Get Up and Go Kayaking - Merritt's Mill — Attraction in Marianna

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of the Florida panhandle, this is the tour to book! Our guide, Elijah, was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the local ecosystems, but also deeply passionate about conservation, wildlife, and sharing the magic of Florida’s wild spaces with others. One of the highlights of the trip was paddling through the breathtaking natural springs—those vivid turquoise pools that seem almost too beautiful to be real. The water was so clear we could see all the way to the sandy bottom, with fish darting around our kayaks and shafts of sunlight dancing through the current. It felt like discovering a secret world untouched by time. Elijah shared fascinating insights about how these springs are formed, the delicate aquifer system that feeds them, and the vital role they play in Florida’s ecosystem. What really stood out was how genuine and unscripted our guide was. He didn’t sound like he was reciting a memorized spiel or going through the motions. Everything he shared felt fresh, thoughtful, and tailored to the moment—like we were having a conversation with someone who lives and breathes this environment every day. His excitement was contagious, and it made the entire experience feel personal...

What a cool, fun experience! The water was so clear, you could see a couple of underwater caverns and fish swimming right underneath the clear kayaks. We also got to get out of the kayaks twice to swim in the beautiful, clear waters. The tour guide was very knowledgeable bringing up interesting and fun facts about the springs and the ecosystem. It helped me develop an awe and appreciation of natural springs. My absolute favorite part of the tour was getting to swim underwater through a small cave entrance and resurfacing inside the cave where the tour guide was. I then exited the cave by swimming back out underwater. I felt completely safe as the tour guide was present giving safety tips. We also got to climb up on a tree branch and jump off into the water below which was an exhilarating experience. We were on this tour for 3 hours and with all the nature above and below the spring water, there was never a dull moment. It’s so much fun, and I can’t wait to go back and do this again on a return...

This tour has completely exceeded our expectations! Merritt’s Mill Pond is a hidden gem just a few minutes away from Florida Caverns State Park, and its natural beauty is consciously & amazingly explored by the Get Up and Go Kayaking team - some great folks who really cherish this unique place and are glad to show you what they love about it! HUGE shoutout to our tour guide Sean, who went above and beyond to provide my husband and I with the most amazing experience as we talked not only about this rich habitat but also about travels, volunteering, nature, fun stories, and so on! Be ready to paddle through cypress trees and clear spring waters, to see underground and underwater caves, and to spot fishes, turtles, and all kinds of birds - including a bald eagle if you are...