Cypress Spring and Econfina are hidden PCB treasures, well worth your time and effort to dip in. Expect to feel like you’re stepping through the pages of a travel magazine when you first catch a glimpse of the crystal blue water. The best part? Coldwater Excursions makes it uncannily easy to visit these natural wonders. Their guides provide everything you’ll need to enjoy your time on the water: kayaks, paddleboards, chairs, SeaDoo underwater scooters, snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, sunscreen, towels, and even GoPros, as well as transportation from your accommodations to the place of departure. All you’ll need to enjoy your day is yourself, your swimsuit, and your sense of adventure.
Coldwater Excursions offers gear rental for those who’d prefer to explore on their own, as well as two guided tours: one to Econfina, and one to Cypress Spring. Here’s what you need to know about both.
Holmes Creek EcoTour
Cypress Spring is only accessible by kayak, paddleboard, or small boat via Holmes Creek. It’s a short 15-20 minute paddle down the creek to the incredibly jewel-clear spring water. Once you arrive, you can opt to relax and enjoy the view from the beach chair that Coldwater Excursions provides, or jump in for a snorkel with a SeaDoo underwater scooter. You’ll catch glimpses of the native Florida wildlife, including a wide variety of birds and creek creatures–from turtles to crawdads and a slew of colorful fish. There’s also plenty of paddling trails for those who’d love to explore more on a kayak–and a rope swing complete with trees for jumping.
Econfina Kayak Adventure
A guided Econfina Creek tour covers about 3 miles and takes 2.5-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the impossibly blue creek water, a huge variety of wildlife, and gorgeous natural vegetation. The friendly, knowledgeable guides are quick to share their knowledge of the native flora and fauna, answering your questions and telling you about the vents and sinkholes that make up the geology of the spring-feed Econfina Creek. This is some of the best kayaking in the state, and Coldwater’s professional guides make it accessible to even inexperienced paddlers.
Coldwater’s excursions both include transportation to the creeks where you’ll paddle, and they’re ideal for visitors of all ages–from kids to seniors.
Coldwater Excursions provides transportation from practically anywhere in the immediate PCB area to either Cypress Creek or Econfina Creek, then they’ll drop you back off after your tour. Rentals also include delivery and pick-up of your rental equipment, whether you’re renting for a single day or a week. They can be practically anywhere you are! If you’re unsure whether you’re staying within their pick-up and drop-off area, they’re easy to reach via phone.
Insider Tips:
– There’s no minimum age for children coming along for the ride on a guided tour, but the smallest lifejacket Coldwater Excursion can provide is rated for 30 lbs or above. Smaller kids will need parents to bring infant/toddler lifejackets of their own.
– Choose from a standup paddleboard (SUP), kayak, or canoe on any guided tour.
– Keep in mind that the water here is cold and spring-fed; don’t expect water as warm as you’d find on the Gulf beaches.