GUIDED TOURS AT

RAINBOW

SPRINGS

PADDLEBOARD & KAYAK

Located in Dunnellon, Florida, Rainbow Springs is one of the most breathtaking freshwater springs in the state. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush jungle surroundings, and abundant wildlife, it’s a true gem of Central Florida. Our guided paddleboard and kayak tours let you glide peacefully through this natural wonder as you spot fish, turtles, birds, and even otters along the way.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape, a family-friendly activity, or a unique outdoor adventure, our Rainbow Springs guided tours deliver an unforgettable experience. This tour is perfect for couples, beginners, and nature lovers who want to explore one of Florida’s most iconic springs by water.

two different adventures to choose from

RAINBOW SPRINGS PADDLE ADVNETURE

Get ready to explore the stunning waters of Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida! On this 2–2.5 hour guided paddleboard and kayak tour, you’ll launch from KP Hole Park and glide across crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush jungle scenery and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a peaceful escape, or your first paddleboarding adventure, this tour is the perfect way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic springs.

TIME: 8am & 11:30am

DURATION: 2 - 2.5 Hours

AVALABILITY: Daily

EXPERIENCE: Beginner & Family Friendly

FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate

your adventure details.

Your adventure begins with a paddle upstream through the calm, spring-fed Rainbow River, where you’ll have the chance to spot turtles, fish, water birds, and even playful river otters. Along the way, you may see scuba divers exploring hidden underwater caves below.

A highlight of the tour is a stop at a serene creek — a tranquil oasis where you can step off your paddleboard, wade into the refreshing shallows, and even take a swim. With the sand between your toes and the lush canopy overhead, you’ll feel worlds away while exploring this hidden Florida gem.

The second half of the journey is a relaxing float downstream back to KP Hole Park, letting the gentle current guide you to the finish. It’s the perfect way to unwind, swim, and soak in the natural beauty and true Florida paradise of Rainbow Springs.

RAINBOW SPRINGS WATERFALL HIKE PADDLE ADVNETURE

Get ready for the ultimate Rainbow Springs experience! On this 4-hour guided paddleboard and kayak adventure, you’ll launch from KP Hole Park, paddle upstream through crystal-clear waters, and explore a hidden creek oasis. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely hike to three stunning waterfalls and take a refreshing swim at the headspring before floating back downstream.

TIME: 11:30am

DURATION: 4 Hours

AVALABILITY: Daily

EXPERIENCE: Beginner & Family Friendly

FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate

your adventure details.

Experience the beauty of Rainbow Springs on our extended 4-hour guided tour. Launching from KP Hole Park, your adventure begins with a peaceful paddle upstream, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush Florida landscapes. Along the way, we’ll stop at a tranquil creek where you can step off your board, wade into the refreshing shallows, and enjoy this hidden oasis under the canopy of trees.

The highlight of this tour is reaching the headspring of Rainbow Springs. Here, we’ll disembark for a leisurely hike through Rainbow Springs State Park to discover three breathtaking man-made waterfalls. After taking in the views, you’ll have the chance to swim in the cool, clear waters of the headspring — a refreshing and unforgettable part of the experience.

The second half of the journey is a relaxing float downstream back to KP Hole Park, letting the gentle current guide you through the peaceful surroundings of one of Florida’s most cherished springs.

This extended adventure is the perfect way to connect with nature, encounter vibrant wildlife, and enjoy the very best of Rainbow Springs — all in one incredible journey.

ABOUT RAINBOW SPRINGS

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of one of Florida’s most stunning natural treasures. As you paddle across crystal-clear, sapphire-colored waters, you’ll discover an underwater paradise where eelgrass sways with the current and vibrant aquatic life thrives in its natural habitat. You might even spot scuba divers exploring the depths below!

Rainbow Springs, a celebrated first-magnitude spring and the fourth-largest in Florida, is a true gem. With its designation as a Registered Natural Landmark, Aquatic Preserve, and Outstanding Florida Waterway, this is more than just a paddle — it’s a chance to reconnect with nature in a pristine, protected environment.

We offer two unique ways to experience this tropical escape. Choose our peaceful 2–2.5 hour paddle, where you’ll explore the spring-fed river’s natural beauty, encounter local wildlife, and drift through a hidden creek that feels worlds away. Or opt for the extended 4-hour adventure, which includes the full paddle experience plus a guided hike to a series of man-made waterfalls tucked within the state park — perfect for nature lovers looking to venture deeper.

Join us on the water and let Rainbow Springs carry you into a wild and wonderful slice of Florida paradise.

paddle crystal-clear waters, vibrant wildlife, and a tropical escape

WHAT’S INCLUDED + MORE

Your Adventure Includes:
  • Premium Paddle Board + Necessary Equipment

  • PFD (Personal Flotation Device) + Whistle

  • Dry Bag

  • Knowledgeable Tour Guide

  • Paddle & Water Safety Instructions

  • Premium Photo + Video Package

  • Upgrade to our Premium Foldable SUP Seat & Kayak Paddle at no additional cost. You can select this option when booking your adventure.

  • Explore the water with our kayak setup, combining the agility of a paddle board with the comfort of a kayak.

