Blue Heron River Tours

Your Blue Heron River Tour is a front row ticket to the world of nature. Our custom built vessel, “Great Blue,” was specifically designed to cruise the quiet and shallow backwater areas where wildlife viewing is best. The interactive narrative supplied by our Coast Guard licensed captains offers a comprehensive insight into the fragile beauty of the St Johns River and the Hontoon Dead River in Florida.

Upon arriving at Hontoon Landing Resort and Marina, you will board “Great Blue” via our ADA approved loading ramp. Special areas in the front of the vessel are available for our guests in wheelchairs.

Your two hour Blue Heron River Tour will take you on a trip south on the St. Johns River past the manatee refuge at Blue Spring State Park. Continuing south we pass through an 1800’s cypress logging canal into the Hontoon Dead River, arguably one of the most beautiful rivers in the St. Johns River valley. It is not unusual to view adult and baby alligators, turtles and a large variety of wading birds. And although the winter months are best for seeing manatees, we occasionally find them feeding on the river all year long.

Blue Heron River Tours
2317 River Ridge Road, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 873-4843

Airboat & Gator Charters

The swamp is our playground! Captain Joshua is an alligator hunting guide who knows where to find alligators, so be prepared for a real Florida adventure! You can expect to see plenty of wildlife such as wild hogs, deer and many species of birds. Florida’s beautiful landscape includes cypress swamps, Spanish moss covered oaks, lily marshes and the dark waters of the St. Johns River. Launching from De Leon Springs and Geneva – reservations are required.

Captain Joshua also offers bow fishing charters. Bow fishing is a fun and exciting sport for all ages! The non-stop, year-round action and fast pace make for a fun and exciting charter. The primitive nature of using a bow and arrow to secure your dinner, draws archers young and old.

Airboat & Gator Charters
Lake Woodruff Area, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 747-0631

Blue Spring State Park

St. Johns River Cruises and Tours depart daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. This is a two-hour narrated nature and ecological cruise on the beautiful and historic St. Johns River. See the Real Florida…naturally. For fees and reservations, please call (407) 330-1612 or (386) 917-0724. Visit us at St. Johns River Cruises.

St. Johns River Cruises has become the latest Florida ecotour provider to successfully complete the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism’s rigorous certification program and was awarded the prestigious Platinum Level Certification for meeting over 90% of the bonus criteria on the Florida

Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663

Blue Lake Boat Ramp

This one-acre site provides free boat ramp access to Lake George and a single bench rest area. Parking is very limited. Perch, bass and trout are found in Lake George.

Blue Lake Boat Ramp
313 Blue Lake Terrace, DeLand, FL 32724
(386) 736-5953

De Leon Springs State Park

Boating is permitted in Spring Garden Creek. A boat launch is offered at no additional charge. Boats up to 22′ may be launched depending on water levels of Spring Garden Creek. Call park for information on water levels.

Enjoy a 50-minute eco/history boat tour of the Spring Garden Run aboard the M/V Acuera. You will see a variety of wildlife and learn about the area’s rich history.

Visitors on the restaurant waiting list are encouraged to enjoy a boat tour and you won’t lose your place on the waiting list!

Call Captain Frank at (386) 837-5537 for more information. The tour boat is wheelchair accessible with parking nearby.

Spring Garden Run starts at the park and connects with the St. Johns River, a distance of about 10 miles. Jet skis are not recommended.

Native people known as the Mayaca lived in the park for at least 6,000 years. Pedro Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine, first described the Mayaca after an encounter with them north of the park in 1566, a year after he founded St. Augustine. In the late 1500s, Spanish missions were established in the area. In the early 1800s, settlers with slaves built sugar and cotton plantations that were sacked by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. By the 1880s the springs had become a winter resort, and tourists were promised “a fountain of youth impregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulphur.” The Visitor Center features exhibits on the park’s rich history and artifacts on display from the Mayaca.

De Leon Springs State Park
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
(386) 985-4212

Ed Stone Park

Ed Stone Park offers a free public boat ramp park with access to the St. Johns River. Paved and grass parking areas are available for boat trailers and vehicles. The popular fishing park also has benches for patrons, a picnic pavilion, grills and restrooms. Park users are encouraged to help protect Florida’s manatees and wildlife by discarding fishing lines in trash containers provided at the park. Manatees and other wildlife can easily become entangled in or digest discarded monofilament fishing line and hooks.

This popular park site is an ideal spot to launch your boat, fish from the bank, picnic or just relax watching the river and Florida’s wildlife.

Ed Stone Park
2990 W. State Road 44, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-5953

Fountain of Youth Eco/History Tours

Narrated Eco/History Tours depart daily from De Leon Springs State Park through the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. It is said that Ponce De Leon discovered his famed Fountain of Youth here. As we explore nature we will talk about the legends facts and the folk history that surrounds the De Leon Springs Area.

