Kayaking Santa Fe River: Clear Glass Bottom Kayak

Paddle through underground springs and swim in crystal-clear water fed by 44 million gallons daily

A 2-hour guided kayak tour on Santa Fe River near Gilchrist, Florida, where you paddle a clear glass bottom kayak through turquoise spring runs, past submerged aquatic vegetation and local wildlife, then swim in a natural 20-foot pool. The tour includes kayak or paddleboard, lifejacket, paddle, drybag and snorkel. A live guide leads groups of mixed skill levels, and children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided clear glass bottom kayak tour

• Kayak at Rum Island on Santa Fe River
• Paddle 0.25-mile turquoise blue water stretch
• Swim in 20-foot crystal-clear swimming hole
• Learn history of Santa Fe River and wildlife

The experience

You arrive at Rum Island on the Santa Fe River, where the morning is yours to paddle through water so clear you watch fish and vegetation pass beneath the glass bottom of your kayak. The river flows underground through O'Leno State Park's cave system before emerging again, and over 36 named springs feed into it along the way. A live guide leads you through a 0.25-mile stretch of turquoise water, pointing out turkey, deer, river otters, turtles and birds that live along the banks. The river is protected state land, so the habitat stays intact for what you see.

The kayak itself is the main event: a clear glass bottom lets you watch the submerged landscape glide past without leaning over the side or getting wet. You'll paddle at your own pace through the spring run, then pull up to a natural swimming hole fed by 44 million gallons of fresh water every day. The water stays cool and clear year-round, and you can leave the kayak to swim and snorkel in the pool before paddling back. The whole outing runs two hours, so it fits into a morning or an afternoon without eating your whole day.

Lifejacket, paddle, drybag and snorkel come with the kayak. You bring swimwear and a towel. The park has two springs on the grounds if you want to explore after the tour ends. Public transportation options are available nearby, and infants can ride on an adult's lap: the moderate fitness level the operator mentions is just the paddling itself, nothing strenuous.

What’s included

• Clear glass bottom kayak or paddleboard.
• lifejacket, paddle, drybag and snorkel.
• live guide leading the 2-hour paddle through the spring run and cave passages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 15:00

AgesAdult (16 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

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 refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kayak Adventures Old Florida

Is this one for you?Small mixed-skill groups paddle together, so you'll have company on the water but set your own pace through the springs. Book this if you want to see underwater life without leaning over the side and want a swim break built into the morning or afternoon.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I see paddling through the Santa Fe River?

The river is home to turkey, deer, river otters, turtles, fish and birds. The clear water lets you watch submerged aquatic vegetation and the underwater landscape through the glass bottom of the kayak as you paddle through a turquoise spring run.

Can I swim during the kayak tour?

Yes, you paddle to a natural 20-foot swimming hole fed by 44 million gallons of fresh water daily and can leave the kayak to swim and snorkel before paddling back.

What's included with the kayak rental?

The tour includes a clear glass bottom kayak or paddleboard, lifejacket, paddle, drybag and snorkel. You bring your own swimwear and towel.

How does the Santa Fe River flow underground?

The river flows underground through a vast cave system in O'Leno State Park before emerging again in River Rise Preserve State Park. Over 36 named springs contribute water to it along the way.