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Paddle the Ichetucknee River by moonlight on a Ranger-led trip that reveals Florida’s river in a new light. Choose kayak or canoe for a 2-hour journey beneath the stars.
Paddle the Ichetucknee River by moonlight on a Ranger-led trip that reveals Florida’s river in a new light. Choose kayak or canoe for a 2-hour journey beneath the stars.
Book with Ichetucknee Springs
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ichetucknee Springs · Cape Canaveral, Florida
The Ichetucknee River, coursing through Florida’s lush woodlands near Fort White, offers an uncommon nocturnal adventure with Ichetucknee Springs’ Moonlit Paddle. This 2 to 2.5-hour journey departs from the North Entrance at Paddling Adventures and invites paddlers to glide silently beneath a radiant full moon, revealing a different face of the river’s vibrant ecosystem. Guided by a knowledgeable Park Ranger, you navigate in single or tandem kayaks and canoes, vessels designed to minimize disturbance and maximize immersion.
Unlike typical daylight trips, this paddle unveils bioluminescent reflections and shimmering water under starlit skies, punctuated by calls of night-dwelling wildlife. The river itself carves through limestone formations characteristic of Florida’s karst terrain, feeding crystal-clear springs that maintain year-round temperatures, nurturing unique aquatic vegetation and fostering populations of turtles and river fish rarely seen after dark.
Ichetucknee Springs, a protected state park, is a vital part of northeastern Florida’s natural heritage, serving both recreational and conservation roles. The Moonlit Paddle stands out as a rare opportunity to appreciate the river’s serenity and subtle nocturnal life beyond typical daylight hours. With shuttle service included and all necessary gear provided—including life jackets and boats—this excursion focuses on accessibility and environmental respect, prohibiting personal watercraft to ensure safety and preserve river quality.
This trip is not only a serene escape into Florida’s natural rhythms but also an educational experience guided by professionals who share local history and ecological insights. Whether you’re new to paddling or an outdoor enthusiast, the Moonlit Paddle by Ichetucknee Springs offers a uniquely memorable way to connect with Florida’s wild heart in the quiet of night.
easy.
2–2.5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal paddling experience needed as instruction and guidance are provided.
Yes, all participants receive life jackets as part of the trip cost and are required to wear them.
No, personal watercraft are not allowed on this ranger-led trip to protect river safety and ecosystem health.
No, beginners are welcome. Rangers provide guidance to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Dress in water-friendly clothing, bring insect repellent, and wear closed-toe shoes; a waterproof bag for valuables is recommended.
Age restrictions are not specified here; please contact Ichetucknee Springs directly to confirm if children can join.
The paddle departs from Paddling Adventures at 8294 Southwest Elim Church Road, Fort White, FL 32038.
The Ichetucknee River area has long been valued by Indigenous peoples and was designated a State Park in 1970 to protect its crystal-clear springs.
Strict group limits and gear restrictions reduce human impact and protect fragile aquatic plants and wildlife unique to this karst spring ecosystem.
Ichetucknee Springs, located in Cape Canaveral, Florida, is a park-based outfitter and natural attraction offering guided and rental paddling experiences on the Ichetucknee River. The site provides a range of water activities including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and river tubing that let visitors experience crystal-clear springs, river channels, and scenic riparian corridors. As the only rental facility operating within the park, Ichetucknee Springs equips guests with boats, tubes, safety gear, and tram information for easy shuttles between launch and take-out points. Trip options accommodate short leisure floats, multi-mile river paddles for experienced paddlers, and specialty guided events such as moonlit and ranger-led sunset paddles that highlight nocturnal wildlife and quiet river atmosphere. Ichetucknee Springs emphasizes guest safety and environmental stewardship through regulated rentals, staffed launch points, and collaboration with park rangers to maintain natural resources and visitor compliance. Families, couples, and small groups find accessible paddle options at the Midpoint Launch and Dampier’s Landing, as well as extended routes that traverse the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers to distant take-outs. The variety of craft — from single and tandem kayaks to canoes and stand-up paddleboards — supports different skill levels and trip preferences. With all-day wristband options for tubing, tram service between key points, and experienced staff familiar with local currents and park procedures, Ichetucknee Springs delivers an organized, memorable river experience rooted in the unique spring-fed environment of the Ichetucknee River. Reservations and onsite staffing vary seasonally; visitors should check availability and park rules before arrival for safe enjoyment.
Book with Ichetucknee Springs