Fountain of Youth Eco/History Tours
2990 W. State Road 44, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 736-5953

Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

Beautiful 25-acre wooded RV campground along 2,300 feet of the St. Johns River. A ‘Camelot on the River’ offering many amenities. 200 RV sites, 10 RV rental units. Bait & tackle, boat ramp, gas, pontoon boat rentals.

Highland Marina & Camp Resort
488 W. Highbanks Rd. – DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-4491

Highland Park Fish Camp

Since 1962, campground and fish camp on the backwaters of the St. Johns River. Borders the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. 54 RV sites, 10 camping sites, 4 cabins. Modern cedar cabins on 30-acre fish camp and campground. Bedroom sleeps 4 plus convertible sofa, full kitchen and bath, with screened porch and rocking chairs. 93 wet slip boat stalls and 80 dry stalls. Boat ramp, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, bait & tackle, fishing guides, fuel, covered boat storage.

Highland Park Fish Camp
2640 W. Highland Park Rd. – DeLand , FL 32720
(386) 734-2234

Holly Bluff Marina

Holly Bluff Marina offers pontoon and houseboat rentals on the beautiful St. Johns River in Central Florida. The St. Johns River offers mile after mile of breathtaking view and pristine beauty. Spanish moss draped trees line the banks of the river and the many lakes that dot the northerly course of the river. There is an abundance of wildlife: alligators, turtles, otter, deer, and raccoon. You may even see manatee (sea cows) grazing on the grasses along the river’s shore.

Holly Bluff Marina
2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 822-9992

Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first-come, first-served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.

Hontoon Island has 40 slips for boat camping in an idle zone on the St. Johns River. Each slip has potable water and marine style 30 amp electric hook-up and a restroom with hot showers. Cooking grills are located nearby in the picnic area. The Island offers picnic area with grills, small playground, horseshoes and 5.75 miles of hiking trails. The island museum and store sells snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Fishing is popular but bait is not sold on Island. Reservations are not accepted. All slips are first come, first served. The nearest public boat ramps are found approximately three miles north at Ed Stone County Park. Please plan to arrive at the park before dark.

Hontoon Island State Park
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, Florida 32720
(386) 736-5309

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina

Offering a virtual utopia for photographers, bird watchers and nature lovers, the St. Johns River is rich in history and breathtaking beauty. You will see more birds and wildlife than most people see in a lifetime. Folks who fish the St. Johns River boast about the trophy large mouth bass and striper they catch. Some of our regular anglers fill their coolers with catfish, speckled perch and delicious panfish. 24′ Pontoon Boats and 16′ Fishing boats available for rental.

Fishing licenses, bait, boat slips, fishing guide referrals available in the Ship’s Store.

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina is pleased to be the home port for the river tour boat “Great Blue”. Daily tours aboard the “Great Blue” are provided by Blue Heron River Tours. For complete information regarding these tours, visit Blue Heron River Tours website www.blueheronrivertours.com.

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina
2317 River Ridge Road, DeLand FL 32720
(386) 734-2474

Lake Monroe County Park

Lemon Bluff boat ramp in Osteen is a quarter-acre park that provides a free boat launch into the St. Johns River.

Lake Monroe County Park
907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 736-5953

Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp

Lemon Bluff boat ramp in Osteen is a quarter-acre park that provides a free boat launch into the St. Johns River.

Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp
907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 736-5953

Riviera Resort & Marina

Nestled along the St. Johns River offering “Old Florida” atmosphere with many modern conveniences, this is a perfect spot for fishing, boating or just relaxing. 36 RV sites. Boat ramp, pontoon and fishing boat rentals, bait and tackle, are available on site.

Riviera Resort & Marina
907 Lemon Bluff Road, Osteen, FL 32764
(386) 736-5953

Tropical Resort & Marina

Bring your own boat to our marina or rent a pontoon or fishing boat and cruise the graceful St. Johns River, now designated a Heritage River. Jet ski or water ski on Lake Beresford. Sail your boat through Big Lake George, to join the flotilla which is always gathered for parties at Silver Glen Springs. Take a kayak or canoe trip on the pristine Ocklawaha River, winding through Ocala National Forest. There are endless adventures to explore.

Tropical Resort & Marina
1485 Lakeview Drive, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 734-3080

St. Johns River Eco Tours

St Johns River Eco Tours operates the most eco-friendly sightseeing boat cruise on the St. Johns River. We operate from the Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort in Debary, Florida. We offer several boat tours daily exploring the river, observing the wild life and experiencing a section of the St. John’s that is little changed from the days when early explorers visited these enchanting waters.

St. Johns River Eco Tours
488 W. Highbanks Road, DeBary, Florida, 32713
(386) 626-9004

St. Johns River Cruises

The St. Johns River Cruise is considered the most popular nature oriented tour in Florida. Our vessel, the “Native II” was specially designed to ply the shallow backwaters of the historic St. Johns River. Tours depart from Blue Springs State Park

St. Johns River Cruises
2100 West French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 917-0724