Weeki Wachee Spring's Buccaneer Bay Water Park

In addition to mermaid shows, riverboat cruises, and wildlife exhibits, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most unique family destinations, and it is to Buccaneer Bay Water Park. A great water park providing perfect summertime activity.

Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed waterpark, is included in the price of admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Buccaneer Bay Water Park at Weeki Wachee Springs Florida

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure and privacy policy for more information.

About Buccaneer Bay Water Park

Does anyone remember Disney’s River Country, the old-fashioned swimming hole? I remember it well. It was the first water park I ever visited in Florida. It is ironic because it was Disney’s first water park. Opening in 1976 and closing in 2001. It is a chlorine-free water park built around Bay Lake, with simple rides like a zipline.

Buccaneer Bay Water Park reminds me of River Country. It does not have the modern-day attractions that the big-ticket water parks have, nor does it have the expected wave pool. Nor does it have the expensive price tag that goes along with it. It offers an affordable family day out with slides that run into a natural spring, a pristine one.

Buccaneer Bay opened in 1982 across from Mermaid Attraction of Weeki Wachee. The sandy beach where the slides are has been part of Weeki Wachee since at least the 1940s.

Why You Should Visit Buccaneer Bay Water Park

Swimming is not the only thing you’ll find here; you’ll also find water slides, flume rides, tube rides, a lazy river, sand beaches, and a beach volleyball court. Swimming and the beach are open year-round, even though the water park features are seasonal.

If your kids are out of school for summer vacation, Buccaneer Bay is a great place to keep them occupied and cool. The unique thing about Weeki Wachee Springs is that it’s all-natural and offers a wide variety of activities.

Buccaneer Bay Buccaneer Bay Water Park before the slides were redone in blue. Look at how stunning the water is. It looks like the slides have been planted in a tropical jungle.

Photo Credit: Facebook Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Things To Do At Buccaneer Bay Water Park

The park features four water slides into natural Weeki Wachee Springs and a swimming platform that everyone enjoys cannonballing off of. Water slide enthusiasts will enjoy the exhilarating, fun-filled Cannonball and Pirate‘s Revenge slides. These slides will make you feel a rush of excitement and have you eager to ride over and over again.

There is something here for everyone, and little ones can enjoy Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove, supervised by a lifeguard. Take in some sun on our sandy white beach or enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear spring waters, the ideal spot for swimming.

To kick back and relax, rent an inner tube for an excellent, lazy float on the natural river that flows around the swimming area. To ensure visitor safety, certified lifeguards are stationed throughout the region.

Little ones will enjoy Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove. The exciting water play area and the wading pool were created especially for children six and older.

There is something for everyone in your group to enjoy at Buccaneer Bay! In addition to relaxing, parents can enjoy some sun while their children play.

Amenities At Buccaneer Bay Water Park

Picnic tables are available to enjoy when you need a snack break. Tents are limited to 10 feet by 10 feet. Grilling is not allowed in Buccaneer Bay. Do not bring tables, pots of food, or chafing dishes.

Single Tube Rental: $8
Double Tube Rental: $8
Locker Rental:$7

What’s Included

Buccaneer Bay is included in the price of admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. What this means is you can explore the entire park with your admission.

Watch The Mermaid Show

The Mermaids Of Weeki Wachee Springs underwater extravaganza only takes place there! It’s a live theater production with mermaids performing a show that includes music, audio, and dancing. After the show, you get the chance to meet the mermaids!

Note: The shows are popular, so make sure you get in line well in advance of the show time to ensure you get a seat. Seats are on a first-come basis.

Watch The Animal Exhibits

The animal encounter at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park gives guests a firsthand glimpse of some of Florida‘s native wildlife, including gators, snakes, and others.

Boat Tours

Don’t miss this one. It’s not a long boat ride, but it’s beautiful. You get to take a journey through the waterway of the Weeki Wachee River. You’ll see firsthand just how stunning the springs of Florida are. The piercing blue water is something that you will never tire of. The boat captains will tell you about the river and the different natural wildlife types during the trip.

Dining Options

Mermaid Galley: Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, ice cream, and other snacks.
Captain Quarters: Ice cream, snacks, and drinks overlooking the bay.
Pirates Grubb: Snacks, burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, etc.
Snack Shack: Ice cream and cold drinks.
Tiki Bar: Frozen drinks, beer, wine, and grilled food items.

Admission Information

Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606
Phone: (352) 592-5656
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily between May 27 and August 13, weekends only from August 14 to October 1
Prices: Free with your admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park ($13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12, free for children five and under)

Get a $60 annual pass if you live in the area and free admission to all Florida State Parks, including this water park.

Photo Credit: Facebook Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

2024 Schedule

Buccaneer Bay Water Park, which includes the Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge body slides, lazy river, and kiddie pool, is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

FAQs

How much does it cost to get into Buccaneer Bay?

$13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12, and free for children five and under. Get a $60 annual pass if you live in the area and free admission to all Florida State Parks, including this water park.

Are there alligators in Buccaneer Bay?

Occasionally, wildlife will enter Buccaneer Bay due to its location on the Weeki Wachee River. There are alligators, turtles, manatees, and otters among these animals. Seeing wildlife from a distance is not difficult as the water is clear. Feeding or approaching wildlife is prohibited.

What are the height requirements for the slides?

1. Cannonball sliders must be 48 inches or taller.
2. Pirate’s Revenge sliders must be 41 inches or taller.

Where To Stay Close To Or On The Weeki Wachee River

Best Of Florida Springs & Rivers

If you love springs, then you need this book! Florida is home to over 1000 natural springs between the sun-soaked beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, which have drawn people to the state for thousands of years. Long before theme parks came to town, the freshwater springs were the top tourist attraction in the state. Join us across the state to explore 40 of the best springs in Florida that you can still visit today. Filled with vivid photos from the past and present, this guide will show you a side of the Sunshine State you won’t see in commercials. Complete with information on conservation and a key for activities offered, this book is a must-have for locals and tourists alike.

Closing Thoughts

As the years go by, fewer and less affordable family days out. Flashy theme parks lure this generation of kids with the latest technology. Buccaneer Bay Water Park allows you to spend the day with the family without breaking the bank.

Buccaneer Bay Water Park is a state-owned park in a natural setting that any child will love. Plus, there’s plenty more to keep you busy should you tire of the slides!

Looking for more springs in Florida? Start here:

Looking for more water parks in Florida? Start here:

We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.