The River Boat Tour along the Wakulla River is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Tallahassee area. The 40-60 minute world-class wildlife viewing event takes visitors on a three mile loop downstream and back among majestic bald cypress trees, elegant wading birds, and toothy alligators. Manatees are often sighted, but their presence is not dependable. A camera is highly recommended to capture the candid images of the river?s fauna.

The ranger-led tour not only highlights the wildlife, but often includes stories of human interactions with the spring. They sometimes feature the lives of indigenous peoples, movies filmed during the Edward Ball years, and/or the more recent adventures of explorations within the caves that bring water to the spring.

The River Boat Tours run 365 days a year weather permitting (Temperatures must be above 40 degrees and are not conducted during thunderstorms.) The boats are thirty feet long and have a roof. There is also a wheelchair accessible boat that is available upon request.

The Waterfront Visitor?s Center opens at 9:30am and the first boat departs at 9:40am. Succeeding tours depart at varying times dependent upon visitor demand. Greater visitation results in more frequent tours. The last tour of the day during Standard Time departs at 4:30pm EST. The last tour of the day during Daylight Saving Time is 5:00pm EDT.

Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis for the next scheduled tour of the day only. Because of the unpredictable and sudden nature of North Florida weather, tickets are not sold on tours beyond the next one scheduled. Reservations are not available. Groups of twenty or more are encouraged to make prior arrangements to assure tour accommodations.

Special Early Boat Tours and Cruise and Dinner packages are available on special dates throughout the year. Please see the park?s special event section for dates, times, and associated fees.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours over the spring basin have become the exception rather than the rule in recent years. Tea-stained or green water impedes the penetration of light needed to view the impressive features of the 120 foot deep chasm of Wakulla Spring. Heavy rains and other unknown factors are thought to be the cause of decreased visibility.

On those rare days (usually in late winter or early spring) when the ?mysterious waters? of Wakulla Spring may momentarily regain their aquamarine tint and crystal clear quality, the gasps of visitors moved by the spring?s abyss can once again be heard. The ancient remains of great furry elephants (mastodons) can be seen resting on the basin?s steep sandy slopes. Schools of catfish dance in the spring?s depths, fish conventions follow the boat, and even out-of-practice Henry-the-Pole-Vaulting-Fish may choose to entertain upon request of the captain.

The 30 minute Glass-Bottom Boat Tour departs at 12:00pm, 1:00pm, and 2:00pm weather and water clarity permitting. The tour times endeavor to take advantage of the sun?s best light. The cost of the tour is $8 for adults (13 years old and up), $5 for children (ages 3-12), and under the age of three there is no charge. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly suggested that the park be contacted prior to expected visitation to ascertain the feasibility of glass-bottom boat operation. Water quality conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly.

Traveling East on I-10 to new Exit 196 (old Exit 28). Take SR-263 (Capitol Circle) South 12 miles. Turn right (South) onto US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance. From West I-10 use new Exit 203(old Exit 30). Take SR-61 (Thomasville Rd) South. Continue on SR-61 thru Tallahassee for 10 miles. Take US-319/SR-61 (Crawfordville Hwy) South for 2 miles. Bear left onto SR-61(Wakulla Springs Rd) for 6 miles. Turn left onto SR-267 at flashing stop light. Turn Right into Park entrance.