Rainbow River Paddle Tour
Details
Paddle and snorkel one of the clearest rivers in Florida, walk the lush state park gardens, and relax at a private riverside oasis!
Advanced registration and payment are required via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rainbow-river-paddle-tour-tickets-2002911704826
About Rainbow River
Rainbow River is famous for its remarkable clarity, with its head spring pumping 400–600 million gallons of pure water daily. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, an Outstanding Florida Water, and a State Aquatic Preserve, this river supports a rich variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna.
What to Expect
- Launch & Paddle: We'll meet at a private riverside oasis with no lines or restrictive rules. After getting fitted with quality gear and completing a brief safety and SUP instruction session, we'll launch into the river and paddle the gentle upstream current toward the Rainbow Springs headspring. Along the way, look out for wading birds, turtles, fish, and playful otters.
- Explore Rainbow Springs: Upon reaching the sapphire basin, we'll spend plenty of time exploring. Snorkel gear or goggles are highly recommended—with 150 feet of visibility, it feels like swimming in a natural aquarium.
- State Park Gardens: We'll beach our boards to walk through the state park's lush gardens, see old Florida waterfalls and a babbling creek, enjoy snacks under the oak trees, or simply relax.
- Lazy River Float: Returning to our boards, we'll float downstream, stopping at deep turquoise swimming holes, taking photos, and snorkeling with the current.
- Wrap-Up & Picnic: Back at our launch site, we'll swim at two dockside springs before relaxing with a picnic lunch and refreshing beverages overlooking the river. An on-site guest house with restrooms and changing areas is available for your comfort.
What's Included:
- Quality Stand Up Paddleboard Gear (seated option available - please request)
- 4 hour Guided Eco Tour with experienced and certified guides/instructors (including SUP, snorkel, and hike)
- Private Riverside Oasis with Dock, Picnic Table, Grill & Guest House with Changing room and bathroom
- Launch Fee ($20 value)
- SUP Instruction (certified instructors)
- Trip Photos (so you can be in the moment)
- Paddle Tribe (an inclusive and fun community)
Other Ticket Options Include:
-BYOBoard/Paddle Craft for a discount
SUP Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced. Instruction provided. Participants must know how to swim and be ready to have fun! Kids 12 years old and younger are recommended to ride along with an experienced adult at no cost. If your child is younger and an experienced paddler, please contact Jessica to discuss as decisions will be made on an individual basis.
Tour Duration: 3.5 hours - although this is a longer tour, we are not paddling for this length of time - it includes swimming, snorkeling, walking, and floating. This tour is for all levels and is not an endurance adventure.
Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in Central Florida and internationally on adventure travel retreats.
Advanced Registration and Payment Required via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rainbow-river-paddle-tour-tickets-2002911704826
