Had a great time kayaking with Lars, yes like Mars but with an L…read more I was apprehensive at first as to how it was going to go since I have a very limited experience with kayaking. A few times in the past two decades with a few friends who knew what they were doing. It was going to be 4 hours or so on the river. The weather was beautiful and it was so wonderful to soak in all the greens surrounding us. Quite a few herons, osprey, and some kind of warbler. Very nice distance to drive from Gainesville and everyone in there kayak trip today was from Gainesville and they were all very nice. The drive to kayak destination and back in itself was a nice trip with change of scenery and getting out of town on a weekend to avoid the hussles and bussles of every weekend stuff with groceries and errands. Some people saw some alligators and were trying to point them out hiding but we didn't see any on the same trip! We are told that they don't bother people much in general:) When I expreeesed the concern about not being able to keep up with all other kayakers, my husband said that he would leave me behind and if an alligator has not gotten to me on the way back, he will bring me back home if I fall behind. Yes, he is the perfect picture of support!!!! Lars is very laid back and knowledgeable and easy to talk to and we learned a lot during this trip and would love to come back for more. It was such a fun great nature trip!!!!!

The place is long gone and shut down, he was a nice person , then the guy got caught up with the…read morepeople causing overtourism on our river which has contributed to the decline of the river and the area, so good luck with the one guy.

Since my last review was over a decade ago, probably time for an update. I don't come to Ginnie as…read moreoften as other area springs but it's worth a visit now and then--on weekday mornings ideally if you want to freedive, swim, and miss the crowds of the weekend. It's a good camping destination, too. For me, the main draw however is freediving and there's plenty here to see. You cannot and should not by any means enter caves as a freediver--it's forbidden and even for highly-experienced freedivers, dangerous. If we freedivers don't want to wear out our proverbial welcome, yes, we need to behave. Cave-certified SCUBA divers are the only ones to enter caves. I want to address some things which came up between my own observations and what I've read in other reviews here. For one, the food. This isn't a good place to get good food. If you want something nice, get it "in town" in High Springs or bring something to cook if camping. For that matter, bring your snacks and gear because expectedly things are a bit overpriced at the merch store here. If you don't what the place to be loud, busy, and long lines then don't come on weekends and holidays. It's that simple. This is a business and they'll let in as many people as they safely can let in. As far as loud music and uneven enforcement of rules, I think this just comes down to different employees acting their own way. Most summer help is students, they're not going to have the discernment and acumen of a veteran police officer in dealing with people. Most are nice, some are lax, some overzealous. About the bath houses and other facilities. I think things are in pretty good shape--on par with bath houses at campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, in example. Nothing was horribly dirty any time I was there but folks--this is camping. Remember that. I don't see the need for tram or shuttle, either. Maybe for disabled or infirm folks but most of us can simply walk between springs and should. Overall I feel Ginnie is well-run for what it is, with your normal business caveats like they'll charge what they can get away with in their store which is exactly why you want to buy stuff at Walmart or whatever prior to coming here. It's a great place to camp and unique, beautiful, springs you'll remember your entire lifetime.

Other springs you could visit in the state that are better:…read more1) Itchetucknee 2) Rainbow 3) Wekiwa 4) Gilchrist Blue 5) Kelly Rock 6) Silver Glen Purchased 3 day passes ahead of time and when the day came around there was a severe thunderstorm. Staff refuses to reimburse or move reservation for a different date. Paid $60 for absolutely nothing. Staff do not answer phone, ever. Born and raised in Florida and always heard Ginny was trash, now I know.

One of our top 5 favorite springs to visit, perfect for the family and great spot to visit when you…read moretrying to cool down from the sun. You can rent kayaks here and go down the Santa Fe. Lots of parking but sometimes can reach capacity on the weekends. No inflatable floats in the spring is kind of lame but you can bring noodles.

This is a small and very accessible park that has one swimming hole open currently. It was quite…read morewarm the day we were there and don't was pretty crowded. Water is a bit chilly but you get used to it. The blue hole (spring source) is about 20-25 feet down - a pretty easy snorkel. Not a lot of current. Shallow areas are good for kids and there is kayak/canoe rentals to paddle downstream to the Santa Fe River. Bathrooms were a bit disgusting. Smelled of raw sewage. A good place to spend a few hours.

Called ahead and checked hours for rental operations, return time,etc. when we arrived we were told…read morethat whoever we spoke with was incorrect and that they stopped renting at 2pm!? This wasn't what we were told nor is that posted on any website or anywhere. Very random and wanton hours that must depend on the day or whims of operators.

1. Took several phone calls from two of our staff to secure our reservation. We spent time on the…read morephone when we did get through to Jay explaining that we had a group of seniors and we wanted an easy kayak for them. 2. When we needed to alter reservations, we received no return phone call. 3. When we arrived and asked for a change to the reservation we were told absolutely not. We pointed out that we called the number given to us to try and do this in advance, but were told that didn't change anything as we left a message when the outfitter wasn't open. 4. When we launched, no one explained safety gear, paddling procedures, that the kayaks had foot pedals, or where we would take out. When we asked for a map or chart, we were told to find one on our phones. 5. When kayaker had medical issue (heat exhaustion, accelerated heartbeat, and leg cramping), which manifested in the 1/4 mile before the spring run at at Gilchrist Springs, Deacon (the bright spot of the entire trip) tried to get someone to pick him up and was told we should switch his kayak and that no one would come get the person. 6. Deacon (again, the bright spot, perhaps put this kid in charge) tried, without success, to fix the broken seat for the kayaker in distress. He also showed him how to use the foot pedals to help keep the seat from sliding. He did offer to switch kayaks, putting the distressed kayaker in a tandem with one of the group leaders. He clearly wanted to do more and had empathy, but anything else was clearly above his pay grade. This brought the total of boats on the water down by one (which will come into play in a moment) 7. No one mentioned the rapids. Fairly mild for seasoned and competent kayakers, but for a group of seniors who stated they were seeking an easy paddle, a mention of this when Jay told us which would work would have been advisable. 8. When we reach the take-out, one of the men working commented that he thought the seat of the kayak in question (distressed kayaker) might have been broken when he set out the boats at the launch that morning. If so, why did no one attempt to remedy this at the time? 9. In response to this, I explained we had switched two kayakers to a tandem at Gilchrist, (at this point, the trip is over) to which he replied, "Oh, so that's why there's one less kayak coming back. I wondered about that." So... he noticed we were short a boat but didn't wonder or question as to what happened to the boat? What if someone had gone missing? Does this outfitter have any sort of safety protocols in place? 10. We called after roughly 30 minutes waiting to get picked up at the end of the run. That appears to be when someone send the van to get us, even though staff assured us when we took out of the river someone was already on the way. We will not use any AOA services again.

