↠ WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL ↞
TOP-RATED
Get Up And Go Kayaking – Gilchrist Blue is owned by Jeremy who has received over 500 raving five-star reviews from his previous tour guiding at one of our locations!
GIVING BACK
We’re passionate about the outdoors and committed to conservation! We actively give back by donating to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park and local charities, as well as leading annual river and park cleanups to help preserve Florida’s natural beauty and keep our springs pristine.
SMALL GROUPS
Our max group size is 10 paddlers – the perfect size to hear our guides and enjoy conversations along the way. (Larger private parties may be available upon request. Group size may vary slightly by location.)
BEST GUIDES
Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife, and more from our awesome local guides.
GREAT VIEWS
Don’t let a normal kayak hinder your view! Our clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the surroundings, and there’s plenty of opportunities to snag some Reels or videos for TikTok!
GUARANTEED ACCESS
Booking a tour with us ensures year-round access to the springs, as park closures often restrict entry for a significant part of the year. Enjoy the beauty of the springs whenever you choose, with the convenience and assurance that our tours provide exclusive access throughout the seasons.
Welcome to Rum Island County Park, our premier launch location nestled in the heart of High Springs, FL. This picturesque setting, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, is the perfect spot for your next kayaking adventure.
Why Rum Island?
Enchanting On-Site Springs: One of the highlights of Rum Island are the enchanting on-site springs, a hidden gem that adds a touch of magic to your kayaking journey. This unique feature offers the perfect spot for a swim and picnic, making your visit even more memorable.
Convenient Amenities: The park is equipped with convenient and accessible restroom facilities and ADA-accessible ramps, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park’s amenities with ease.
Picnic Areas: Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or a place to gather with friends and family, our picnic areas offer the ideal setting to relax, connect, and enjoy the natural beauty of Rum Island.
Unique History: Did you know that Rum Island has a unique history? During Prohibition, the island was used to smuggle Rum across the area – Bootleggers! Adding a fascinating historical element to your visit.
Know Before You Go:
- Entry Fee: A $5 entry fee is required for parking.
- Park Hours: The park closes at night, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Let the peaceful ambiance and stunning surroundings of Rum Island County Park create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re kayaking, swimming, or picnicking, there’s always something wonderful to discover at Rum Island.
↠ EXPLORE MULTIPLE HIDDEN SPRINGS ↞
The Santa Fe River is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful hidden springs, offering a unique and serene adventure. Our guided clear kayak tour starts from Rum Island Spring County Park and takes you on a journey through several unique springs, including Rum Island Spring, Gilchrist Blue Spring, Jonathan Spring, Naked Spring, Johnson Spring, and several more unnamed springs.
What to Expect on Your Tour
- Paddle Through Crystal Clear Waters: Experience an easy paddle suitable for all skill levels. Enjoy the chance to swim and snorkel in the springs, with waters so clear they reveal the beauty beneath.
- Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as fish, herons, otters, white-tail deer, swallow-tail kites, mullet, and an abundance of turtles.
- Historical Insights: Learn about the rich history of the Santa Fe River, which boasts over 36 named springs that contribute to its waters. During certain times of the year, the river itself can run clear, displaying a see-through sweet tea or amber-brown color.
- Nearby Attractions: While our 2-hour tour focuses on the springs near Rum Island Spring County Park, the famous Ginnie Springs and the beautiful Ichetucknee River are located further down the river, about 20 minutes away by car.
Why Choose Our Tour?
- Unique Experience: Few people know about the several springs you can explore in close proximity to our launch site at Rum Island Spring County Park, making this tour a hidden gem.
- Educational and Fun: Our experienced guides provide fascinating information about each spring and the surrounding ecosystem as you paddle around Rum Island and the Santa Fe River.
- Perfect for Nature Lovers: This tour is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy peaceful paddling, and discover the hidden beauty of Florida’s springs.
- Guaranteed Access to Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park: During peak season, Gilchrist Blue Spring State Park often reaches capacity. By joining our kayak tour, you are guaranteed access to the park. We cover the entrance fees for all guests, allowing you to enjoy the park’s amenities without any hassle.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the hidden springs of the Santa Fe River. Book your clear kayak tour today and embark on a memorable adventure!
↠ MEET OUR TEAM ↞
Jeremy
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My name is Jeremy Ansley, I graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology and History. I’ve since dedicated a lot of my life to learning about the human body, medicine, and how to care for the sick. I started my healthcare career in 2015 in EMS as an EMT for Volusia County, working and receiving my state certifications in Firefighting and Paramedicine in 2016. I continued my pursuit of higher education at an Osteopathic Medical School in 2018, completing the first year of graduate studies. In 2022, I graduated from Daytona State College with an Associate Degree in Nursing and currently work both as a nurse and tour guide. I’ve always loved spending time outdoors, and while professionally I’ve spent the past several years working in healthcare, I’ve grown even more to appreciate the experiences in life that bring joy to people. The path I’ve taken to get where I’m at today has been incredibly enlightening, and I’m grateful every day to guide adventures! There is so much that I enjoy about being a tour guide, but one of the best parts for me is just watching a family create beautiful memories together. I love all the laughter and smiles these magical places bring about and getting to take people on a “once in a lifetime” experience, I mean, come on, what’s not to love about being a tour guide?!
Bry
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Bry, a nature enthusiast, finds joy in river floats, conservation efforts, and pursuing a forestry degree. Beyond nature, she expresses her creativity through painting and changing her hair color weekly.
↠ OUR GILCHRIST BLUE STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive
↠ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↞
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We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water (in reusable water bottle)
- Swimsuit/Clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet.
- Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip.
- Any extra gear you’d like. Remember- the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak.
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- Yes, children 3+ years old are allowed on the tours
- Each child age 3-17 must be accompanied by an adult
- Children 6 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
- We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.
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Our tours are made for any skill levels to participate, we will have basic tips and tricks to help you maneuver the waterways. Some paddling may be considered intermediate as we paddle against a 3mph current but we try our best to paddle at a pace that is convenient for every paddler! We do require all guests to stay with the group.
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Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
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Yes! Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single.
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Trips that are canceled by Get Up And Go Kayaking – Gilchrist Blue due to inclement weather, will be rescheduled or refunded.
All sales are final, however, we do offer Trip Protection at Gilchrist Blue for 10% of the ticket price to allow you to cancel for a full refund for any reason up until 12 hours prior to the trip time.
No-show participants will not be refunded. This includes showing up with less paddlers than the original amount booked for.
Get Up And Go Kayaking – Gilchrist Blue will not launch in unsafe weather conditions. Because of this, trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety issues. If this is the case, your reservation will be refunded in full (if it has already been paid). We will not be held responsible for any reservation that you fail to keep due to any unforeseen circumstances. We also reserve the right to change or cancel any tours due to circumstances beyond our control. In this instance, Get Up And Go Kayaking – Gilchrist Blue can refund the tour price, not any other expenses that may have been incurred.
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Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate pets at this time at our Gilchrist Blue Springs location.
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Send Us a Message
Call or Text Us
386-200-9401
(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)