Cypress Springs kayaking & snorkeling near Panama City Beach

Paddle, snorkel and explore a 70-degree spring fed by caves

Cypress Springs Eco Adventure is a guided kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding tour near Panama City Beach that takes you down Holmes Creek to a natural spring with 100-foot visibility. You choose your watercraft (kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard), and the guide handles all setup and gear. Lunch and snorkeling equipment are included. The tour runs 5 to 6 hours depending on departure time, with a 45-minute drive each way from the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cypress Springs and Holmes Creek

• Guided canoe, kayak, or SUP trip
• Snorkel with underwater scooter
• Use GoPro to document experience
• Relax while guides handle setup
• Explore Emerald Coast cold springs
• Kayak or SUP best local trails

The experience

What makes this different from a beach day is the spring itself. Cypress Springs stays a constant 70 degrees year-round because it's fed by underground caves, and the water clarity tops 100 feet. You're not guessing at what's below you. The guide meets you at the beach, handles all the equipment setup and demonstrates how everything works before you paddle out. You pick your vessel at booking: kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, depending on what appeals to you. The paddle down Holmes Creek takes you through the ecosystem before you reach the spring, where the real exploration happens.

Once at the spring, snorkeling is the main event. The guide shows you how to use an underwater scooter. It propels you so you're not fighting the current, which means you can actually look around instead of just swimming. If you want to document it, there's a GoPro with mounts available. The water is clear enough that you'll see the spring's structure and whatever life is moving through it. Lunch is included and packed in. You'll need to tell the operator your sandwich preference (meat, cheese or vegetarian) and flag any allergies when you book.

The 45-minute drive each way from Panama City Beach is part of the day, so plan for that. Morning departures at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. run the full 6 hours. The noon tour is also 6 hours, but the 2 p.m. departure wraps in 5 hours. Bottled water comes with you. The tour needs a minimum of six people to run, so book early if you have a specific date in mind. Children under 12 should pair with an adult because there's some upriver paddling involved.

What’s included

• Kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard of your choice with all setup and demonstration.
• snorkeling equipment and underwater scooter.
• lunch with your choice of sandwich.
• bottled water.
• guide for the entire trip.

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDepartures at 09:00 and 11:00Last departure this season: 30 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesUp to age 75

GroupUp to 16

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Coldwater Excursions

Is this one for you?The tour involves paddling upriver and spending time in the water, so it's built for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activity on the water. The guide handles all the heavy lifting (gear setup, demonstrations and navigation), so you're free to focus on exploring the spring itself.

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Top questions

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.

How clear is the water at Cypress Springs?

Cypress Springs has visibility exceeding 100 feet because it's fed by underground caves, so you'll see the spring's structure and the life moving through it clearly when you snorkel.

Do I have to be an experienced paddler to do this tour?

No, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The guide sets up all the gear, demonstrates how everything works and stays with you the entire time to help you maximize the experience.

What's the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?

The 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. tours run 6 hours. The 2 p.m. departure is 5 hours. All include the same activities (paddling, snorkeling and lunch), but the afternoon option gets you back to the beach earlier.

Can I choose between a kayak, canoe or paddleboard?

Yes, you pick your watercraft when you book. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are all available, and the guide will set up whichever you choose and show you how to use it.

Is lunch included, and can you accommodate dietary preferences?

Lunch is included with the tour. Tell the operator your sandwich preference (meat, cheese or vegetarian) and any allergies when you book so they can pack what works for you.

How long is the drive from Panama City Beach to the spring?

The drive is 45 minutes each way from Panama City Beach to Cypress Springs, so plan for that as part of your day.