TOP-RATED
Rated The World’s #1 Tour Company by TripAdvisor, and the Best in the USA by USA Today! Get Up And Go Kayaking – Merritt’s Mill is the top-ranked activity in the area, with over 300, 5-Star reviews!
GIVING BACK
We’re passionate about the outdoors and conservation! We believe in being good stewards of the environment, which is why we donate a portion of each tour to the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and the Florida Springs Council.
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.)
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.
↠ ABOUT THE TOUR ↞
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure with our 100% Clear Kayaking Tour at Merritt’s Mill Pond, a breathtaking, spring-fed oasis in the Florida Panhandle. This pristine body of water spans 202 acres and is renowned for its incredible clarity, allowing you to see straight to the bottom as you paddle through a landscape filled with towering cypress trees, limestone cliffs, and hidden underwater caves.
As you glide through the crystal-clear waters, your experienced guide will lead you on a journey through one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems. Along the way, you’ll learn about Merritt’s Mill’s underground aquifer, the delicate balance of local wildlife, and the fascinating geological formations that make this place so special. Keep an eye out for turtles, fish, and a variety of native birds, and don’t forget to take advantage of the refreshing swimming spots along the route!
One of the highlights of the tour is exploring a few of the stunning springs that feed Merritt’s Mill Pond, including the renowned Shangri-La, Twin Caves, and Hole-in-the-Wall. Jackson Blue Spring, the largest first-magnitude spring in the area, is the primary source feeding the pond, helping to maintain its remarkable clarity and vibrant ecosystem. These springs offer a unique glimpse into the underground world beneath your kayak, creating a truly magical experience. Plus, our guides are happy to capture stunning candid photos for you to take home as souvenirs of your adventure.
LOCATION: Nestled between Panama City, Destin, Dothan and Tallahassee, Merritt’s Mill Pond is a hidden gem of North Florida. Located near Florida Caverns State Park, this tour is perfect for families, couples, groups, and solo adventurers alike. Whether you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette party, looking for a fun outdoor escape, or simply wanting to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, this experience is one you won’t forget.
Join us for a two-hour guided tour and discover why Merritt’s Mill Pond is one of Florida’s most stunning natural wonders!
↠ PRIVATE TOUR OPTION ↞
Take a fully private tour at Merritt’s Mill with one of our amazing guides!
- Fully private experience.
- Paddle at your group’s speed.
- If you want to spend more time stopped at certain spots, we can do so!
- Have our guides take some awesome shots of your group.
Private Clear Kayak Eco Adventure
FROM $550↠ MERRITT'S MILL ↞
Merritt’s Mill Pond in Marianna, Florida, holds a fascinating secret—it’s not a traditional pond at all. Located about 4 miles downstream, a dam transforms the body of water into what is effectively a lake. Without this dam, Merritt’s Mill Pond would resemble a narrow river, as it is primarily fed by the Jackson Blue springs and 7 other lesser known springs. Merritt’s Mill garners praise not just for its picturesque beauty and status as a fish preserve but is especially celebrated as a prime spot for kayaking enthusiasts! The clear, spring-fed waters provide an ideal setting for kayaking, allowing paddlers to navigate through the breathtaking landscape of cypress trees and lush surroundings.
Apart from its fishing appeal, Merritt’s Mill Pond stands out as a kayaker’s paradise, offering a tranquil and immersive experience for those seeking to explore its beauty from the unique perspective of a kayak. 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.
↠ MERRITT’S MILL FAQ’S ↞
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- Our kayaks are CLEAR, providing an unobstructed, 360-degree view above and below the water.
- Your experience will be personal, as tours are LIMITED to 5 kayaks (larger and private tours available upon request).
- You will EXPLORE an ecosystem like no other in Florida, as you paddle on a beautiful, clear spring-fed fish preserve, with limestone bluffs, and above ground AND underwater caves.
- You are contributing to preserving this UNIQUE ECOSYSTEM as a portion of each tour is DONATED to the Florida Land Conservation and The Florida Springs Council Non-Profits.
- Our private launch allows you to ESCAPE THE CROWDS for a serene adventure in nature.
- You will LEARN about the SPRINGS and WILDLIFE from our passionate, expert, CPR-certified guides.
- Make UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES with family and friends, or even embark on a solo adventure while exploring the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors.
- You are supporting a small, WOMAN-OWNED and operated business.
- Located just north of PCB, between DESTIN, and TALLAHASSEE.
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Located NEAR the FLORIDA CAVERNS STATE PARK, to explore the state away from the beach.
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- Proper kayaking clothing (plan to get wet – swimming is allowed).
- Water – please use reusable bottles if possible.
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Towel for after the tour
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- Reservations are required for all tours.
- Our Merritt’s Mill tour departs from 5211 Limestone Ln, Marianna FL 32446
- Every tour is small (only 10 people max) and given in our completely clear kayaks.
- Private tours may be available by request.
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (they love tips)!
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Our Merritt’s Mill tour is great for all skill levels (beginners welcome)! This paddle is simple and our guides are amazing at giving extra paddle tips to make it even simpler. We welcome all skill groups!
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers) however, if you have an odd number of guests in your party we can easily reconfigure the kayak to accommodate solos.
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We highly recommend booking as far in advance as possible. We allow cancellations with full refunds up until 72 hours prior to the tour time. This allows you to book far in advance and cancel up until 3 days prior to the tour with no risk at all. We highly recommend you purchase TripProtection at checkout so you can cancel/reschedule up to 12 hours before your tour!
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Yes! We love having the entire family out and kids love this tour! If you do plan on having more children than adults on the tour please give us a call at (850) 296-9269 so that we can accommodate.
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Yes! We love when fur-babies join us! All we ask is that the total combined weight in the kayak doesn’t exceed 425lbs, and that you bring a towel to put down for your fury companion to help prevent scratches.
↠ OUR MERRITT’S MILL STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive Merritt’s Mill sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program
↠ MERRITT’S MILL RECOMMENDATIONS↞
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
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