Jacksonville, Fl St. John’s River - tubing and water skiing

[cjaysanchez]

We just moved from Houston to Jax a few weeks ago. We are in the area of fruit cove and the St. John’s river is just a few miles from us. I have not seen anybody tubing or water skiing, for you locals, is it safe to to some water sports or is there specific areas where these activities are normally done? With info on alligators etc in the area, best just to ask for recommendations. We always did lakes in the Houston area so this is all new.

 

[adamcoley1]

Drs. Lake.

 

[typhoon]

I know I about a month late on this response, however I would say either Doctors Lake or the Ortega River. If you go over to the Intracoastal, you will see lots of tubing between Palm Valley and the Vilano Bridge.

 

[jocolo21]

lots of gators in the st johns

 

[Beachcampin]

lots of gators in the st johns

They're all friendly gators though.

In all seriousness though, we've seen tubers and skiiers in many areas around here. Some like to go in the area in Julington Creek east of the bridge because the waves are not a choppy here, same as with Doctor's Lake as mentioned earlier. We've also seen some right out in the middle of the river, but that is usually a little too bumpy for us. Just outside black's creak bridge is another spot we've seen tubers/skiiers. Inside the creak too, but that really is gator land, we don't go in the water there, although there are many who do. Redneck beach seems like a crazy spot to swim, but people always do.