Reservations
Tour & Rentals
Fountain of Youth Boat Tour
The Fountain of Youth Boat Tour 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.
Tours are at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, and 1 p.m.
Rentals
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…
We also provide tubes for a float in our Springs, snorkeling gear for those who want to get a better look, as well as both tandem and single kayaks and canoes. Guests can make their reservation online or at the onsite rental office located at the take-out window.
Rental Hours
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Saturday & Sundays
All rentals must be returned ten minutes before closing. The minimum one-hour rate applies to all rentals.
- Tandem Kayak & Canoe
- Single Kayak
- Tubes (to be used in the Springs)
- Snorkeling Gear
Other Experiences at De Leon Springs
Birdwatching
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; 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.
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 and recycling containers are nearby.
Swimming
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 rent.
Scuba Diving
All persons participating in scuba diving and free diving activities do so at their own risk…
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.
Divers must complete their dive one hour before sunset.
No divers are permitted in the cavern.