Discover the best places to paddle board in Ginnie Springs, FL.
Experience crystal clear waters and lush surroundings in this natural paradise.
Embark on an unforgettable paddle boarding adventure in Ginnie Springs today.
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Planning Your Paddle in Ginnie Springs
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs stay above 59 °F right through the year, so there is no closed season. June is the warmest month, averaging 91 °F.
- Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Where to Paddle Board in Ginnie Springs
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Ginnie Spring
- 🏖️ Location Type: Spring
- 📍 Access Point: Ginnie Springs Outdoors (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Crystal Clear Spring Water, Little to No Current
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Underwater caves, lush vegetation
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, scuba diving in caves requires certification
Located within the Ginnie Springs Outdoors park, Ginnie Spring offers crystal clear waters perfect for paddle boarding.
The calm spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, and underwater caves are available for exploration by certified scuba divers.
#2 Santa Fe River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Poe Springs Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm River Water, Mild Currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Adjacent springs, Cypress and oak trees
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, respect private properties along the river
The Santa Fe River flows near Ginnie Springs and offers a scenic paddle boarding experience. With calm waters and mild currents, it’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders.
Take in the beautiful cypress and oak trees lining the river as you glide past nearby springs.
#3 Devil’s Eye Spring
- 🏖️ Location Type: Spring
- 📍 Access Point: Devil’s Eye Spring within Ginnie Springs Outdoors (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Spring Water, Little to No Current
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Stunning underwater cave system
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, cave diving requires certification
Devil’s Eye Spring is another beautiful spot within Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Offering clear and calm waters for paddle boarding, immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the underwater cave system.
However, be sure to follow park regulations and have the necessary certification for cave diving.
#4 Rum Island Spring
- 🏖️ Location Type: Spring
- 📍 Access Point: Rum Island Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Spring Water, Little to No Current
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque spring surrounded by trees
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, respect private properties near the park
A short drive from Ginnie Springs, Rum Island Spring is located within Rum Island Park. The calm and clear water makes it another great spot for paddle boarding.
Enjoy the picturesque spring surrounded by trees and spot native wildlife as you paddle in this serene location. Be sure to follow park regulations and respect the privacy of neighboring properties.
#5 Blue Spring
- 🏖️ Location Type: Spring
- 📍 Access Point: Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, Clear Spring Water, Mild Currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Dense foliage, nearby swimming area
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, avoid swimming area while paddleboarding
Around an hour’s drive from Ginnie Springs, Blue Spring is situated in Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Connected to the Santa Fe River, its calm and clear waters make it a wonderful paddleboarding location.
Enjoy the dense foliage and peaceful surroundings as you paddle through the spring. Please follow park regulations and avoid the swimming area while paddleboarding.
#6 Ichetucknee River
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Ichetucknee Springs State Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm River Water, Mild Currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Limestone outcroppings, natural springs
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park regulations, be aware of tubers and other watercraft
Located within the Ichetucknee Springs State Park, around an hour from Ginnie Springs, the Ichetucknee River offers a serene and beautiful paddle boarding experience.
With calm waters and mild currents, it’s perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy views of limestone outcroppings and natural springs as you paddle, but be aware of tubers and other watercraft and follow park regulations.
Ginnie Springs is 72 degrees all year, which is the whole point of paddling a Florida spring. Panama City Beach and Pensacola are the Panhandle beaches nearby, Peanut Island the Atlantic one.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Ginnie Springs?
Ginnie Springs is filled with ample opportunities for paddleboarding, particularly in the Santa Fe River and the seven different springs present.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Ginnie Springs?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in Ginnie Springs.
When is the best time to paddle board in Ginnie Springs?
Ginnie Springs is best enjoyed for paddle boarding from late spring through early fall, thanks to the warmer temperatures.
Paddle Boarding Near Ginnie Springs
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Ginnie Springs.
- Manatee Springs (31 miles southwest)
- Jacksonville (84 miles northeast)
- St. Augustine (85 miles east)
- Amelia Island (92 miles northeast)
