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The St. Johns River
History | Attractions | Marinas | Anchorages
| Pacetti's Landing |
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| Gator Landing |
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| Alltel Stadium |
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| Murphy Creek |
| Rice Creek |
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| Black Creek |
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| Doctors Lake |
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| Three Bananas |
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| Julington Creek |
| NAS |
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The St. Johns River is Florida's largest rivers and one of a relative few major north-flowing rivers in the world. It stretches just over 310 miles from it's source in Indian County to it's mouth at the Atlantic Ocean, east of Jacksonville. The river level drops a mere 30 feet during this course, making it one of the slowest flowing rivers around (with the exception of Downtown Jacksonville, where the river narrows significantly, creating quite strong currents). North of Palatka, the river averages about 2 miles across!
History
The river's formation is somewhat unusual. More than 100,000 years ago, the area of land that now comprises the river was connected to the Atlantic Ocean for most, if not all, of its length, making the river nothing more than an extended system of lagoons and tributaries. As the ocean levels dropped, barrier islands and reef formations effectively walled off the system of lagoons from the ocean, and the river was formed. This unusual geologic past explains why a river of this size can form with such little drop in elevation from source to mouth.
The river's original name was "Welaka", meaning "River of Lakes", a clear reference to it's lake-like appearance in many places. When the Spanish controlled Florida, they called it "Rio de Corrientes" or "River of Currents".
In 1578, a Catholic mission named "San Juan del Puerto" was founded near the mouth, and the river took on the name "Rio de San Juan". This name was translated into English as the "St. Johns River".
Attractions
Heading south (from Crystal Cove)...
- Palatka City Dock - Within walking distance of the attractions of downtown Palatka, including Steamboat Willies and Peabody's.
- Gator Landing - A recent addition to the riverfront, Gator Landing is a family friendly place with live outdoor music and great food.
- Buffalo Bluff Sand Bar - Just around the bend before the railroad bridge, the Sand Bar is a popular summer spot. Tricky channel marker placement makes getting stuck in the sand bar a real danger.
- Seven Sisters - An absolutely beautiful archipelago, and a popular anchorage spot. Also home to Hermit's Cove, a favorite stop for the River Adventures crew.
- Oklawaha River - A very senic river, with great fishing. The river leads to the Rodman Dam and is not houseboat friendly. Small boats only, but worth the trip.
- Lake George - Florida's third largest lake (after Okechobe and Apopka) is large enough that you can see a horizon from Georgetown. Summer storms can be rough on the lake, but they never last long.
- Crescent Lake - Although not part of the St. Johns river, this is another peaceful lake with good fishing.
- Silver Glen - The hands-down most popular destination for the River Adventures fleet. These natural springs are home to indian mounds, hiking trails, 72 degree crystal clear water, and during holidays, drunken revelry. The actual springs area is always family safe.
Heading north...
- Outback Crab Shack - One of the more famous stops in the north part of the river. A tremendously long dock with tremendously great seafood (and ribs, sometimes). A "must see".
- Ronnie's Wings - within walking distance of the Green Cove Springs City Dock
- Doctors Inlet - Doctors inlet provides room enough for all the popular water sports, including jetskis and water skiing, and some great views of the water front houses.
- Black Creek - A wild and scenic spot with great fishing
- Jacksonville Landing - Park the houseboat 10 feet from the Hooters for a remarkable view.
- Altel Stadium - Go Jaguars
Marinas
| Marina |
Location |
Contact |
Fuel |
Pumpout |
Supplies |
Notes |
| River City Brewing Company |
Downtown Jacksonville |
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Yes |
No |
Beer (microbrewery!) |
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| Julington Creek |
Mandrain/South Jax |
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Yes |
No |
No |
Not Houseboat friendly |
| Pacetti's Landing |
Orangedale |
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Yes |
No |
Beer, water, chips |
Not Houseboat friendly |
| Outback Crab Shack |
6-Mile Creek (Shands bridge) |
904-522-0500 |
No |
No |
Restaurant |
Long dock, easy docking |
| Crystal Cove Marina |
Palatka |
(386)325-1055
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Yes |
Yes ($20) |
Beer, water, chips. |
River Adventures home port! |
| Acosta Creek |
Welaka |
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No |
No |
No |
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| Georgetown |
Georgetown(!) |
386-467-2002 |
Yes |
Yes |
Beer, water, chips |
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Anchorages
- Seven Sisters Islands
- Little Lake George
- Dryten Island/Lake George
- Silver Glen
River Adventures Houseboat Rental Company
St. Johns River - Palatka, Florida
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