Paddle transparent kayaks through Florida springs with a local guide
2–2.5 hrs
Clear kayak, guide, safety gear
See beneath clear spring water from a transparent tandem kayak while your guide shares local knowledge. Explore the lower Santa Fe River and nearby springs at a relaxed pace.
This 2 hour guided adventure includes an intermediate paddle upriver with multiple stops to local springs, a relaxing drift back to Gilchrist Blue Springs, which features a beautiful quarter mile stretch of blue clear water and vibrant vegetation. There's an opportunity to swim in the 20ft blue water swimming hole, with a relaxing float and short paddle back to the launch site (Rum Island County Park) located just across the river.
All sales are final; cancellations are not permitted. Arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals are no-shows and cannot be refunded or rescheduled. Unsafe weather allows rescheduling or a full refund.
Product ID: 9KVQTX
Yes. Rum Island County Park charges a $5.00 per vehicle admission/parking fee, paid at the kiosk when you enter the park.
Bring water shoes, extra water, a small snack, a towel, a change of clothes, and a swimsuit (or clothes that can get wet). Bug spray is optional; use only DEET-free bug spray if you bring any.
Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and each child under 18 must have an adult with them.
Rum Island County Park, 1447 S W Rum Island Terrace, Fort White, FL 32038
My mom, Claire, and I took a two hour eco kayak trip with JP on glass kayaks near Rum Island. We loved it! We explored Rum Island and some of the incredible springs along the river, including Mermaid Spring, surrounded by crystal-clear water, ancient cypress trees, and an amazing array of wildlife like turtles, mullet fish jumping out of the water, ibis, herons, and so much more. And then there’s the history. Our guide told us that during Prohibition, this remote stretch of Florida was part of the network of waterways used to move illegal rum and other liquor. Rum Island became associated with that colorful bootlegging era, and stories of the area even connect it to the world of notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone. Standing there today, surrounded by nothing but nature, it’s hard to imagine that these quiet waters once played a role in the underground liquor trade. We even got to jump into the springs and swim for a while. Although we had some rain, it didn’t damper our fun. The two hours went by so quickly with JP. He was a fantastic guide. We were sad we had to stop. Definitely recommend, and hope to be back here on day.
Liora Rose Radicella
August 29, 2026
My mom, Claire, and I took a two hour eco kayak trip with JP on glass kayaks near Rum Island. We loved it! We explored Rum Island and some of the incredible springs along the river, including Mermaid Spring, surrounded by crystal-clear water, ancient cypress trees, and an amazing array of wildlife like turtles, mullet fish jumping out of the water, ibis, herons, and so much more. And then there’s the history. Our guide told us that during Prohibition, this remote stretch of Florida was part of the network of waterways used to move illegal rum and other liquor. Rum Island became associated with that colorful bootlegging era, and stories of the area even connect it to the world of notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone. Standing there today, surrounded by nothing but nature, it’s hard to imagine that these quiet waters once played a role in the underground liquor trade. We even got to jump into the springs and swim for a while. Although we had some rain, it didn’t damper our fun. The two hours went by so quickly with JP. He was a fantastic guide. We were sad we had to stop. Definitely recommend, and hope to be back here on day.
Liora Rose Radicella
August 29, 2026
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