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A Complete Guide to Boating the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is Florida’s largest river, with 140 nautical miles of navigable waterways. This boater’s guide to the St. John’s River in northeast Florida gives you all the information you need to have a fun, safe, and memorable trip. As locals to northeast Florida, we share tips and tricks to enjoy each location, places to see, and a sample itinerary. Many areas on the St. Johns River flow through national forests, state parks, and wildlife preserves, so a lot of the natural landscape is protected and undeveloped, giving you a unique perspective from the water. Whether it’s a side trip on the Great Loop, a summer boating trip as a local, or a coastal cruiser wanting to explore new territory from Maine to the Bahamas, this will be a trip you won’t want to miss!

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Jen at the helm of Pivot as we crossed Lake George.

About the St. John’s River

The St. Johns River is the longest in Florida at 310 miles long and flows north into the Atlantic Ocean from its headwaters at Blue Cypress Lake in Indian River County. The widest point of the river is 3 miles wide. The mouth of the St Johns River begins as saltwater marshes at the Atlantic Ocean and narrows into a blackwater stream. Due to the river’s groundwater and marsh start, the St Johns River is primarily freshwater. Although many clear springs feed into the St. Johns River, the river is brown because of the tannins in the water.

The river drops 30 feet in elevation as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean over those 310 miles. The river flows rather slowly, making it a true “lazy river” at a speed of 0.3 mph (at slack tide). The St. Johns River watershed covers an area of nearly 9,000 square miles and is home to over five million people, covering almost 16% of the state of Florida. The river has many lakes and natural springs that flow into the River. The river we know as St. Johns was previously named Welaka, or river of lakes, by the Timucua Native Americans. There are 3,500 lakes and 100 springs found in the St Johns River watershed.

The St. Johns River is surrounded by 700,000 acres of land for recreational adventures such as hiking, camping, hunting, biking, and equestrian riding. It’s the Bass Fishing Capital of the World and hosts several Bass Fishing Tournaments. One of the reasons this trip is so unique on the Great Loop is that this side trip has an abundance of wildlife and is rather remote compared to many other areas of the route.

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Boating St. Johns River on a Map

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

Read Next: Great Loop Map, Route, and Destinations post!

Navigating the St. Johns River

Most of the commercial traffic travels between the entrance to the Atlantic Ocean and Jacksonville, so once you make your way south of Jacksonville, the commercial traffic will decrease dramatically. Small bow riders, day boats, modest sailboats, and fishing boats make up the local boat traffic going south. The river is easily marked and rather wide, making it easy to navigate and explore. Since the St Johns River is known as a “lazy river” there is a current of about 0.5-2 knots depending upon recent rainfall and your location on the river.

We used BoatUS to have peace of mind while cruising, knowing help was only a radio call away. Sign up for BoatUS here!

Bridges

Several bridges along the St. Johns River have varying heights and operability. The bridges won’t be a cause of concern for most cruising boats. However, it will depend on the height of a sailboat’s mast and whether or not they can make it as far south as Green Cove Springs or all the way south to Sanford. The bridge that makes this boating to Sanford dependent upon the boat’s clearance is the Shands Bridge, at a height of 45 feet. There are plans to build a new bridge with a height of 65 feet in the future, allowing sailboats with a mast of 65 feet or less to travel south to Sanford. As soon as you cruise down the St. Johns River, you’ll be met with Jacksonville’s Seven Bridges, which come right after another, keeping you on your toes. The further south you go, the bridges do get smaller.

The Hart Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida, is also known as the Green Monster.
The Dames Point Bridge in Jacksonville, Florida.

Weather Considerations

The St. John’s River from Downtown Jacksonville to Green Cove Springs is wide and can develop a decent chop and fetch with a strong wind in unfavorable directions. We’ve been caught in choppy conditions on the St. Johns River several times and have sought wind protection on Black Creek or further south, past Green Cove Springs. Due to the long and narrow nature of the St. Johns River, it’s important to check the weather and plan accordingly.

As you progress south, you’ll also want to check the weather on Lake George. Lake George is Florida’s second-largest lake. A strong wind combined with the lake’s shallow depth can lead to choppy conditions. Lake George is approximately 6 miles wide and 15 miles long, so it would take approximately two hours for a boat traveling at 6 knots to cross. The west part of Lake George runs through Ocala National Forest, making it rather undeveloped and a great spot for sightseeing!

View of the entrance to Lake George looking northbound.

Scenery and Landscapes

The upper part of the St. Johns River is wide, and the water is brown due to the tannins. As soon as you pass Lake George, the St. Johns River becomes much narrower, with “old Florida” landscapes, which highlight the river’s diversity. Palm trees dive over the river banks on top of lily pads with egrets, alligators, and turtles.

