Blue Springs Hopper
Magical clear waters await as you end your Adventure! Reserve
The perfect place to end and enjoy a nice swim and a fresh Signature Series Fruit Blended Lemonade
An absolutely breath taking Adventure. Short, sensual, and alluring - this trip is quickly becoming the most desired. Only 1.5 to 2 hours of downriver time, but seeing 4 to 6 springs along the way and ending at arguably the most pristine spring on the river has a dramatic apeal.
Lilly Springs: 29°49'47"N 82°39'39"W
The first spring to visit would be Lilly Springs with its high rise embankment and a spring run that is shaped loosely like a “?”, provides for a tranquil stop along the way that is private property and lagoon like in nature. This spring pumps out over 20 thousand gal. a day and is a delightful place to pause and take it all in, due it being one of the springs in this roster that is unreachable by road. (Be advised, getting out of your boat is not recommended as this is private property.)
Mermaid Springs: 29°50'02"N 82°40'32"W (AKA Danielle's Little Spring)
The next stop on your journey would be Mermaid Springs. Mermaid Springs is shaped like a mermaid tail and although it is small, it is practically breath-taking in appearance. The crystal clear water and shallowness, allows for a quick wading area to visit. Mermaid is only reachable by water so it is usually not crowded at all. Also this is a wonderful secluded area for a more private picnicking area. Pull out your sandwiches and beverages of choice and eat in the boat, while you enjoy the serene backdrop of this all natural wonder.
Rum Island Springs: 29°49'60"N 82°40'47"W
3rd on the list… Noneother than the famous Rum Island Springs. Rum Island splits the river for a short moment, which allows you the opportunity to view the entire island if you so desire. Rum Island Springs got its exotic, romantic name from the illegal moonshine stills that were secreted here in the early 1900s. That is right… Al Capone (Scarface) frequented the High Springs area and very well may have even visited Rum Island itself. Currently however, many animals call this island home and during the months of January and February the spring itself is one of the best spots to view manatee. The spring of Rum Island is not located on the island at all. It, instead, is located directly behind the island, off of the shore of Rum Island Park. Rum Island Park is newly renovated and has restroom facilities along with stair access to the spring. There is no charge for river access to Rum Island Park. They do charge for parking though.
R.B.K Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park: 29°49'47"N 82°40'59"W
Reaching the end of your Adventure-directly after Rum, only ¼ mile down river on the left side sits the absolutely gorgeous R.B.K Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. As of 2022 it is still the newest State Park in FL. Objectively the most beautiful spring on the lower Santa Fe. Gilchrist Blue has a ¼ mile spring run with red & white buoys marking its entrance. The spring run does have a decent current, it is able to be paddled though, and so worth it! As you paddle the spring run, you will see another spring to your left. Naked Springs. This spring has been both naturally and unnaturally barricaded for turtle and spring conservation. Still worth the view ,even though you no longer can get in. How nature has once again kissed this spring, is nothing shy of magical. Continue further up the spring run and you will reach the head spring… Big Blue! This spring is a wide open bowl and pumps out over 40 mil. Gal. of crystal clear, fresh, spring water a day. This spring comes by its name honestly. The crystal clear water mixed with the depth and limestone, creates a blue mirage below the water’s surface. A perfect stop for a nice swim with restroom facilities and concessions, plus it being the end of your Adventure. Before you check-in with our concessions building enjoy a cool swim or take a walk to Naked Spring. Then check-in at the top of then hill and our staff will inform the shuttle team.
