A REAL Florida Experience
Have you always wanted to see a manatee, swim in a spring, or stay on a houseboat? Experience a unique, real Florida adventure! We’ve organized 4 days of fun and relaxation, exploring the greatest gems in Central Florida. Cruising the beautiful St. Johns River on the Southern Belle houseboat, you’ll see hundreds of manatees and even paddle and swim with them, snorkel in crystal clear springs, hike through archeological sites, and much more! So get away from the chaos of theme parks, lines and traffic, and be nurtured by nature, enlivened by wildlife, and rejuvenated by spring water. Just pack a bag and let us handle the rest.
Tour Details
Date: February 4-7, 2021
Location: St. Johns River, Florida
Tour Size: Up to 6 people
Pricing: From $900
(See pricing info below)
Have some questions before you jump in head first? Or are you ready to dive right in? E-mail us or fill out a reservation request form by clicking one of the buttons below. For reservations, once we receive your request, we will contact you to confirm and go over all the details. We can't wait to hear from you!
Why St. Johns River?
Get lost to get found. Located near the east coast of Florida, the St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida. It flows lazily north and offers mile after mile of breathtaking views and pristine beauty. The natural lush landscape and crystal clear water is home to a great variety of wildlife including birds, gators, manatees, otters, fish, bear and more. It’s nested within the Ocala National Forest and connects a beautiful chain of lakes and some of Florida’s most stunning freshwater springs. The river offers a memorable back country experience of old Florida for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Activities Included
Blue Spring Manatee Experience
Paddle with manatees! With temperatures at a constant 72 degrees, Blue Spring is a safe haven and designated refuge for the West Indian manatee. Wintering manatee numbers are in the hundreds, making this a popular spot to view them in their natural habitat from the spring run viewing decks. But we won’t stop there - for a potential up-close and personal encounter, we’ll paddle the St. Johns River so the curious sea cows can come say hello!
Silver Glen Springs
Submerge in nature! As the sun shines, rainbows play across the bottom of the crystal-clear spring basin at Silver Glen Springs. This beautiful spot along the edge of the Ocala National Forest offers a spring run that pours out into Lake George, and is prime for paddling. Manatees visit the spring in the winter as a thermal refuge from the cooler waters of the river. We often paddle and swim with them here. The refreshing spring is like snorkeling in an aquarium, with unbelievable water clarity, a variety of fish, lilipads, “spring rays” and more. The natural setting also offers trails through upland forests of oak, cedar, pines, and mystic bubbling sand boils.
St. Johns River Cruise
Kick back, relax and see the wonders of Florida's back country from the deck of our boat. The St. Johns River offers mile after mile of breathtaking views and pristine beauty. The natural lush landscape is home to a great variety of exotic birds such as the blue heron, limpkin, osprey, eagles, hawks and owls. See alligators basking in the sun in their natural habitat. Anglers, professional and amateur alike, brag about the fishing on the St. Johns River. Catch bluegill, largemouth bass, bream, shellcracker, speckled perch, gar, and catfish.
Hontoon Island
Explore the Florida jungle on an ancient Native American habitation. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, enjoy hiking this lush subtropical forest in peace. Shaded by the oak-canopied trails, witness abundant wildlife and evidence of ancient civilation including a large Indian mound.
De Leon Springs
Home to the famous cook-your-own pancakes breakfast, the quaint Sugar Mill Restaurant, is a true Florida gem. Located in a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill, the restaurant features delicious, customizable, breakfast you make at the table. Set in De Leon Springs, once called Acuera, or “Healing Waters,” by Timucuan Indians, a beautiful place to cool off in clear waters, roam trails, and view wildlife. Otters, alligators, manatees, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even a swimming black bear have been spotted! Look for turtles sticking their heads above water in the Spring Run and watch the entertaining jumping mullet.
Upper Deck Yoga
Just to bliss you out a little more, we’ll practice yoga on the upper deck. Drop into the present moment with an all levels class surrounded by water and nature. Your experienced and certified instructor will guide you through a practice to calm your mind, restore your body, and elevate your spirit.
Your Ultimate Vacation
Our planned activities listed above are designed for all levels (professional instruction is always included). We also offer alternatives to stand up paddling if it’s not your thing, like kayak rentals at Blue Spring or viewing the manatees from the boardwalk. You may do as many or as little of the activities as you like. Our accommodations are the perfect space for kicking your feet up, enjoying the view and your favorite book. This is your vacation and you are free to make it exactly as you choose. Enjoy!
Floating Accommodations
All aboard! Cruise in southern comfort on the 55’ Southern Belle houseboat, our home for 3 days and 2 nights (after our 1 night stay at Hontoon Landing Resort). In addition to the benefits of staying on a houseboat, like a guaranteed water view and freedom of mobility, your floating home has style. The main salon includes helm, large living room, dining area, and a beautiful galley with ceramic tile flooring. Granite countertops, indirect lighting, crown molding, maple woodwork and raised panel colonial doors are just a few features of this luxury houseboat. There are three private staterooms including a master with queen size bed and TV, a guest room with a queen bed and one with a full bed. The boat has two full baths central air and heat and generator for electrical devices. There is a front and back deck, including a spiral staircase to access the top deck. The spacious top deck has loungers for sunbathing and is the perfect space for birding, practicing yoga, relaxing, and of course…dancing!
