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Before we moved to this area I had no idea how diverse the Florida panhandle is. Of course, there are the white sand beaches, but there are also pine forests, numerous rivers, and dozens of natural springs. Some of these are mighty enough to start rivers of their own which almost always end up flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are a few fun facts about these Florida springs!
First, the water is always a cool 68 degrees nearest the spring. But it’s so beautiful that you’ll find it hard to resist getting in, especially if you have a snorkel on hand. This brings me to my second point. The water is crystal clear and the most amazing shade of emerald and turquoise that you have ever seen. No Instagram filter required type blue. You can often even see the exact spot where the spring is located because the water is coming out so strongly that it actually bubbles up a little. Most of them have caves that run underneath and provide excellent opportunities for scuba diving as well too!
Our visit to Cypress Springs
My crew knows my love language because on Mother’s Day they took me canoeing along Holmes Creek to Cypress Springs in Washington County, Florida and it was just perfect! Located just south of Interstate 10 and forty minutes north of Panama City Beach it is an easy little day outing! In fact, it’s actually on the same route that we take when we head down to the beach and while we have passed it dozens of times this was our first actual visit. So, I am excited to share all of the details with you guys so that you can pull over and cool off on the way to and from the beach.
Where to rent? There are a few different outfitters along Holmes Creek and we used Homes Creek Canoe Livery and had a great experience. They offer single and double kayaks as well as canoes and paddleboards. And there is a small waterpark with a slide and rope swings to enjoy before and after and access is included with your rental! I love how they shuttle you first, and then you float back to your car rather than getting into a shuttle all wet and tired at the end of a long paddle. So, let me give you the rundown of what to expect along with some tips!
Make your reservations in advance
Due to the current climate around Covid19 and to ensure the ability to stagger customers and create social distance Homes Creek Canoe Livery asks you to call and make reservations in advance. This is a win-win. But definitely plan ahead on weekends! You can head over to their website for rates, hours, and phone numbers.
Upon arriving, check-in and play
The little waterpark is at the same location where you check-in, and where you finish, providing you with two opportunities to play! Once you check in, there may be a short wait for your shuttle so jump in and have fun! Don’t forget your sunscreen and make sure to pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks. I also love to fill this 2-gallon Igloo jug whenever we go on adventures! When they call your name, get ready to hop into the shuttle and head upstream for drop-off.
Start your float and head upriver
When you arrive at the drop-in point they will instruct you to paddle upstream a bit. This is the only way to get to the spring. Of course, if you didn’t want to go to the actual spring you can just start your float heading downstream. We took off against the current and toward the spring. It’s a little bit of a journey but hang in there because it was worth it, although now you know why do many people put in small motorboats here to access the stream. As you get closer you will notice the water gets more and more clear.
Arrive at Cypress Springs
You will know you are there because the water is just breathtaking and depending on the day, you will see a bunch of other people. It’s outdoors and people seem to keep their distance but if you want to avoid a crowded spring a weekday may be a better option. After you stop staring that the spring, it’s that mesmerizing, find a sandbar to pull up to. We had lunch, Jake conquered the rope swing, Abby snorkeled as close to the spring as possible and everyone but me got in. Remember, it’s 68 degrees. They didn’t seem to mind though!
Continue downstream
The spring is fun but remember, you have a few miles to float if you want to get back to your car. When you are ready, hop back in and continue back the way you came. You will pass the spot where they dropped you in and continue going. The directions are simple, always stay to the right. We still found ourselves unsure a couple of times but trust me, stay to the right. And reapply your sunscreen. You will thank me later!
Float on
The scenery is gorgeous and it will take you maybe a couple of hours to float back to home base. Enjoy the ride. The current pulls you along most of the way and there are some occasional sandbars that you can pull up to for another sandwich break! Having enough snacks is vital if you have young kids with you!
Look for the waterpark
When you see the slide and rope swim platforms you know that you have made it back. They had employees directing us where to pull off and helping us unload. We loaded up the car but didn’t leave quite yet. The kids wanted to play in the waterpark more and Jake mustered up the courage for the higher swing! He is one brave boy and it was fun to watch!
Head home
Get back on the road and enjoy the drive home. I bet you made some fun memories! I think these are the moments that the kids remember the most and experiences that our family really enjoys together. I know that Matt and I both have memories doing float trips like this as children and the novelty doesn’t seem to ever wear off!
Happy adventuring! And don’t forget that this is just ONE of many springs in the Florida panhandle so start adding them to your bucket list!
And here are a couple more photos of the rope swing at the spring!
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Thanks for the detailed post. Looks like so much fun! How long did it take you from the time you parked to the time you left? Trying to decide if we have enough time for this. Thanks!
I would say to budget a half day. 4-5 hours to be safe. This time of year, call ahead, because they may be operating on weekends only.