Quick Details
Discover the Magic: 2-Hour Clear Kayak Tour at Rum Island & Gilchrist Blue Springs
Our adventure begins with a leisurely paddle against the Santa Fe River’s current – this paddle is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Led by our expect guides, you’ll encounter locally renowned springs, Instagram-worthy moments, all while being surrounded by abundant wildlife and beautiful authentic “Old Florida” landscapes.
After your upstream efforts, the second half of the tour is a relaxing a float downstream, where you’ll learn more about the history of Rum Island and where it got it’s name. Enjoy the beautiful Santa Fe River, a designated state of Florida paddling trail while you make your way to visit the stunning Gilchrist Blue Spring. Here you can choose to swim, snorkel, or explore more of the Gilchrist Spring Run and Group. Learn about the unique qualities that make this place one of the most stunning displays of submerged aquatic vegetation in the State of Florida. The swimming area is over 20ft deep, releasing over 44millions of fresh water every day!
As our adventure concludes, we’ll take a short 15min float/paddle back to Rum Island County Park, where you can continue enjoying the park’s fantastic amenities, including two picturesque springs within walking distance to your vehicle. Get ready for a fun and educational experience – your Santa Fe adventure awaits!
Be on the lookout for white-tail deer, river otters, turtles, herons, and so much more!
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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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- Every tour is given on one of our 100% clear kayaks.
- Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
- Private tours are available per request.
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (and they love tips).
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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. -
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.