Since the St. Johns River is fed by many freshwater springs, you can visit streams with beautiful clear water. These freshwater springs are the home to many manatees. Be sure to look for slow or no-wake signs to respect the manatee habitats. The natural landscape is the highlight of this river, so be prepared to anchor and explore by dinghy to get the most out of the St. Johns River.

An egret on the river bank.
Turtles sunning themselves on a palm tree.
An alligator swimming in the St. Johns River.
A palm tree extends over the St. Johns River.
Several birds in the various wilderness areas along the river.

When to Visit the St. Johns River by Boat

Since the St. Johns River is over 300 miles long, the weather can change depending on where you’re located along the river. We share the weather average for the northernmost location (Jacksonville, FL) and the southernmost location (Sanford, FL).

The great thing about the St. Johns River is that you can take your boat down it year-round and have a fabulous trip! We recommend traveling the river during the fall, winter, and spring to avoid the summer heat. On days with little wind, the river can be rather hot since it doesn’t get a breeze from the ocean, and you have the sun’s reflection off the water. Wearing the appropriate clothing is important to consider for your comfort on the water. If you are visiting during the summer, prioritize visiting the springs to cool off in the 72-degree water!

How much time do you need to boat the St. Johns River

The amount of time a boater needs on the St. Johns River varies boat by boat, depending on the boat’s cruising speed, how much time you have, what you want to see, and more. Our boat, Pivot, had a cruising speed of 6 knots, which meant 50-mile days were long travel days.

We broke up the river by destination, starting at the entrance to the St. Johns River from the ICW and going to Sanford. The minimum time to travel down the St. Johns River at 6 knots would be three days, six days there and back. If you want to take your time in the destinations along the St. Johns River and visit everything there is to see, we recommend 10-14 days there and back, although you could easily extend it as long as you’d like. See our sample itinerary below for more information.

Elliot is at the helm, heading southbound on the St. Johns River.

Re-provisioning on the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is full of small towns that don’t have the easiest access to grocery stores. We’ve listed nearby grocery stores, hardware stores, marine stores, and more based on their accessibility by walking or biking. The easiest places to get these boater resources are Jacksonville, Ortega, Palatka, Crescent City, and Sanford. Below, we share more specific information on boater resources for each destination!

Destinations along the St. Johns River

Along the St. Johns River are several great large cities, small towns, natural wonders, and attractions! The St. Johns River is a great trip because it has a little bit of everything. Some of our can’t-miss stops are Jacksonville for its free docks and attractions, Blue Springs State Park for the manatees (if in season), and Sanford for its beautiful riverwalk! The underrated reason to travel the St. Johns River south to Sanford is the natural beauty along the river that’s best experienced from the southern end of Lake George to Sanford. We share all of these destinations and more below.

Downtown Jacksonville

Jacksonville is known for the Naval Air Station (NAS), the local football team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and being the most populous city proper in Florida. Its 840 square miles make it the largest city by landmass in the Continental or contiguous USA.

Looking west at Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, on the St. Johns River
Jacksonville Jaguars EverBank Stadium
Navigation and Approaching

Since Downtown Jacksonville is located at the river’s end, there’s a lot of current. It’s important to time your approach to docks and marinas with the current as it could slow down your trip, causing you to arrive later than expected or make docking more challenging. Since this is a coastal river, there’s also tidal change. If possible, we recommend docking during slack tide. Be cautious of the St. Johns River Taxi as it takes visitors from the north shore and south shore river walks.

Traveling south on the St. Johns River, you’ll smell fresh roasting coffee from the Maxwell Coffee Roasting house, pass the USS Orleck Naval Museum, and see the downtown skyline. Most boats, specifically sailboats, can reach Jacksonville as the bridges have high clearances.

The Maxwell Coffee Roasting plant in downtown Jacksonville.
The USS Orleck Naval Musuem.
Pivot heading up the St. Johns River.
Where to stay in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a mecca of free docks, and that’s one of the reasons we love visiting! There are several free public docks and paid marinas with full amenities. Since Jacksonville is located on the northern, windy part of the St Johns River, there are few anchorages. Here’s a list of the dockage options in Jacksonville with links to Waterway Guide:

Looking northeast at the St. Johns River.

We stayed at the Metropolitan Park Marina (free dock) in May 2022 and enjoyed our stay at the free dock. There is a lot of current, which made approaching the docks challenging. We simply had to be focused and cautious of the current. The next day, we got a free pump out, located outside the dock area, near the St. Johns River main channel. We recommend trying to time your arrival during slack tide for the easiest docking. This marina/free dock can get busy when there are events going on in Jacksonville, especially at EverBank Stadium.

