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 3 days of fun and relaxation, exploring the greatest gems in Central Florida. Cruising the beautiful St. Johns River on the Silver Glen houseboat, you’ll see hundreds of manatees and even paddle and swim with them, snorkel in crystal clear springs, hike to bubbling sand boils, 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: January 10-12, 2025 Location: St. Johns River, Florida
Tour Size: Up to 8 people
Pricing: From $775 ea (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
Silver Glen Manatee Experience
Paddle and swim with manatees! With temperatures at a constant 72 degrees, manatees flock to Silver Glen during the winter for comfortable, warmer waters. With crystal clear visibility, they are easy to spot, especially from our taller vantage point on stand up paddleboards. We often have close encounters as they are curious and friendly creatures, coming over to say hello, and even nosing our boards or hugging them with their flippers! Keeping our distance to respect these protected animals, we can get in the water and snorkel with them. Seeing them in their under water world brings a whole new perspective and will leave you buzzing for days!
Silver Glen Springs
Submerge in nature and healing springs! 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 swimming, snorkeling and paddling. The refreshing spring is one of our very favorites in Florida as it has unbelievable water clarity and feels like snorkeling in an aquarium. This setting also attracts an abundance of marine life including manatees, striped bass, gar, jumping mullet, “spring rays” and more. The pure spring water is filled with minerals, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and reborn!
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 bald eagles, blue herons, limpkins, ospreys, 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.
Sand Boil Hike
The Springs Boil Trail is a short, gentle hike through lush upland forests of oak, cedar, pines, leading to a cove of surreal, mystic bubbling sand boils. Picture a scene from The Princess Bride - from the depths of the Floridan Aquifer, water bubbles up through the sands of the Big Scrub to form tiny tributaries, creating a waterway flowing into Silver Glen Run. Another, 2.5 mi trail leads to Lake George is very peaceful, and primitive, yet well-maintained for any of our guests craving more time hiking.
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 session 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). 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, a cup of coffee 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 60’ Silver Glen houseboat, our home for 3 days and 2 nights. 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 features the helm, large living room with flat screen TV and DVD player, dining table, and well equipped galley. There are four private staterooms: a spacious master stateroom with queen size bed, two staterooms with queen size beds and one stateroom with full size bed. Add the full size futon in the main salon to comfortably sleeps ten people. There is one full bath with shower and one half bath. This boat is equipped with central air and heat. The large front deck features a ceiling fan, propane gas grill, ice chest, table and chairs. The large back deck has plenty of space for stowing water toys. Stairs are located on the front and back decks for easy access to 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! A canopy top provides partial coverage for those who prefer shade.
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!
Pricing
Starting at just $258/day! Typical hotel prices are $150 alone - and you’ll be getting so much more - see all that’s included below:
What’s Included
3 days/2 nights Fully Planned Activities Complete planning and logistics for the best trip ever have already been taken care of. All you have to do is show up!
Tour Guide Your professional, experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you safely and smoothly through each experience. Encouragement, entertainment, and instruction is complimentary :)
Captain The most challenging part of a houseboat trip is captaining the boat. We have that massive responsibility covered so you can kick back, relax, and just enjoy it.
Manatee Paddle at Silver Glen Springs
Snorkel with Manatees at Silver Glen Springs
Houseboat Accommodations including Fuel and Water
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Lesson by pro instructor Jessica Cichra
Sand Boil Hiking at 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
Trip Photos to document your adventure and capture your lifelong memories
Rates per Stateroom
There are 4 shared (double occupancy) rooms available. Solo adventurers may be paired up, or pay the total price for a private room.
Master Room w/Queen Bed A floor-level room (no stairs) with sliding door out to the stern and full window at the port side, this room has the best water views and easiest access. It’s the only room with an attached half bath, and has the most space and highest ceilings to comfortably stand, There is a full size closet and sliding door entry for privacy. $975 each or $1950 total
Guest Room 1 w/Queen Bed - SOLD - An upper room (2 stairs up) with 6’ tall ceiling, a half closet, 2 drawers, and a window at the port side. There is a sliding door entry for privacy and the full bath is just across the hallway. $900 each or $1800 total
Guest Room 2 w/Queen Bed - SOLD - A lower room (3 stairs down) with 5’ tall ceiling, 2 drawers and shelf for storage, and window at the port side. There is a curtain closure for privacy, and the full bath is just up the stairs. $850 each or $1700 total
Guest Room w/Full Bed A lower room (3 stairs down) with 4’ tall ceiling, a half closet and shelf for storage, and window at the port side. There is a curtain closure for privacy, and the full bath is just up the stairs. $825 each or $1650 total
Main Salon w/Full Bed Located on the floor level in the main salon, is a comfortable futon that converts into a full size bed facing the TV. There is plenty of space with high ceilings to comfortably stand and a full size closet for storage. The full bath and front deck are steps away. This is not a private room, but is our most affordable and quite cozy option. $775 each or $1550 total
Private Adventure
This trip is ideal for families and friend groups from November - April. Book the entire boat on your schedule for your private group for $7,200 total. *Dates are subject to availability, please inquire.
*Smaller boats with 3 rooms are also available for smaller groups - please inquire about pricing and availability.
Discounts
Looking to save a few bucks? We would love to help you out so you can keep more cash in your pocket! Discount will be applied to final amount due and is not applicable on the deposit.
Pay In Full Upon Booking (prior to 60 days of departure) - $50 off
Refer a Friend - $50 off
Repeat Offender (if you’ve already joined this trip once or more) - $50 off
Deposit
A $350 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your reservation. Payments are accepted at your leisure with full balance due 60 days prior to arrival date.
Not Included
Airfare/Ground Transportation: Participants responsible for scheduling and purchasing airfare to Orlando (MCO) or Sanford, Florida (SFB), and/or ground transportation to Holly Bluff Marina. The adventure begins on 1/10/2025 at 12p and ends at Holly Bluff Marina on 1/12/2025 at 5p. If you drive, your car will stay at a safe lot at the marina.
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. Fishing license required by law.
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 (vetted) like-minded 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 VIP treatment at 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.
We are travelers, not tourists - and our trips are designed with this intention in mind. Travel evokes open mindedness and cultivates growth. We give back to, respect, and learn from the beings and places we visit, adapting to their culture instead of trying to force our own. And our small group environment fosters non-judgement, support, and builds deep bonds of connection. Our journeys elevate well-being and consciousness and that’s why we do it again and again, in the spirit of L-I-V-I-N!.
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. Traveling in a mindful, small group environment builds deep bonds, faster than any situation we’ve ever encountered. Our participants quickly become a tribe - so you may show up solo, but you’ll leave with a family.
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.
May we bring our kids?
Our public trips are for adults 18 years and older. However, we love kiddos and all of our trips are offered as private bookings for families with kids under 18. Private bookings are on your schedule and up to 8 people - perfect for a large family or 2 small families (please inquire about availability and rates).
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 a Florida spring?!
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.
