HIGH SPRINGS BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Spring-Hopping the Santa Fe: A 3.5-Mile Paddle to Ginnie Springs
A 3.5-hour, 3.5-mile downriver paddle that visits more than seven natural springs—including Ginnie Springs—this guide lays out the route, highlights, and what to bring.
Spring-Hopping the Santa Fe: A 3.5-Mile Paddle to Ginnie Springs.
Set afloat on a 3.5-mile downriver run of the Santa Fe River that threads past more than seven natural springs and finishes at Ginnie Springs Park. The outing pairs steady paddling with opportunities to hop ashore and swim, then concludes with a shuttle return to the put-in.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Spring-hopping on the Santa Fe
This 3.5-mile downriver adventure passes by over six or more springs—marquee stops include Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, and Ginnie Springs—making it ideal for spring-hopping and short swims between paddling stretches.
Ginnie Springs Park finish
The paddle culminates at Ginnie Springs Boat Ramp and Ginnie Springs Park, where participants can spend time enjoying the spring before arranging the shuttle back to the put-in.
Downriver ease and a shuttle return
After launching and floating downstream to Ginnie Springs, participants call for shuttle service for a convenient return to Poe Springs, keeping the outing a straightforward point-to-point experience.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
The trip unfolds as a relaxed downriver paddle: check-in at the boat barn, launch at the Poe Springs boat ramp, drift past a chain of springs over approximately 3.5 miles, then disembark at Ginnie Springs to swim and unwind before calling a shuttle back to the starting area.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits best and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a 3.5-hour outing covering approximately 3.5 miles downriver.
Meet at Santa Fe River Park, 8500 FL-47, High Springs, FL 32643 before proceeding to Poe Springs and the Boat Barn for check-in.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a phone for photos and to call the shuttle.
The itinerary includes calling for shuttle services from Ginnie Springs to return to Poe Springs; plan to have a phone available to arrange the pickup.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The adventure lasts about 3.5 hours and covers approximately 3.5 miles downriver.
Where do I meet for the trip?
Meet at Santa Fe River Park, 8500 FL-47, High Springs, FL 32643, then proceed to the Poe Springs boat ramp and Boat Barn to check in.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, water, and a phone for photos and to call the shuttle.
Are pets allowed on the trip?
No—pets are not allowed on this Adventure.
Is there a shuttle back to the put-in?
Yes—the itinerary indicates participants call for shuttle services at Ginnie Springs to return to Poe Springs.
Which springs will we pass?
The route passes more than seven springs, including named stops such as Rum Island Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, and Ginnie Springs.