DJ’s Kayak Rentals offers self-guided kayak and paddleboard rentals on Lake Santa Fe, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in North Florida, based in Melrose, Alachua County. Owner Dave Jones (“DJ”) moved to Florida from Indiana for what he called a “working vacation,” and his growing love of North Florida’s outdoors led him to notice a genuine gap in the local market — Melrose had one of the state’s most beautiful lakes, but no easy way for visitors without their own watercraft to experience it. DJ’s Kayak Rentals was born to fix that.
Single Kayaks run $30, Fishing Kayaks $40, and Tandem Kayaks $50, all priced for an all-day self-guided rental including paddles, a life vest, and kayak shuttle service to the launch. Das King and Woodie paddleboards (11 and 11.5 feet respectively) both run $40. A $10 discount is offered for seniors, veterans, and UF/Santa Fe College students on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with group discounts available every day. Fishing equipment is not offered at the shop, though kayak drop-off is available on request for an additional service charge.
The 5,850-acre spring-fed Lake Santa Fe is known for excellent fishing, natural vegetation, and abundant wildlife. The rental process is genuinely simple: reserve ahead or walk in, get shuttled to a nearby drop-off ramp with parking and restrooms, get help launching, then call when finished for pickup right from the boat ramp.
Open Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-6pm.
For paddlers near Melrose/Alachua County, Florida looking for a genuinely personal, straightforward kayak or paddleboard rental on Lake Santa Fe, DJ’s Kayak Rentals offers a well-run operation with owner Dave Jones.
