Paddlecraft Rentals

Paddle the healing waters of the Spring Garden Run

Experience the wonders of this iconic Florida spring destination as you journey into its beauty. Our paddlecraft rentals are conveniently located just downstream of the breathtaking headspring waterfall. Prepare to encounter a variety of captivating wildlife, including turtles, herons, egrets, otters, osprey, and more. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor that awaits you!


This reservation will be valid anytime during launch hours on your selected date (9AM-3PM).

Duration

  • 1 HOUR for Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs
  • 30 MINUTES for Pedal Boats

*Additional time may be purchased onsite if desired.

Singles/Paddleboards:

  • $9/additional hour
  • $45 max day charge

Tandems and Canoes:

  • $11/additional hour
  • $60 max day charge

Pedal Boats:

  • $10/additional half hour

Arrival

  • Our rentals are located inside De Leon Springs State Park. This reservation does not cover park entry – all park entry fees will apply.
  • During busy summer months, De Leon Springs State Park regularly reaches capacity, some days as early as 9AM. At this point, further entry will not be permitted, even for those guests with reservations. It is very important to arrive early to ensure entry to the park.

Boats and Capacities*

  • Single Kayaks – 1 Passenger or 350lbs
  • Tandem Kayaks – Up to 2 Passengers or 500lbs
  • 2-seat Canoes – Up to 3 Passengers or 400lbs
  • Stand Up Paddleboard – 1 Passenger or 250lbs
  • Pedal Boat – 4 Passengers or 1000lbs

*Whichever is less

What to Bring

  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat

Policies

  • Must be 18 years old to rent.
  • Must be 12 years old to be a single passenger in a boat accompanied by a parent in the group.
  • Disposable items and alcohol are not allowed to launch.
  • Pets are not permitted in rental equipment.
  • Swimming and exiting your boat is not permitted.
  • All children under the age of 6 must wear a life jacket at all times when on a paddle craft.
  • All vessels must arrive back at the launch by 5:00PM. Any late vessels will be charged $50/vessel/hr, starting at 5PM.

Essential Eligibility Criteria

  • Be a minimum of 5 years old
  • Must have the ability to follow visual and/or verbal instruction independently or with the assistance of a companion.
  • Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors for the entirety of the rental period, this includes sun exposure on the water, currents/wave action, and exposure to insects.
  • Must have the ability to operate a watercraft independently, which includes paddling against and with a current, entry/exit of the paddle craft, and maneuvering the watercraft around other vessels.
  • Have the ability to tolerate 72-degree water and bright sunlight for 2 hours or more while paddling without disturbing the river bottom
  • Have the ability to survive in the water without the paddle craft independently or with the assistance of a companion in the event of falling or flipping off the paddle craft
  • Have the ability to remain seated, maneuver, and balance independently or with the assistance of a companion or with the use of adaptive equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

What paddlecraft can I rent at De Leon Springs?

You can rent single and tandem kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, tubes for the spring, and snorkeling gear.

How long is a paddlecraft rental and what are the launch hours?

Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are rented for 1 hour, pedal boats for 30 minutes, and you can launch any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on your selected date, with extra time available to purchase onsite.

Does my paddlecraft rental include park entry?

No. Paddlecraft reservations do not cover park entry, and regular park entry fees still apply.

What are the age and safety rules for paddlecraft rentals?

You must be 18 years old to rent, at least 12 years old to paddle alone while a parent is in the group, and at least 5 years old to participate. Children under 6 must wear a life jacket at all times on a paddlecraft.

Are paddlecraft rentals accessible for ADA guests or people using adaptive equipment?

Eligibility requires the ability to follow instructions, tolerate sun and 72-degree water, operate and balance a watercraft, and manage entry and exit, either independently, with a companion, or with adaptive equipment.

What are the weight and capacity limits for boats?

Single kayaks hold 1 passenger or up to 350 pounds, tandem kayaks hold up to 2 passengers or 500 pounds, 2-seat canoes hold up to 3 passengers or 400 pounds, stand-up paddleboards hold 1 passenger or 250 pounds, and pedal boats hold 4 passengers or 1,000 pounds, whichever is less.