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Discover Glow Paddle, a unique nocturnal kayaking adventure on Florida’s Santa Fe River. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, signature mocktails, and a magical paddle through glowing Poe Springs under the moonlight.
Discover Glow Paddle, a unique nocturnal kayaking adventure on Florida’s Santa Fe River. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner, signature mocktails, and a magical paddle through glowing Poe Springs under the moonlight.
Book with Anderson's Outdoor Adventures
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Anderson's Outdoor Adventures · High Springs, Florida
Experience a night unlike any other with Glow Paddle, a captivating evening adventure along Florida’s scenic Santa Fe River, near High Springs. This unique excursion invites paddlers to glide through gently rippling waters under a moonlit sky, illuminated by the ethereal glow of Poe Springs. Perfect for families and night explorers alike, this trip combines slow-smoked BBQ, signature mocktails, and an otherworldly kayaking experience that captures the magic of nocturnal nature.
The Santa Fe River area is famed for its crystal-clear springs and lush subtropical surroundings, where native wildlife thrives among cypress trees and towering palms. Glow Paddle highlights one of the most enchanting natural features in the region: Poe Springs, whose luminescent waters create a glowing spectacle at night due to the natural bioluminescence and clear spring flow. As you paddle downstream, gentle currents carry you through a quiet, star-blanketed landscape, while the glowing necklace, bracelets, and sticks provided enhance the sense of wonder.
Start your journey at Low & Slow Almost-Bar & Grill, located at 28000 High Springs, FL, where a delicious, slow-smoked BBQ dinner and refreshing signature lemonade mocktail prepare you for the evening. After savoring your meal, a shuttle transports your group upriver to the 27 Ramp launch site. Here, you’ll set out in either a single or tandem kayak, with paddles and life jackets included, to drift quietly downriver. The peaceful dark waters come alive as your kayak skims past ancient riverbanks, and you’ll feel the night humming with wildlife sounds and the gentle shush of water.
Arriving at the glowing Poe Springs, you’ll beach your kayak and explore the illuminated boardwalk that beckons you back to Low & Slow, providing one last magical moment under the stars. This adventure is perfectly suited for all skill levels—no previous kayaking experience is necessary, though basic swimming ability is recommended. Children down to age five can join, making it a memorable family outing.
What makes Glow Paddle stand out is not only its rare night-time glow experience but also the seamless blend of dining, paddling, and wildlife immersion in one fluid adventure. It offers a refreshing way to experience Florida’s waterways beyond the daytime crowds, bringing a new dimension to adventure travel. Plus, the manageable group size of up to 14 ensures a personal and safe paddle.
If you’re drawn to nature with a hint of enchantment, Glide Paddle on the Santa Fe River delivers. Bring insect repellent, a water bottle, a headlamp, and a camera to capture the unforgettable glow and keep a change of clothes handy. Whether you want a peaceful night paddle or a family-friendly escapade, this trip will leave you glowing with memories long after the stars fade.
easy.
5+ hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, basic swimming skills recommended for safety.
No prior kayaking experience is needed. This is a beginner-friendly, novice-level trip.
Yes, AOA is pet-friendly and allows dogs on vessels and shuttles, but park rules apply.
Yes, paddlers almost always get wet; dress accordingly and bring a change of clothes.
Yes, alligators are present but generally small and not aggressive; maintain a safe distance.
Yes, all paddlers receive personal flotation devices included with kayak rentals.
Insect repellent, water, headlamp, a camera, and a change of clothes with a towel are recommended.
The Santa Fe River has long been a vital waterway for native peoples and was designated a State Preserve in 1975 to protect its spring-fed ecosystems.
Tours emphasize leave-no-trace principles and local efforts to protect the delicate spring and river habitats from pollution and overuse.
Anderson's Outdoor Adventures, based in High Springs, Florida, provides guided river trips, pontoon boat charters, pavilion rentals, and RV delivery services across North Florida springs and rivers. The business organizes the Bridge to Bridge guided kayak trip (October–February), a 7.25-hour paddle that covers roughly 10 miles and passes more than a dozen natural springs, including Poe, Rum Island, Gilchrist Blue, and Ginnie Springs. Anderson's lists a 6-hour Suwannee River pontoon boat rental aimed at swimming, fishing, and exploring crystal-clear springs and sandy banks. For campers who prefer turnkey logistics, Anderson's offers RV delivery, setup, and pickup at multiple spring destinations including Ginnie Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Otter Springs, Manatee Springs, Hart Springs, and Moonshine Acres. Those services remove the need to manage dump stations and on-site setup so groups can focus on the outdoor experience. Poe Springs pavilion rentals include access for kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, and on-site food options such as slow-smoked barbecue from local vendors. The company also lists a wine-tasting sailing experience aboard a 65' catamaran in Santa Cruz under one trip listing. Trip descriptions, durations, and booking details vary by experience and are managed per listing and site rules. Anderson's Outdoor Adventures partners with local parks and outfitters to coordinate equipment and schedules, emphasizing convenience, local route knowledge, and access to North Florida waterways.
Book with Anderson's Outdoor Adventures