Panama City Beach: Cypress Springs Kayak & Snorkel Eco Tour

Summary

Kayak Holmes Creek, snorkel clear springs and share lunch in Florida’s wild side

You’ll kayak or paddleboard down Holmes Creek with a local guide, glide into crystal-clear Cypress Springs for snorkeling (with an underwater scooter if you’re brave), then share lunch right by the water’s edge. Expect laughter, cold spring water, and those small moments when Florida feels wild again.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a paddle with this sideways grin, like she’d seen a lot of city folks try to balance on kayaks before. I was nervous — the water at Holmes Creek looked almost glassy, but there was this quiet energy to it, birds flicking across the surface and the smell of wet leaves everywhere. We set off in a slow line, our guide cracking jokes about gators (I think he was joking?) and pointing out these cypress knees poking up from the banks like old knuckles.

I didn’t expect the water at Cypress Springs to feel that cold — it’s supposed to be 70 degrees year-round but when you first slide in, wow. It’s so clear you can see your own toes wiggling through the blue-green light. The underwater scooter thing felt weird at first (I probably looked ridiculous holding on), but once I got going it was just easy — drifting over pale sand patches and watching tiny fish dart away. Someone handed me a GoPro mount and I fumbled with it for a minute, nearly dropping it, but managed to catch a shot of my friend making faces under water.

Lunch was simple sandwiches on the bank, nothing fancy but honestly perfect after paddling upstream — bread still cool from the ice chest, chips crunching loud enough to scare off whatever wildlife might’ve been curious. Our guide told stories about growing up near Panama City Beach and how Cypress Springs has always been their summer escape from the heat. There was a moment where everyone just went quiet listening to the creek sounds — not awkward silence, more like nobody wanted to break it. I still think about that view downriver sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cypress Springs and Eco Adventure

• Kayak, canoe, or SUP Holmes Creek
• Receive gear setup and guidance
• Snorkel with underwater scooter
• Use GoPro to document experience
• Relax while guides handle logistics
• Explore Emerald Coast cold springs
• Visit Merritt's Mills Pond and Econfina
• Discover Coastal Dune Lakes trails

Top questions

How long is the Cypress Springs Eco Adventure tour?

The 8:00 AM tour lasts 6 hours; the 11:15 AM tour lasts 5 hours.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included—sandwiches with your choice of meat, cheese, condiments, and bread.

Can kids join this kayak & snorkel tour?

Children under 10 should be paired with an adult due to upriver paddling; all fitness levels are welcome.

What equipment is provided for kayaking or snorkeling?

You get a kayak, stand up paddle board or canoe (your choice), plus all snorkel gear and bottled water.

Where does this eco adventure start from?

The tour departs near Panama City Beach and explores Holmes Creek to Cypress Springs.

Are guides present during the whole trip?

Yes, your guide stays with you throughout for setup help and local info.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking or SUP equipment (or canoe if you prefer), bottled water for along the way, use of snorkeling gear including an underwater scooter and GoPro mounts if you want them, plus a picnic-style lunch by the springs before heading back downstream together.