Make your reservation to explore De Leon Springs today!
De Leon Springs River Cruise
The De Leon Springs River Cruise departs four times daily, and journeys for 50 minutes through De Leon Springs State Park and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. The boat takes passengers on a relaxing trip filled with extraordinary close-contact experiences with the local wildlife.
During their journey, guests will also learn about the area’s rich 6,000-year history, the spring’s “healing waters,” how the Fountain of Youth story originated, and the animals that call it home.
ADA Accessibility:
Each tour can accommodate a few manual wheelchairs, but not motorized wheelchairs. Read more here.
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The park features a variety of small boats for guests to paddle their way through De Leon Springs, Spring Garden Run, and the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. A must for any avid kayaker, paddleboarder, or canoer.
During their journey, guests will also learn about the area’s rich 6,000-year history, the spring’s “healing waters,” how the Fountain of Youth story originated, and the animals that call it home.
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Guided Hiking Tours
Join your guide and experience De Leon Springs Nature Walk!
Duration
50 Minutes
Meeting point
Tours depart every hour from the artifacts located behind the Sugar Mill
The 50-minute guided hike takes place on a paved trail with sections of wooden boardwalk and designated viewing areas. A limited number of wheelchairs can be accommodated per tour.
Book NowGuided Kayak Tour
Join your guide and experience Spring Garden Creek!
Duration: 1 hour
Each trip is unique and wildlife sightings vary daily, but you can expect to see wading birds, manatees, and alligators. Ideal for birders, sightseers, and photographers, these small-group tours (maximum 10 guests per guide) allow our naturalists to give you extra attention.
Please note: we launch our boats from a beach, so your feet may get wet during launch, plan your footwear accordingly.
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Other Experiences at De Leon Springs
Swimming
Take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear spring, where the water stays a perfect 72 degrees year-round! Whether you’re floating in a tube or diving into the deep blue, this natural oasis is the perfect way to cool off and unwind.
Swimming is permitted from 8 a.m. until a half-hour before sunset (park closing). The swimming area is a constant 72 degrees, and depths range from 18 inches to 30 feet at the spring boil.
- Children and non-swimmers should be accompanied by an adult swimmer at all times and should remain in the roped-off areas.
- No lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk year-round.
- No swimming is permitted in Spring Garden Run.
- Pets are not allowed in the sunbathing area.
- The swimming area will be closed when lightning is detected within 6 miles.
- Floats and rafts are allowed in the swimming area; however, flotation devices cannot exceed 5 feet for a circle or 4 feet by 6 feet for a rectangle.
- Snorkel gear is available for purchase.
Bird Watching
The park is on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Wading birds are almost always present in Spring Garden Run…
Walk the Nature Trail or the Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail to see other species. Bald eagles can sometimes be seen nesting in nearby Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and fishing in Spring Garden Run. A bird list is available at the park.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Spring Garden Run and from the fishing pier; magnet fishing, snatch hooks, and cast nets are not allowed on park property…
A freshwater fishing license is required as applicable, and all freshwater fishing laws apply.
Hiking
De Leon Springs State Park offers a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible paved nature trail with interpretive signs. The trail passes through a floodplain forest with cypress, hardwoods, and other plants native to this area, including a cypress tree that is more than 600 years old…
The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail, a 4-mile loop, will lead you through several natural communities. Deer, turkeys, wild hogs, and Florida black bears are sometimes seen.
Parts of the trail can flood during wet seasons, and biting insects are common, so appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended, along with insect repellent and drinking water. Hikers must register at the ranger station.
The 1-mile paved hiking trail is easily accessible to wheelchair users and strollers. Please note, the 4-mile trail is unpaved and may be difficult to navigate for motility devices.
Picnicking
Picnic tables and grills are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the shade of large live oaks. All picnic pavilions are on accessible routes…
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any area of the park.
- Trash cans are nearby.
Scuba Diving
Certified divers can explore the crystal-clear depths of De Leon Springs, but remember, spaces are limited, buddies are required, and the cavern is off-limits. Plan wisely and dive responsibly!
A maximum of 32 divers are allowed at any given time. First come first served.
Divers must possess proof of their diver’s certification.
A dive party must consist of at least 2 divers.
All persons participating in scuba diving and free diving activities do so at their own risk.
Divers must complete their dive one hour before sunset.
No divers are permitted in the cavern.
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