It’s important to remember that Jacksonville is a large city. Like most large cities, there’s a larger population, which means more frequent unfortunate events. Do your own research and use your judgment on what feels safe or not. For more information, we recommend checking out recent reviews on Waterway Guide.

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Best Things to Do in Jacksonville

Although we love boating, we also love getting off the boat to explore a destination and place! There are countless attractions throughout Jacksonville, but we’ve listed some of our favorite guided tours and convenient local attractions:

Elliot and Ollie at RAM (Riverside Arts Market)
Jen buying bread at RAM (Riverside Arts Market)
Elliot walking the north bank riverwalk with Ollie.
Where to Eat in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a huge city with a ton of restaurant options! Here are some of our favorites near downtown, making them convenient to walk to from the free docks and marinas:

Festivals or Events in Jacksonville

There are some great festivals and annual events in Jacksonville! Depending on when you’re boating down the St. Johns River, your travels might overlap with some of the events. Here are some of the big annual events that you may want to enjoy or avoid:

  • Gate River Run 15K annual Run in March throughout Jacksonville. The race goes over the Main Street Bridge and the Hart Bridge. Fun fact: Elliot and I ran in this race with our families for ten years.
  • Jax River Jams is held every Friday in April at Riverfront Plaza.
  • Jacksonville Jazz Festival is held every Memorial Day Weekend in Metropolitan Park.
  • The Jacksonville Jaguars (football team) plays downtown at EverBank Stadium starting in August.
  • The NAS Jax Air Show, Birthplace of the Blue Angels, happens every year in October.
  • Porchfest is a free live music festival with food in the Historic Springfield neighborhood in the fall.
  • The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Downtown Jacksonville.
Boater Resources in Jacksonville

Ortega

Ortega is a small neighborhood in Jacksonville just off the St. Johns River. Its proximity to Jacksonville makes it a great option for boaters who want a more protected anchorage or a secure marina. There are also convenient restaurants, a Publix grocery store, and resources in the area.

Navigation and Approaching

To enter the anchorage and marina, you have to request an opening of the Ortega River Bridge as it is manned and opens on demand. Once past the bridge, there is a slight current from the Ortega River.

Where to stay in Ortega

For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide.

Where to Eat in Ortega
  • Social House Coffee is a good, quiet, local coffee house.
  • Falafel Bar is an indoor/outdoor Mediterranean spot at a decent price.
  • Mesa is a fine-dining Indian restaurant with a rotating menu. It’s a great spot for a nice dinner or date night out.
  • Harps American Pub & Grill has trivia, and local music on Tuesday night is a local favorite.
Boater Resources in Ortega

Ortega has some of the most convenient boater resources on the St. Johns River. The marina and anchorage are conveniently located near a grocery store, a few restaurants, and several marinas along the Ortega River which are great for getting boat work done.

Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs is a small town with a population of 10,000 people located on the west side of the St. Johns River. The town is named after a freshwater spring in Spring Park, adjacent to the city pier. The spring leads directly into the community pool and winds through the park and out to the St. Johns River. The heart of Green Cove Springs is Spring Park, as there are few tourist attractions in town. So enjoy the slow pace of life as a local walking around Spring Park.

Looking at Spring Park in Green Cove Springs.
The Green Cove Springs pool is feed by a natural spring.
The Pavillion at Spring Park.
Navigation and Approaching Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs is located right on the west side of the St. Johns River. It’s pretty exposed to the North and east, so you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly. The Shands Bridge just south of Green Cove Springs has a height of 45 feet, but there are plans to create a new bridge with a height of 65 feet. This means Green Cove Springs will be the last destination sailboats with a mast height of 45+ feet can reach at this time.

Where to Stay in Green Cove Springs

There are three overnight options in Green Cove Springs, but we only recommend two.

  • Green Cove Springs City Pier (paid dock) – this dock has a few finger piers and two larger slips for boats our size, plus one T-dock with power and water. The floating docks have a flat rate cost and can be paid in cash at the box at the pier or city hall.
  • Governors Creek (anchorage) – you can take your dinghy to the Green Cove Springs City Pier.

We stayed at the Green Cove Springs City Pier twice, enjoying the low-cost dockage and convenient access to Spring Park and nearby local businesses. For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide.

Pivot docked at the Green Cove Springs City Pier at the T-Dock.
The Green Cove Springs City Pier.
Where to Eat and Drink in Green Cove Springs

Green Cove Springs is a small town, so the restaurant options are limited, but these local spots have big hearts!

The interior of Spring Park Coffee is super cute and has an authentic local feel.
There are many cozy spots to sit in Spring Park Coffee and enjoy your beverage.
Festivals or Events in Green Cove Springs

To really take in the small-town vibes, attending one of the festivals or events in Green Cove Springs will really elevate your stay. If your trip aligns with any events, we highly recommend attending them to see the town come alive.

