Rainbow River Paddle Tour

Rainbow River is famous for it's remarkable water clarity, with a head spring pumping out 400-600 million gallons of pure water from the aquifer each day. This looking-glass water has attracted people for over 10,000 years, being mineral rich, refreshing (a constant 72 degrees), and incredibly beautiful - a National Natural Landmark of the The National Parks Service, one of Florida DEP's Special Waters on their list of Outstanding Florida Waters, and one of the state's Aquatic Preserves. This river supports a wide variety of wildlife and lush flora and fauna.

We'll meet at a private riverside oasis - no waiting in line or a bunch of rules for us! Our friendly instructors greet and outfit you with quality gear that's fitted to your size. After a brief safety meeting and stand up paddle instruction, we'll launch into the river. Paddling the gentle upstream current, we'll warm up and drop into the present moment as we immerse in nature. While making our way to Rainbow Springs headspring, you can expect to see many species of wading and swimming birds, turtles, fish, and playful otters; all surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees above the surface, and vibrant green grasses, white sand, and an array of blue water below.

At Rainbow Springs, we'll take plenty of time to explore this incredible, sapphire basin. We highly recommend bringing snorkel gear or goggles to submerge in the magnificent under water world of this spring. The water is so clear you won't believe your eyes. It's like swimming in an aquarium with 150 feet of visibility, tons of marine plants and animals, and sunlight casting mesmerizing reflections above and below.

Then, we'll beach our boards to explore the lush gargens in the state park on foot. You will see the old Florida Waterfalls a babbling creeks, eat snacks under the shade of an oak tree, or just lie back to absorb the rejuvenating energy of this space.

Returning to our boards, we'll float lazily downstream - a great way to leisurely snorkel with the current and take in a variety of underwater sights. We'll stop to explore several deeper, turquoise swimming holes and springs; take photos, and chill under palm trees.

Once we reach our launch site, we'll swim at the two springs located directly off the dock - one wide and deep spring; and one small, hidden spring. Then we'll relax and enjoy a picnic lunch and refreshing beverages at the picnic tables on the dock with a Rainbow Wonderland view. And for your comfort, there is an on site guest house with restroom and changing area.

What's Included:

• All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear
• 4 hour Guided Eco Tour with experienced and certified guides/instructors (including SUP, snorkel, and hike)
• Private Riverside Oasis with Dock, Picnic Table, & Guest House
• Launch Fee ($15 value)
• SUP Instruction
• Tour Photos
• Paddle Tribe

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 :)

Time: 10a ready to launch. Please be on time so the group is not held up. If you require more time to unload your own gear or inflate your paddleboard, you may arrive as early as 9:30a.

Location/Parking: Once you pass the Winn Dixie, please call (don't text) George (the owner of the launch site) at 407-325-0094. He will meet you at the top of the street and guide you to the correct site. This is a residential area and the neighbors are very particular about the amount of cars and how they are parked. Car pooling is also highly encouraged please.

Bring: Water, towel, dry bag, snacks/picnic lunch*, beverages*, snorkel gear/goggles, neoprene (like a wetsuit top or spring suit if you are prone to feeling cold while swimming in 72 degree water), dry change of clothes. Disposable items and alcohol are NOT permitted on the river - please bring hydration and snacks in reusable containers. If you're bringing your own paddle craft, a life vest and whistle are required by law.

*Disposable items and alcohol are NOT permitted on the river - please bring hydration and snacks in reusable containers. However, alcohol and disposable items are permitted at our launch site, NO GLASS please! There is also a grill if you'd like to use it for your lunch.

Wear: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (with straps), apparel that is easy to move in and can get wet (like dry wicking workout clothes or swimwear), shoes that can get wet (for walking the state park).

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.

Tips are highly appreciated if you believe your instruction, service, and experience to be exceptional!

IMPORTANT: In the event of inclement weather, you will be notified via Eventbrite email at least 3 hours prior to start time of a reschedule. Be sure to check your email before traveling to the site. If you are unable to make it the day of, text Jessica at 850.445.8348 so we don't wait around for you. Thanks!

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Dunnellon, Sports events in Dunnellon, Health & Wellness events in Dunnellon.