Bears on the River 2023
BOTR 2023
July 27th-30th
Join us for our 25th annual tubing trip down the Ichetucknee River! For up to the minute updates, add yourself to our Facebook page!
Host Hotel
Sold Out
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
4155 SW 40th Blvd
Gainesville FL 32608
352-376-8873
Single $124.00 per night plus tax*
Double $124.00 per night plus tax*
*A one night non refundable deposit will be charged at the time the reservation is made.
Hotel booking includes 2 BOTR Armbands. Additional armbands may be purchased during check-in or from any of our Forest Rangers or Animal Control teams for $25
Schedule of Events
Thursday July 27th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Early Arrival Meet and Greet 7PM - 9PM
Cypress & Grove Brewing Company, 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville, FL (Food Truck at the Brewery)
Friday July 28th
Hotel Check In 3PM
Group Information Table 1PM - 9PM (Hotel Lobby)
Meet & Greet Pool/Hotel Lobby 6PM
BOTR Armband required for Pool
Food Trucks on site
Saturday July 29th
Bear Breakfast (Hotel Lobby) 7AM-10AM (For those staying at the hotel)
Tubing Down the Ichetucknee River 9:00AM
Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:45AM and buddy up to carpool to the park OR meet at the SOUTH entrance tram area at 8:45AM. We will take the tram or walk to the MID-Point Dock at 9AM . The actual time on the water will be around one and a half - two hours. Once we are through floating we will head back to the hotel for an afternoon of fun.
Reminders -
Get there early, when the park is full you will not be able to get in.
No alcohol allowed in the park.
You can pickup your tube from a vendor along the way OR the vendor in the park at the General Store.
The General Store also offers a variety of hot and cold foods for lunch- Hamburgers, Fries, Sandwiches, Salads, Wraps and Ice Cream and they will hold your keys for a small fee.
For more information about the park please visit; Ichetucknee Springs
Afternoon Splash Hotel Pool Noon- 8:00PM
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Food trucks will be located at the entrance of the hotel - 6PM-9PM
(The pool will close from 8PM- 9PM for a quick cleaning)
Bear Party Downtown 8PM-1AM
University Club
The bus will run on a continuous loop from the hotel to UC from 8PM until 2AM
No cover with BOTR armband up to 10PM
Moonlight Swim Hotel Pool 11PM - 2AM
BOTR Armband required for the pool
Wind down the long day of fun with a relaxing swim and a few drinks before turning in for the night.
Sunday July 30th
Farewell Breakfast (Hotel Lobby) 7:30-10:30AM (For those staying at the hotel)
Ichetucknee Park Fees
Ichetucknee Park Entrance - $6 per car (2-8 people) Pay at the park entrance.
Tube Rental - Available from vendors on the way to the park and in the park $7-$30. If renting in the park you will pay at the General Store located in the park.
Ichetucknee Park Tram - $5.50 + tax per person. Pay at the General Store in the Park.
(you may walk to the mid point and back to the parking area for free)