  • Food Truck Fridays is held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every first Friday from March to November. The event features a variety of local food trucks gathering around Spring Park while a local Northeast Florida area band plays live music. Many locals bring chairs and blankets and enjoy a fun night out at the park.
  • Market in the Park is held every third Saturday from September to June from 10 am to 2 pm. Local vendors sell fresh produce and homemade goods. The event is located on Walnut Street in front of Spring Park.
  • Green Cove Springs River Fest is an annual event held every Memorial Day. It features live music, food trucks, a watermelon eating contest, and a rubber duck race.
  • The Parade of Trees is an annual event that goes on throughout December. Local businesses and families decorate Christmas trees lined throughout Spring Park. The Christmas Parade is held on the first Saturday of December.
Boater Resources in Green Cove Springs

There are no convenient grocery stores within walking distance in Green Cove Springs, but if you anchor at Governor’s Creek there is a Hagan Ace Hardware and Advanced Auto Parts store within walking distance from the Governor’s Creek Boat Ramp. There is a Winn-Dixie located 1.5 miles north, which is a 10-minute bike ride away with a dedicated pathway for bikers or walkers. We’ve used grocery delivery services to deliver groceries from Winn-Dixie to the Green Cove Springs public dock.

Palatka

Palatka is another small town on the St. Johns River with a population of just over 10,000 people. The town prospered in the 1850s from the timber and citrus industry and was interconnected with other ports and hubs through steamboat and railroad traffic. It was also popular with tourism for its natural beauty. Although small, this town has a lot of charm!

Navigation and Approaching

Palatka is on the St. Johns River just south of the Highway 17 Bridge. The channel is fairly well-marked. As you leave the channel to get to the marina or free dock, we recommend going slow, as there are shallow spots. Call the marina ahead of time for local knowledge.

Where to Stay in Palatka

Palatka has several different options for places to stay overnight:

For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide and Docka.

Pivot docked at the Palatka City Free Dock in March 2021.

Use our Referral Code 450ZMS3 for a $15 discount on your Dockwa reservation!

Best Things to do in Palatka
  • St. Johns River Center is an education center focused on the ecological significance of wetlands conservation and sustainability. It’s open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm. Admission is free. It’s a great resource for anyone cruising the St. Johns River to learn more!
  • Walk around Riverfront Park and enjoy the St. Johns River from the land.
  • Stroll through Downtown Palatka and look at the murals with this self-guided tour.
  • Take a free guided tour of the Bronson-Mulholland House, an antebellum house with period decor. It’s open Thursday through Monday from noon until 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
  • Hike at Ravine Gardens State Park—This state park is 1.2 miles away from Riverfront Park (approximately a 27-minute walk or a 7-minute bike ride). The park has two hiking trails: the perimeter loop and the Azalea trail.
Where to Eat and Drink in Palatka
The outdoor patio at Azalea City Brewing Co.
The beer selection and view from the bar at Azalea City Brewing Co.
Festivals or Events in Palatka

The small town festivals are some of the best ways to really get to know what a town is about. If your trip overlaps with any of the festivals, we highly recommend checking them out!

  • Florida Azalea Festival is Florida’s oldest festival, held the first weekend of March.
  • The Mug Race is a 38-nautical mile one-way race down the St. Johns River from Palatka to Orange Park, FL. It is open to all sailboats with a mast height of 44 feet or less. It’s held the first weekend of May.
  • Blue Crab Festival is held every Memorial Day weekend in May in Downtown Palatka.

Boater Resources in Palatka

Palatka has several grocery and hardware store options, but most of these amenities are not walkable, meaning they’re outside of a one-mile radius, but they are within a reasonable distance to travel by bike.

  • Publix (grocery store) is a 15-minute bike ride (2.9 miles) away.
  • Winn-Dixie (grocery store) is a 19-minute bike ride (3.5 miles) away.
  • Walmart is a 19-minute bike ride (3.5 miles) away.
  • Harbor Freight is a 16-minute bike ride (2.9 miles) away.
  • Home Depot is a 15-minute bike ride (2.9 miles) away.
  • Hagan Ace Hardware (hardware store) is a 12-minute bike ride (2.1 miles) away. It would be easiest to access this store if you stayed at Corky Bell’s Seafood and did a quick errand after eating at their restaurant.

Crescent City

Crescent City is on the west shore of Crescent Lake and is 6 miles off the St. John’s River, making it an optional side trip. It is a small town with a population of 1,600 as of 2022. The town was settled by pioneers in the 19th century and prospered from the citrus industry. The town has no tourist attractions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy walking around the landmarks and historic sites or enjoying activities on the water as the locals do. Crescent City is home to the St. Johns Catfish Festival at the beginning of April.