Great spring, summer and fall fun for the entire family even if you are not that adventurous. Make…read moresure to make reservations ahead of time.

Pros: easy online registration and scheduling; Front desk…read moregirl for check in was great super sweet. Very nice and informative. We were a bit late and she extended our reservation. I was quite thankful. The kayaks were fun and we were left to our devices to explore. Isaiah was cool and very laid back. We were also a half hour late coming back and they were totally cool with it. Thank you! I can't believe I saw the baby manatees. I literally cried. Cons: I was surprised they just let us out with no real guide! It was cool but I'm surprised they trusted us. We kinda got lost the first 90mins and didn't know where we going but eventually we got to the area where the manatees were gathering. A bit crowded and I felt bad everyone so close to the protected species. Overall a super a cool experience. We went during manatee festival in January so it was a bit crowded but not overwhelming. It was a beautiful day with beautiful site seeing. Def recommend!

We went on a morning paddle boarding tour with Kristie as our guide. This was my first time paddle…read moreboarding and Kristie was an awesome teacher! I caught on very quickly. We paddled along Lofton Creek. Which was very calm and beautiful. Our turn around point was a rail road bridge and just as we reached it a train crossed. It was super cool to see. Paddle boarding is my new favorite hobby! I would highly recommend.

We were so impressed by the pros at Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company. I've paddled a few times and…read morelearned my DIY technique from watching several YouTube videos. That said, participating in their clinic was "a whole 'nother level" experience for me with Amelia Island Paddle Surf Company. I highly recommend these guys and I'd like to do more with them again in the near future.

Great first kayak experience with a 4 and 7 yr old. Tried out the canals before checking out the…read moreIntercoastal. Wednesday was nice and quiet without a lot of boats.

I've rented kayaks at several locations in the area but this is the BEST ride and best value. Lots…read moreof choices on where to explore, you can go to the river or just glide through the canals and coves. Lots of wildlife along the way. A great time!

Didn't get chance to use service because river flooded. Up to that point Anderson was fan and…read moreprofessional. Next time I'm in area, plan to use them.

A friend and I took the pontoon boat ride on a Sunday afternoon with Captain Charlie. I had so many…read morebeautiful photo ops and took advantage of them all! The captain shared tons interesting information, history and stories. The boat ride alone was relaxing and extremely enjoyable. I would recommend this experience for everyone.

Thank you Rachelle for another great paddle boarding experience!…read more This was our second time booking a tour with Otter Paddle, but our first time trying it out at this lovely Rainbow springs location. It's not your average paddle board tour that might feel like another random person, No this tour always feels intimidate enough that you feel like you are with friends and family! My son, BF and I had another great paddle boarding experience, we were able to explore the refreshing spring with its beautiful colors, it felt like another world underneath. We also learn about the small erosion holes the spring has, she took so many lovely photos and videos while we enjoyed our tour. You don't need to bring a camera or phones since the tour includes capturing all the best moments, but of course you can (we received our photos and videos the following day via Dropbox), you get a drybag to put some small belongings, definitely recommend bringing sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated, the water was perfect on a hot Sunday late in August. The spring was big enough that you did not feel crowded. Rachelle provided instructions on how to get going if it was your first time paddle boarding, or if you simply needed some tips. Scheduling a tour is very convenient and easy through their website, they also offer other options for tours at different locations, as well as gift cards for friends and family. We left our towels and a change of clothes for after our tour, there's restrooms and changing area so you can do that after or before your tour. We noticed they have lockers, but I believe you will have to pay for those, it was fine leaving it in the car. We also did not have to pay for parking since it's included in our tour already. I highly recommend this tour, and we will most definitely be back again! Thank you again Rachelle for such a wonderful time!

We went with Rachelle on a Sunday to Rainbow Springs and had the best time! She had everything…read moreready to get in the water as soon as we arrived and did quick review of using a paddle board. We went to a secret creek and the water was beautiful and it was a great place to go for a swim. Then we paddled to the springs and saw the most beautiful glowing blue water I have ever seen! She was very knowledgeable about the springs and the area! Highly recommend!

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff, easy entry point for a day on the river. Great time…read morekayaking with the manatees!

MANATEES ARE MAGICAL! We saw well over 30+ manatees on our late January kayaking outing. We rented…read morea 2-seater top kayak (comes w paddles and life vests). And from the staff to the dock hands, to the quality of the vessel and cleanliness of the shop: 10/10. A guide handed us a laminated map (nice touch) and told us where to head for manatee sightings. And even pointed us to a cove that homes a lot of turtles and alligators. We saw it all! They have volunteers overseeing the 3 sisters springs, to help monitor the safety of the manatees (and scold ignorant people lol). Great time! If you're unsure, let me assure you.. just book.