Set sail on a historic and scenic 50-minute cruise in De Leon Springs with De Leon Adventures. Discover native history and navigate serene waters that showcase Florida’s natural beauty—and learn why this experience is a highlight for visitors seeking a relaxing, educational outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
50 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels; minimal physical activity required.
Wildlife
History
The waters once served as transportation routes for indigenous peoples and Civil War soldiers, deepening the area's cultural layers.
Conservation
De Leon Adventures emphasizes low-impact tourism, helping preserve the natural environment while educating visitors about local ecosystems.
De Leon Adventures
Set sail on a historic and scenic 50-minute cruise in De Leon Springs with De Leon Adventures. Discover native history and navigate serene waters that showcase Florida’s natural beauty—and learn why this experience is a highlight for visitors seeking a relaxing, educational outing.
De Leon Adventures operates from De Leon Springs, Florida, offering guided tours, boat cruises, rentals, and educational experiences focused on the local springs, waterways, and wildlife. The company provides a narrated 50-minute DeLeon Springs River Cruise aboard Sunshine Sally that explores Spring Garden Lake and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and highlights the area's natural and historical significance. Guided kayak and paddlecraft tours on Spring Garden Creek introduce visitors to wading birds, manatees, and occasional alligators, with small group sizes that emphasize safety and personalized attention. Guided hiking tours traverse trails where birding and wildlife photography are common, led by knowledgeable naturalists who point out regional flora and fauna. Seasonal and themed offerings include a Haunted Halloween Boat Tour that runs as a seasonal attraction and a Children’s Pancake Cooking Class designed for ages seven to twelve, combining hands-on cooking with a meal. Non-guided options include pedal boat and other equipment rentals for self-guided exploration of the spring areas.
De Leon Adventures focuses on interpretive narration, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly activities that match the natural and historical character of De Leon Springs. Safety and stewardship of the springs are integrated into guided programs through small group management and on-water oversight. Visitors can choose from short narrated cruises, guided paddling excursions, hikes, and specialty programs that suit a range of interests and ages. The organization is based in De Leon Springs and operates within the local spring and creek environments.
Programs emphasize respectful wildlife viewing and strict adherence to local rules.
Location
De Leon Springs, FL
Historic springside setting
Signature Cruise
50 min
Narrated river cruise aboard Sunshine Sally
Tours Offered
8
Range of guided and rental options
Family Friendly
Children’s classes
Activities for ages 7–12
Reserve narrated cruises, guided paddles, hikes, rentals, or family classes to experience De Leon Springs' natural beauty.
Bring Sun Protection
Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses as much of the cruise is held in direct sunlight.
Arrive Early
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures ample time for check-in and boarding.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Choose lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather—layers are also helpful.
Bring Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing and bird identification with a pair of binoculars.
Sun Protection
A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are key to staying comfortable during open-air boat trips.
summer
Binoculars
Use binoculars to catch more details of distant birds and wildlife.
Light Layered Clothing
Dressing in layers helps you adjust to changing temperatures during the cruise.
spring|fall
Camera
Capture the scenic views and wildlife encounters along the way.