Approach and Navigation

When heading southbound, you’ll take a left down Dunns Creek Inlet, which winds through Dunns Creek State Park, giving you a beautiful natural setting surrounding the waterway you’ll cruise through. You’ll soon pass under the Highway 17 Bridge, which is 55 feet high. Dunns Creek is shallow, so review your navigation charts before doing this side trip. Online reviews don’t recommend boats with drafts over 4.5 feet to go through Dunn Creek. Do your research and use your judgment on what feels comfortable or not.

Where to Eat and Drink in Crescent City

This small town has a few restaurant options:

Boater Resources in Crescent City

Crescent City has several boater resources conveniently located within walking or biking distance from the free docks in town, makes one of the easiest places to re-provision in the St. Johns River.

  • Winn-Dixie (grocery) is a 33-minute walk or a 10-minute bike ride (1.5 miles) from the Central Avenue Boat Ramp and docks.
  • Save-A-Lot (grocery) is a 29-minute walk or a 9-minute bike ride (1.3 miles) from the Central Avenue Boat Ramp and docks.
  • AutoZone Auto Parts is a 17-minute walk or a 5-minute bike ride (0.7 miles) from the Central Avenue Boat Ramp and docks.
  • Fruitland Ace Hardware is a 7-minute walk or a 3-minute bike ride (0.3 miles) from the Central Avenue Boat Ramp and docks.
  • Napa Auto Parts Store is a 17-minute walk or a 3-minute bike ride (0.7 miles) from the Central Avenue Boat Ramp and docks.

Murphy’s Island

Murphy’s Island is an island off the St. Johns River. This was our second cruise with our boat, Pivot, as new boat owners. We took our family for a short afternoon boat ride around the island as a thank-you for their help after a month of boat work. Murphy’s Island is part of the Murphy Creek Conservation Area and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. The island is only accessible by boat, and there is a boat dock on the St. Johns River for dinghy access. The island has two trails to see the sandhill, Flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. The trails can be overgrown sometimes, so carrying your phone or GPS unit with you for safety is recommended.

Hiking trails on Murphy’s Island. Source: St. Johns River Water Management District.

Just south of Murphy’s Island is the Buffalo Bluff Railway Bridge, which is unmanned and typically kept in an up position unless a train comes through.

Looking southbound at the Buffalo Bluff Railway Bridge in its open position.

Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs on Lake George

St. George is one of the largest lakes in Florida, only second to Lake Okeechobee. There are two springs that feed directly into Lake George and are accessible by boat: Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs. Silver Glen Springs is a class 1 spring that discharges water from an ancient ocean. Depending upon your boat’s draft, you can anchor on Lake George (Salt Springs Creek anchorage or Silver Glen Springs Entrance anchorage) or take your boat up the springs. The springs are all no wake zones as they are manatee areas, and boats must stay out of the swimming area. The springs have beautiful clear water, which is truly spectacular, and it is a great spot to look for manatees or go swimming in the summer. The water is a constant 72 degrees year-round and makes for a great snorkeling spot. We highly recommend going on a dinghy exploration of the springs!

Hontoon Island State Park

Hontoon Island State Park is only accessible by boat, and visiting the island is completely free. Most visitors take a short ferry ride from the river’s east bank to the state park. The Hammock Hiking Nature Trail is the most popular hiking path, leading you on a 3-mile round-trip journey to an ancient shell mound from Native Americans.

Navigation and Approaching Hontoon Island State Park

Getting to Hontoon Island is pretty easy since it’s right along the St. Johns River. There’s not as much current south of Lake George, so approaching the marina is fairly easy. We usually stay here for a nice mid-day stop the day since the park is small, but you can easily stay overnight and enjoy the ease of a dock or seclusion of Dead River.

Hontoon Island State Park
The marina at Hontoon Island State Park.
Where to stay at Hontoon Island State Park

You can stay at Hontoon Island State Park Marina for $22/day or anchor on Dead River. We visited Hontoon Island twice, and each time, the marina was empty with us and maybe one or two other boats. If you choose to anchor, you can take your dinghy to shore at the marina. For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide.

Best Things to do at Hontoon Island State Park

The Hammock Hiking Nature Trail is our most popular hiking path. It leads you on a 3-mile round-trip journey to an ancient shell mound. The trails are pet-friendly, and bikes are welcome on all trails except the Hammock Hiking Nature Trail and the Pine Run Trail. We recommend wearing full-coverage clothing or insect repellant, as the trails are pretty wooded. Park maps are available in the Ranger Station.


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Jen hiking in Hontoon Island State Park.
Hontoon Island is a great quick stop.
Ollie enjoyed getting off the boat too.

