underwater life without diving, the clear kayak does that work for you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife will I actually see on the Santa Fe River kayak tour?

White-tail deer, river otters, turtles, herons, swallow-tail kites, mullet and fish are common sightings. The guide points out what's moving along the banks and in the water as you paddle, and the clear kayak lets you see into the water column itself.

What's the water temperature and will I have time to swim?

The swimming hole is fed by 44 million gallons of fresh water daily and stays refreshingly cool. You get plenty of time to swim and snorkel after paddling, and goggles are included in the tour.

Is the Santa Fe River actually clear enough to see through the kayak bottom?

During certain times of year the river runs clear, displaying a see-through amber-brown or sweet tea color. The 0.25-mile stretch you paddle through Gilchrist Blue is the clearest section, with visible submerged aquatic vegetation and the river bottom visible from the kayak.

What's included in the kayak tour price?

The clear kayak, paddles, life jacket, goggles, dry bag, safety whistle and state park entrance fee are all included. Parking at the county park is $5 extra.

Do I need kayaking experience to do this tour?

No, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and designed for kayakers of all skill levels. A live guide in English leads the group and handles the pacing and instruction.