Your Guide
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, and a 3rd generation native, I’ve explored this state my whole life. From lakes to rivers, ocean to springs, and the land between, I’ve hiked, biked, swam, snorkeled, paddled, camped, boated, dove, and surfed my way around. I have a passion for its environment, inhabitants, and the abundance of gifts and adventures it yields. I’ve led national and international adventure travel trips since 2013, and nothing makes me happier than being in my home state. I’m also a certified, experienced and professional yoga and SUP instructor and sponsored athlete. So come aboard, I’d love to share the local side of Florida with you!
Your Captain
I’m a proud Florida native. My grandfather, an old Florida cowboy taught me the ways of the land. And my father brought me up on the lake, teaching me how to fish and about the ways of the water. As a professional wakeskater I’ve spent most of my life on boats - exploring as many waterways as possible to ride and pull my friends. We’ve had countless adventures filming, training, and competing here. As much as I like to be on the water, I also love to be underneath, enjoying SCUBA and freediving. My career as a watersports athlete led me to my current love and profession, videography and photography. I’m looking forward to being your captain on this great adventure and capturing all the memories through my lens!
Pricing
Starting at just $250/day! Typical hotel prices are $150 alone - and you’ll be getting so much more - see all that’s included below:
What’s Included
4 days/3 nights Guided and Fully Organized Activities - all you have to do is show up and let us handle the rest!
2 Manatee Paddles at Blue Springs and Silver Glen Springs
Snorkel with Manatees at Silver Glen Springs
Houseboat Accommodations 3 days, 2 nights including Captain, Fuel, and Water
River Resort Accommodations 1 Night at Hontoon Landing Resort
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Lesson by pro instructor Jessica Cichra
Hiking at Hontoon Island and Silver Glen
Upper Deck Yoga Class with Jessica Cichra, E-RYT instructor
2 River Cruises up and down the St. John’s River
SUP rentals all day, every day
7 on board meals and snacks dietary preferences and needs will be met
Blue Springs, De Leon Springs, and Silver Glen Springs access fees
Trip Photos to document your adventure and capture your lifelong memories
Staterooms
There are 3 shared rooms available. Solo adventurers may pay the total price for a private room.
Master Room w/Queen Bed & TV
$1150 each or $2300 total
Guest Room w/Queen Bed
$1050 each or $2100 total
Guest Room w/Full Bed
$1000 each or $2000 total
Private Adventure
Book the entire trip and boat for your private group at a discounted rate of $6000 total.
*3 day trip also available for $5000 total, please inquire for details.
Not Included
Airfare/Ground Transportation: Participants responsible for scheduling and purchasing airfare to Orlando or Sanford, Florida, and/or ground transportation to Blue Spring. The adventure begins on 2/4/2021 at 8a and ends at Holly Bluff Marina on 2/7/2021 at 5p. If you drive, your car will stay at a safe lot at the marina. We are happy to arrange transportation and early arrival accommodations for an additional fee if needed.
Lunch at Hontoon Landing Resort Deli
Dinner at St Johns River Grill
Breakfast at Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant
Alcohol - bring what you need in a cooler for 3 days on the boat (including ice - may be purchased at marina).
Snorkel Gear (wetsuit recommended)
Fishing Gear - may be rented at marina.
FAQ’s
Why travel with Wave of Wellness?
We cater to guests who don’t have the time/desire to organize a fully planned vacation, who want the most bang for their buck and best value for their time, an experience that enhances all areas of well being, and a supportive group of travelers to learn from, be inspired by, and make lifelong memories with. We carefully craft the schedule to ensure you’re getting the most out your time, the least crowds, and ideal conditions. We hand select each activity, guide, and chefs/restaurants so you can be confident you’re getting the crème de la crème of the area and the experiences it offers. We’ve developed strong relationships with our vendors and may therefore offer you a better price than if you pieced it together yourself. We design every life-affirming adventure to empower our guests; facilitate growth and connection to nature, community, and self; and to leave feeling soul-full.
I’m a solo traveler - may I still join?
Of course, we host lots of solo travelers. If you don’t want a private room we will pair you with another awesome adventurer of the same gender. Often these roommate pairings are the beginning of a lasting friendship. Or, if you find a friend to come with, we’ll give you $50 off.
I’m older - is this trip for me?
Absolutely! We celebrate diversity - it’s how we really connect and learn from each other - which is a big piece of our adventures! Often our older guests inspire our younger guests, showing them adventure lasts a lifetime, and are empowered themselves by continuing to try new things. Activities may be modified to suit you when possible (just ask) and remember, all of the activities are included, but it’s your vacation - you may opt out whenever you want.
I don’t know how to stand up paddleboard - is this trip for beginners?
Yes! We have experienced, certified, and quality instructors to teach you. We’ve successfully taught many beginners to paddleboard, practice yoga, snorkel, surf, and much more! Our supportive group environment makes for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable learning experience. Our trips encourage stepping outside of your comfort zone to feel alive and empowered. Plus, how cool will it be to say you learned to stand up paddle in Mexico?!
My friend wants to come, but isn’t into some of the activities, is that ok?
Although we have a fine balance of action and downtime, we have plenty of guests who prefer to kick back and relax the entire time. We honor what you want to do on your vacation and respect you for doing just that. We also make sure our accommodations offer the perfect space for relaxation. And, we have lots of alternatives to activities, like boating or walking instead of paddling, etc. Just ask and we’ll fill you in on the ways we may customize your ultimate vacation.