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is our favorite attraction on the St. Johns River! There are many freshwater springs that feed into the Nearly 1/3 of the manatee population in Florida retreats to Blue Spring to seek the constant 72-degree warm waters during the winter months. The park costs $2 per person to enter the state park. A metal slot with envelopes is at the bank where boaters can land their dinghy and tie it to a tree. It was a wet landing, so wear the appropriate shoes.

Elliot paying for our admission fees into the park.
Looking at Blue Springs State Park from the St. Johns River. You can take your dinghy south (to the right) of this area to access land.
Navigation and Approaching Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is located just along the east side of the St Johns River channel. There are roped-off areas for the manatees and two tour boats on the docks, and the area is a no-wake zone.

This area is a slow-speed, minimum wake zone for respecting the manatees.
Manatees swimming in the spring.
Where to stay at Blue Springs State Park

There are no docks at this state park for public use. The dock along the St. Johns River is for two tour boats, but three anchorage options are available.

  • Starks Landing Loop (anchorage)
  • Blue Springs State Park (anchorage) – we stayed at this anchorage in March 2021 and enjoyed our stay. It’s off the channel, so it was quiet and calm.
  • Blue Springs (anchorage) – We stayed at this anchorage in May 2023 because it’s right next to the sandy area to take our dinghy to shore. This area is a no-wake zone because of the manatees, so it was calm without boat wakes. It’s located here, right between the last two anchorages.

You can take your dinghy to shore at the sandy shoreline just south of the docks and roped-off area or north of the springs to the boat ramps. For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide.

A local rowing team practicing in the early morning.
Elliot listened to the wildlife at dusk.
The moonrise on the St. Johns River.
Boats must stay out of the swimming area.
Pivot anchored at the Blue Springs State Park anchorage in March 2021.
Best Things to do at Blue Springs State Park

This state park is a great spot to get off the boat and explore the state park’s natural spring. We loved meeting friends here and playing outdoor games in the picnic areas. Some of the best activities include:

The water is so clear at Blue Springs State Park!
Elliot and Ollie on the Blue Springs Trail.
The spring has designated areas marked with buoys.
  • Kayak or Standup Paddleboard the St. Johns River and inlet to the springs. You can see a variety of fish, manatees, alligators, and more. Some areas are marked with signs and buoys to not go further depending upon the season. Be very cautious in the St. Johns River because the river has alligators.
  • Swim and snorkel in the spring! The spring is closed to water activities from November 15 through March 15, although the dates may begin sooner and end later depending on manatee presence.
  • There are a few hiking trails throughout the park, including the Pine Island Trail, which is 3.6 miles long (one way), and the Sand Pine Scrub Trail, which is a 0.25-mile loop. Our favorite is the Blue Springs Boardwalk Trail, which follows the spring.
Jen and Ollie walk on the boardwalk trail.

Black Bear Wilderness Area

The Black Bear Wilderness Area is approximately 1,600 acres in northwest Seminole County, just north of Lake Monroe. It features a variety of wetland habitats within the floodplain of the St Johns River, including Wet Prairie, Hydric Hammock, and Cypress Swamps, which form a diverse habitat for wildlife and biodiversity. The White-tailed Deer, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Florida Black Bear call this area home.

Although this area is accessible by car, you can access it by boat. A few trails are available in the wilderness area, including the Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail, a 7.0-mile loop. There are boardwalks on some parts of the trail that experience significant flooding during the rainy season, as this area is located within the floodplain of the St. Johns River. You can access the trails by anchoring in Butchers Bend and taking your dinghy to the kayak launch along the St. Johns River.

Sanford

Sanford is a cute town on Lake Monroe, just north of Orlando. It’s the largest city on the St. Johns River after Jacksonville, with a population of 63,000 in 2022. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The area was the site of a U.S. Army post named Fort Mellon during the Seminole Wars of the 1830s. The town of Mellonville was established as settlers moved into the area. Henry Shelton Sanford purchased the land west of Mellonville in 1870 to start the transportation hub for all of southern Florida. Sanford became a prosperous town with a railroad station, a hotel, and steamships from the St. Johns River. In September 1887, a town bakery caught fire, burning much of the town’s wood buildings. Later, the town was rebuilt with brick buildings, many of which you can see in the commercial district today.

Mr. Sanford started a citrus grove with more than 140 varieties of citrus. During the winter of 1894-95, the citrus industry was badly hit due to freezing temperatures, destroying the year’s entire crop. Several citizens left, but a few stayed and started to grow vegetable crops. By the 1910s, Sanford received the nickname “Celery City” for the most successful crop as they were one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States.

Approaching and Navigation

Approaching Sanford is fairly simple. You’ll leave the narrow and windy river when you reach Lake Monroe. The lake is fairly shallow, so you’ll want to call the marina beforehand to get local knowledge.

