River of Lakes Heritage Corridor is a perfect place to put a canoe or kayak in the water!
Visit the Cycling, Hiking, and Equestrian sections for more trail options.
Paddling
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.
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 contact Blue Spring Adventures.
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 Adventures
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
833-953-2583
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, Canoes, and kayaks are available for rental.
De Leon SpringsAdventures
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, De Leon Springs, Florida 32130
855-980-2665
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
Hontoon Island State Park
The predominant natural communities are floodplain swamp, floodplain marsh, mesic flatwoods and hydric hammock.
The island can be circumnavigated with a nine and a half-mile (14 km) day trip; Blue Spring State Park is a short paddle up the St. Johns (3.5 miles) one way. Amenities include canoe rentals, bike paths, 12 tent sites, and six rustic cabins.
The park is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Activities include:
- cycling
- boating, canoeing, kayaking, and overnight boat slip rentals
- fishing
- hiking – a total of 8 mi of trails (Hammock hiking trail is 1.5 mi of foot traffic only. The other trails are foot traffic and bicycle friendly.)
- camping
- picnicking and playground equipment
- nature viewing and photography
- a lending library with picture books for children aged four to nine
Hontoon Island Adventures
2309 River Ridge Road, DeLand, Florida 32720
833-953-2583
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
Holly Bluff Resort & Marina
Just a short drive, but a world away, from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, your real Central Florida adventure begins at Holly Bluff Marina. We are located at the end of a peninsula along the St. Johns River in DeLand, an unspoiled piece of paradise situated between Daytona Beach and the Orlando area attractions.
Rent a pontoon boat or houseboat to experience a unique journey away from the crowds. Cruise the river and explore crystal blue fresh water springs where manatees spend their winters, see live alligators and turtles basking in their natural habitat and watch exotic birds take flight. Delightful surprises await around every turn of this special part of Florida.
2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720
(386)822-9992