  • Our premium paddle boards boast top-notch stability and performance, while our kayak option features a deluxe kayak seat and kayak paddle for an enhanced, leisurely adventure.

Premium NIXY paddle board featured in Otter Paddle Orlando tours – known for stability, performance, and comfort on Florida's waterways.
Excluded:
  • KP Hole Park fees: $10 per person

Paddle Board Kayak:
Nixy Kayak Paddle
Nixy Kayak Seat

REQUIREMENTS + MORE

  • Waiver Requirement:

    • A completed waiver is required for each participant prior to check-in. Once your reservation has been made, you will receive a booking confirmation email containing all the details for your upcoming adventure, including instructions on how to sign the online waivers.

    Participant Requirements:

    • Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    • Minors aged 4-12 years must share a paddleboard with a parent or guardian.

    • Co-Rider Policy: This option allows a child to accompany an adult on the same paddleboard, positioned at the front. The maximum weight limit per paddleboard is 350 lbs, with a total of 2 riders permitted. This policy requires 1 adult aged 18+ and 1 child aged 4-12.

    • Any child under 13 must demonstrate prior paddling experience to ride on their own paddleboard, or parents must feel confident in their child's ability to paddle independently on a separate board and keep up with the tour.

    • Minors aged 13-17 years may paddleboard independently, provided a parent or guardian is nearby for the entire duration of the tour.

    • Minors aged 3 years and under are not permitted.

    • Pets and alcohol are not permitted on the tour.

  • Cancellation Policy

    At Otter Paddle Orlando, we understand that plans may change, and we strive to accommodate our guests whenever possible. However, last-minute cancellations impact our operations and limit availability for others. To ensure fairness and efficient service, we have established the following policies.

    Cancellations Made in Advance: Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled booking date are eligible for a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the booking date, guests may choose to reschedule or receive a gift card. Unfortunately, cancellations made on the day of the booking, as well as late arrivals and no-shows, are not eligible for a refund.

    Late Arrival Policy: We allow a 10-minute grace period for guests who may be delayed. After this grace period, we are unable to accommodate late arrivals, as it may disrupt the experience for other guests. Guests who cancel on the day of their tour, arrive after the 10-minute grace period, or do not show up but contact us on the day of their reservation may receive a gift card. However, a $75 rescheduling fee must be paid to obtain the gift card. Guests who contact us after the scheduled tour date will not be eligible for a refund, reschedule, or gift card.

    Weather Policy: For the safety of our guests, Otter Paddle Orlando reserves the right to cancel tours in the event of unsafe weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or any other reason that may compromise guest safety. While we do operate in light rain, if a tour is canceled by Otter Paddle Orlando due to weather or safety concerns, guests will have the option to reschedule their tour or receive a gift card for future use. Please note that refunds will not be issued in these circumstances.

    All policies are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and smooth operations. Gift cards issued by Otter Paddle Orlando do not expire, providing guests with the flexibility to reschedule at their convenience. This cancellation policy is subject to change. We will make every effort to communicate updates in advance, and we recommend reviewing our policy at the time of booking.

    By booking with Otter Paddle Orlando, guests acknowledge and agree to comply with the policies outlined above.

    • Please note, we must have at least 2 guests attending a tour to operate.

    • If you are the only guest on the tour, we will reach out to inform you. If no other guests book prior to 24 hours, we will have to cancel the tour and reschedule or provide a full refund.

  • It's worth noting that alligator sightings are very rare on this tour. The popularity of the area among paddlers, swimmers, boaters, and scuba divers tends to deter their presence, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

    If we do happen to spot an alligator along the tour, rest assured that our guides are experienced in navigating these waters safely, ensuring an enjoyable and secure experience for all our guests. Your safety is our priority, and we maintain all necessary precautions to offer a memorable yet secure exploration.

  • We prioritize safety for all our participants, which is why we require everyone to have swimming proficiency. Feeling confident and comfortable in and around water is essential for this activity. If you have any questions or concerns about your comfort level in the water, please reach out to us. Your safety is our top priority, and we're here to help ensure a great experience for everyone.

  • To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, participants must be a minimum of 4 years old to join our tours. Additionally, individuals aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the duration of the tour. If you have any further questions about age requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Our paddle boards are designed for a maximum of two individuals: one adult and one child. For children aged 4 to 12, it's required that they ride on the same paddle board as their parent. However, if a child within this age range has previous paddle experience and feels comfortable, they do have the option to ride on their individual paddle board.

  • Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your own paddle board or kayak on our guided tours. During the reservation process, simply select the 'Bring My Own' option, and a $10 discount will automatically be applied.

    Furthermore, your guided tour covers all park fees and includes our favorite photo and video package.

    Friendly reminder: please plan to arrive early to ensure ample time for setting up your equipment before the tour's check-in time. Being prepared beforehand ensures a smooth and timely start to your adventure. Additionally, remember to bring all necessary equipment and be ready to go at the scheduled check-in time for the tour.

  • We share your love for animals and understand the importance of family pets. However, please note that our tours do not permit pets. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Launch Location:

Only 1.5 Hours from Orlando