Where to Stay in Sanford

Places to stay overnight are pretty limited in Sanford. The Downtown Sanford Marina is conventionally located near Downtown and two marinas on the outskirts of town (Boat Tree Marina and Sanford Boat Works and Marina). For more information, we recommend checking out the reviews on Waterway Guide.

Things to do in Sanford
Where to Eat and Drink in Sanford

Downtown Sanford has some great coffee shops, restaurants, and a ton of breweries! With countless spots to grab a bite to eat and enough breweries and bars to create your own bar-hopping tour, there’s something for everyone after a day of boating.

Coffee Shops

Restaurants

Bars and Breweries

Sanford has a cute, walkable downtown area with a ton of restaurant options!
Festivals or Events in Sanford

Sanford has festivals and events year-round, which is a great way to experience the life this city has to offer.

  • The Sanford Food Truck Fiesta is every 2nd Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm.
  • Sanford Marketplace at Magnolia is open every Saturday morning from 10 am to 3 pm for a community farmers market and vendor showcase featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, food, drinks, crafts, and more.
  • Sanford Jazz Night – 3rd Thursday of the Month in Historic Downtown Sanford for Sanford Art & Jazz Night, 6 pm to 9 pm and every 3rd Thursday.
  • Sanford Avenue Block Party is held every fourth Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm on Sanford Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street. It features live music, vendors, craft beer, great food, cocktails, wine, and fun. This event does not happen in June, July, or August.
  • Love Your Shorts Film Festival at The Ritz Theatre in mid-February
  • Sanford Porchfest is a FREE grassroots festival on the fourth Saturday of every February in the historic residential downtown of Sanford, FL.
  • St Paddy’s Day Truck Pull & Street Festival happens every year on the Saturday near St. Patrick’s Day in March.
  • Pints n’ Paws Craft Beer Festival is at the end of March.
  • St Johns River Festival of the Arts in Magnolia Square in April
  • Hurricane Party Music Festival is every May and is Sanford’s oldest music festival.
  • Hurricane Party Music Festival at West End Trading Co. happens every year in late May.
  • Fourth of July Celebrations
  • Oktoberfest Street Festival
Boater Resources in Sanford
  • Jaly Fresh Market is conveniently located within a mile of the Sanford Marina.
  • Hollerbach’s German Market is conveniently located within a mile of the Sanford Marina.
  • Winn-Dixie is located 1.8 miles away and is a 40-minute walk or an 11-minute bike ride away.
  • Paw Park of Historic Sanford is a local dog park for your furry friend
Marine Navigation and Boating Apps

Check out our blog post on the best Marine Navigation and Boating Apps!

Sample St. Johns River Boating Itinerary

Using a boat traveling at an average speed of 6 knots, we break down the St. Johns River into a manageable itinerary. This itinerary is an example and can easily be rearranged based on your boat’s cruising speed, your interested destinations, and how far you like to travel in one day. We arranged the destinations to visit them This itinerary does not consider weather delays or days off where you might just want to explore a town further or take a day off from cruising. This is meant to give you a starting point for your cruise planning.

Day 1: ICW to Jacksonville

  • Travel Distance: 16 nm
  • Travel Time: 3 hours
  • Overnight Stay: one of the many free docks in downtown Jacksonville (see above for the full list)
  • This section of the river has the most commercial traffic. You’ll see a lot of ships and industry. This area will also have the most current, so be cautious when docking. We recommend timing your arrival during slack tide.

Day 2: Jacksonville to Green Cove Springs

  • Travel Distance: 20 nm
  • Travel Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Green Cove Springs City Pier ($20/night with a 7-day maximum) or the Green Cove Springs Anchorage.
  • This section of the river can get choppy if the wind is coming from the north or south. If you need a spot to hide from the wind, we’ve used Doctor’s Lake and Black Creek, although both spots have a fixed bridge. You’ll need to confirm that it can fit your boat’s clearance. If you need to refuel, consider stopping at Doctor’s Lake Marina!

Day 3: Green Cove Springs to Palatka

  • Travel Distance: 28 nm
  • Travel Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Palatka free dock, Palatka anchorage, or the Boathouse Marina.
  • Notes: The Boathouse Marina in Palatka is a great spot to fill up on fuel or get a pump out! Once you make it to Palatka, the river becomes much more narrow, making the fetch and chop significantly less on windy days.

Day 4: Palatka to Salt Springs on Lake George

  • Travel Distance: 29 nm
  • Travel Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Salt Springs anchorage
  • Notes: As you travel south, take a short side trip around Murphy’s Island. We recommend anchoring on Lake George only under good conditions. Once anchored, you can take your dinghy up Salt Springs Run Inlet to Salt Springs. Make sure to go slow, as manatees love the freshwater springs!

