The Chaz River and Springs Paddle Tour

This paddle exploring the Chaz River will take you to 4 different springs, up a narrow creek, into coves, on a short hike, and swimming through limestone tunnels! Our tours are longer than most, giving ample time to explore and enjoy each spring, and stop and smell the water lilies! Guiding and instructing stand up paddleboard tours since 2010, we have the experience and knowledge to ensure the best adventure!

Your friendly guide will assign you to quality and fitted paddleboard gear, go over water safety, and give a land-lesson to any beginner paddlers (orienting you with gear and paddling technique). Then we'll launch the boards from the ramp and begin our tour. We'll paddle the lush river to an incredible, unique underwater formation called Seven Sisters Springs. Here, you'll discover your inner mermaid or aquaman and swim through shallow, flute-like tubes made of limestone. You can choose to swim through short sections, or go for longer ones when you’re comfortable. Once refreshed, we’ll paddle to another spring, bordered by red aquatic plants, that resembles an iris and is appropriately nicknamed The Eye. Then, we'll seek a hidden emerald spring called The Crack. Accessible only by paddle craft or flats boat, it's at the end of a narrow, winding creek, opening up to a green-blue pool surrounded by forest. It’s a place you’d imagine a siren would live, and you may just spot one! Other wildlife sightings include jumping mullet, swimming blue crab, a variety of birds, and the occasional manatee and otter! We'll stop for a swim here, climb some trees, and eat our snacks. After we've had our fill, we'll paddle back to boat ramp.

Stand Up Paddle Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced - instruction included. Must know how to swim and be confident on the water. Kids 12 years old and under may ride along with an experienced adult for free.

Paddle Distance: about 3mi with lots of stops along the way to relax and swim in the springs.

What's Included:

• Quality Stand Up Paddleboard Gear (seated option available - please request)
• 4 hour Guided Eco-Tour (experienced, friendly guides)
• 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 - bring your own paddle gear for a discounted rate
• Kayak Rental - please inquire

Time:

• Including SUP rentals: arrive at 8:15a to park, pay the $5 fee and use the restroom. The lot fills up fast so we recommend arriving on time or you may have to park further away and walk. You may arrive as early as 8a if you don't mind waiting for us to prep your gear.
• BYOBoard/Paddle Craft, arrive as early as 8a to prep and be ready to launch by 8:30a - this means boards fully inflated, etc. 8:30a
• Meeting Time 8:30a (ready to launch)

Parking: There is a parking lot at the boat ramp with a $5 parking fee. Follow signs to the boat ramp and park closest to it. If the lot is full, ask the parking lot attendant to direct you to overflow. Please arrive early to ensure parking in the lot. Payment for parking is at the store near the parking lot or sometimes with the golf cart attendant in the parking lot.

Store/Restrooms: There is a restroom next to the parking lot and a small general store for any last minute items. This is where you'll pay for parking as well.

Meet: To the left of the kayak launch/boat ramp at the picnic table.

Bring: Water, towel, snacks or picnic lunch, dry bag, snorkel gear (mask/snorkel or goggles and neoprene wetsuit if you get cold in 72 degree water temp), dry change of clothes, $5 parking fee (and extra money if you wish to purchase any items at the convenience store). If you're bringing your own paddle craft, a life vest and whistle are required by law.

Wear: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (with straps), apparel that is easy to move in and can get wet (like dry wicking workout clothes or swimwear), bug spray, water shoes for a short hike up to the Crack.

IMPORTANT: In the event of inclement weather (rain/lightening/high winds), you will be notified of a reschedule via email at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled paddle. We only reschedule so that your SUP experience will be the most safe and enjoyable one possible!

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!

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