Glide from DeLeon Springs State Park through Spring Garden Creek to Lake Woodruff NWR on a 50-minute narrated boat tour. Expect close wildlife sightings, regional history about the Fountain of Youth, and calm, spring-fed waterways ideal for birding and photography.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A low-slung skiff slips away from the state park dock and the slow current of Spring Garden Creek takes charge. Spanish moss brushes the boat’s shadow; water glassily parts around submerged grasses while herons stalk the shallows. In 50 minutes the river opens into Spring Garden Lake, brushes Jones Island and reaches the edge of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge where marsh and sky trade reflections.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; guests remain seated for the short cruise and boarding assistance is available
Wildlife
History
The spring area has archaeological evidence of human use for thousands of years and was later associated with the Ponce de León Fountain of Youth legend and 19th-century sugar operations.
Conservation
The route skirts Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge; practice leave-no-trace, do not feed wildlife, and respect posted refuge boundaries to protect fragile marsh habitat.
Reserve your spot on the DeLeon Springs River Boat Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Boarding and accessibility
Boarding is wheelchair accessible; arrive 15 minutes early to allow staff to assist with boarding and seating.
Sun protection
Open water and reflected light make sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses essential even on cloudy days.
Bring binoculars
A compact pair of binoculars improves views of distant marsh birds and subtle shoreline wildlife.
Insect protection
Apply DEET or picaridin in spring and summer—mosquitoes are active near wetlands, especially at dawn and dusk.
Sunscreen and hat
Protects against reflected glare on the water during year-round Florida sun.
spring
Binoculars
Helps identify birds and scan marsh edges where wildlife can be distant.
Light rain shell
Useful for sudden summer showers or cool, breezy mornings on the water.
summer
Camera with polarizing filter
Reduces glare and improves contrast for photos of water, birds, and open marsh.