Day 5: Salt Springs on Lake George to Hontoon Island State Park

  • Travel Distance: 30.8 nm
  • Travel Time: 6 hours
  • Overnight Stay: Hontoon Island State Park Marina or Hontoon Island State Park anchorage; take your dinghy to one of the state park docks.
  • Notes: Some routes have you going the shortest route through Lake George, but you might prefer to take the channel down to the lake’s center. Once you pass the southern entrance to Lake George, you enter the “old Florida” landscape, which is truly beautiful! Enjoy the slower pace of life that the windy river takes you on.

Day 6: Hontoon Island State Park to Sanford

  • Travel Distance: 16.5 nm
  • Travel Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Downtown Sanford Marina
  • Notes: The marina was closed to transient visitors in May 2023 due to damage from Hurricane Ian. We recommend calling the harbor master beforehand and asking for local knowledge of the best approach to the marina, as it looked shallow.

As you continue south, on the west side of the river is Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, where a trop of Rhesus Monkeys live on the Wekiva River. Although the origins of these monkeys are known, they are known for their adept swimming abilities. Some believe that the monkeys are from the 1930s filming of the Tarzan movies near Silver Springs.

Day 7: Sandford to Blue Springs State Park

  • Travel Distance: 13.5 nm
  • Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Anchor near Blue Springs State Park at one of the three anchorage options: Starks Landing Loop, Blue Springs State Park, or Blue Springs (halfway between these two options here).
  • Notes: Take your dinghy to shore at Blue Springs State Park at the sandy landing just south of the dock and spring. Please respect the slow speed, as this is a manatee zone.

Day 8: Blue Springs State Park to Silver Glen Springs on Lake George

  • Travel Distance: 28.6 nm
  • Travel Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Sliver Glen Springs Entrance is a real treat of a destination! The spring flows from an ancient ocean and is classified as a class 1 spring. Take your dinghy on an exploration of this freshwater spring. Remember to go slow near the manatees.
  • Notes: We don’t recommend staying overnight on Lake George unless the conditions are good for it. Lake George can get choppy and unpleasant. Some boats do go up into the spring, but it depends on the boat’s size and captain’s preferences.

Day 9: Silver Glen Springs on Lake George to Crescent City

Day 10: Crescent City to Palatka

  • Travel Distance: 20.4 nm
  • Travel Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Palatka City Dock or the Boathouse Marina
  • Notes: Make sure to follow your tracks out of Dunn Creek if it is shallow coming into Crescent Lake.
  • Alternatively, you can stop at Corky Bells Seafood Restaurant, just south of Palatka. They have a dock, which you can stay on for free if you’re a restaurant patron. We recommend confirming with management.

Day 11: Palatka to Ortega

  • Travel Distance: 46 nm
  • Travel Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Overnight Stay: Ortega River anchorage or Port 32 Jacksonville at Ortega Landing.
  • Notes: If upper St. Johns River is too choppy or you don’t want to cruise for eight hours, you can stop again in Green Cove Springs, anchor on Black Creek, or Doctor’s Lake. We anchored on Black Creek in 2021 and loved the seclusion and quiet! The Black Creek Marina just built new docks which make for a great spot to explore Camp Chowenwaw Park, which is an old Girl Scout camp that Jen used to counselor at. If anchoring in Doctor’s Lake, be sure to dinghy to Whitey’s Fish Camp for some seafood and live music.

Day 12: Ortega to ICW

  • Travel Distance: 20.5 nm
  • Travel Time: 4 hours
  • Notes: Before returning to the ICW, you can fill up fuel and get a pump out at Port 32 Marina.

This itinerary was focused on the destinations instead of scenic anchorages. If you’re interested in visiting more of the scenic anchorages or need a spot to wait out some nasty weather, we listed some great anchorage options:

Final Thoughts on Boating the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is truly special! Boating up the river gives you an idea of what the natural Florida landscape looked like years ago. It has some of our favorite anchorages, cute small towns, and countless springs you can travel to by boat. We hope you love boating the St. Johns River as much as we did! Don’t forget to check out reviews on Waterway Guide and use Dockwa for marina reservations with our discount code!

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Ready to Explore the St. John’s River?

Pin this boater’s guide for the St. John’s River to help plan your trip!

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About Us

We’re Jen and Elliot, aka Scho & Jo, a couple of high school sweethearts who fell in love with travel and decided to live life now. From international travel to boating around America’s Great Loop to converting a Sprinter Van into a campervan and now traveling to all 50 States and US National Parks, we’re here to help you plan for your dream trip! We share detailed guides and expense reports to help turn your dream trip into a reality! Read more about us here.

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