St. Johns River Blueway Trails

St. Johns River Blueway Trails have been developed by Volusia County and the State. Maps of the Blueway Trails can be downloaded from the County website and include: Hontoon Dead River Paddling Trail, Tick Island Paddling Trail, Alexander Springs State Canoe Trail and Gemini Springs Paddling Trail.

Volusia Paddling Trails

Blue Spring State Park

You are invited to canoe beautiful Blue Spring Run and the St Johns River. Canoes and kayaks may be rented at St. Johns River Cruises along the St. Johns River. For more information, costs and reservations call (407) 330-1612 or (386) 917-0724. You can visit us at St. Johns River Cruises.

Blue Springs is a designated manatee refuge. Temperatures in the spring run remain a constant 72 degrees, creating a safe haven for the West Indian manatee. To provide a safe warm water refuge for manatees during the winter season, the spring and spring run is closed to all water related activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boating from November 15 through March 1.

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

De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park provides access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where canoeists can explore 21,574 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available in the park throughout the year. The De Leon Springs State Park is contiguous to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge area is easily accessed by water and provides excellent birding and fishing opportunities. Paddleboats can be rented by the half hour and hour. Canoes and kayaks are available by the hour, half day (four hours) and full day. As there is limited road access into the refuge, all rentals return to their point of departure at the park. All rentals must return to the dock by 4:45 p.m. and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

Hontoon Dead River Paddling Trail

The Hontoon Dead River Paddling Trail is a 10-mile paddling trail in west Volusia County. The trail travels along the St. Johns River and around Hontoon Island. Paddlers may follow the Hontoon Dead River or Snake Creek. There are two points to launch your craft and enjoy this beautiful paddling trail – French Avenue off U.S. 17/92 and the Hontoon Island State Park boat ramp near the end of Hontoon Road off Old New York Avenue. When the final phase of our new park at Lake Beresford is completed, there will be a third launching site in the park. Printable map and more info at link below.

Hontoon Dead River Paddling Trail
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 736-5953

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina

Every year we host a variety of rowing camps from all over the country that use our facility to train. Our resort offers a floating dock to launch, giving you perfect access to the river and lakes. Our location provides calm conditions along many miles of the St. Johns River and access to Hontoon Dead River and Lake Beresford.

If your college, university or club would like to explore a training retreat at Hontoon, please contact customer service at the number below.

If you are an individual rowing/kayaking enthusiast, we welcome you as a guest. You will find that Hontoon is “a place like no other” worth visiting and offering many memories way beyond your imagination.

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

Gemini Springs Park

Canoes are available for rent at the canoe launch area near the fishing pier during regular park hours. All children, regardless of age, must wear a life jacket. A life jacket for each passenger also must be in the canoe.

Canoes will easily hold three adults or two adults and up to three children. Except for the bow and stern seats, all passengers must sit on the floor of the canoe. Avoid rocking the boat or leaning to the side and use caution in paddling.

To reserve recreational facilities, please call 386-736-5953.

Gemini Springs Park
37 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, Florida 32713
(386) 668-3810

Central Florida Kayak Tours

Whether you are here on vacation, a convention or local to the area, if you are ready to get away from it all and experience nature like never before, Central Florida Nature Adventures, LLC is here to help. We offer guided kayak tours on some of the area’s most pristine waterways and provide all of the equipment necessary for you to have a relaxing time on the water.

Central Florida Kayak Tours
Book tours online or call:
(352) 589-7899

Hontoon Island State Park

Our aluminum canoes or tandem kayaks can be rented for day use. Paddles and floatation devices are included. All vessels need to be returned no later than one hour before sunset.

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

Mariner’s Cove Park

Mariner’s Cove Park combines recreational activities in a natural and pristine environment.

The park includes a multipurpose play area with backstops and soccer goal, a basketball court, tennis court, picnic pavilions, grills, restrooms, children’s playground, wildlife viewing area, small fishing dock, and a free small boat ramp. The boat ramp, which provides access to Lake Monroe through Bethel Creek, is ideal for small Jon boats and canoes.

Mariner’s Cove Park is in historic Enterprise and is an ideal location for small group picnics, birthday parties and much more. There is room for all types of open play activities and plenty of shade under the oak trees.

To reserve recreational facilities, please call the phone number below.

Mariner’s Cove Park
1199 Enterprise-Osteen Road, Enterprise, FL 32725
(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