Kayak Weeki Wachee Springs – Florida

Kayaking Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most fantastic kayak routes. The water here is as clear as it gets, the river is loaded with wildlife, and it’s a throwback to a slower pace of life. Manatees are a given; you’ll encounter herds of them. Gators are a possibility, and you might even see otters. Navigating this water is one of Florida’s most exhilarating experiences. It’s also one of the few remaining places where old fishing cabins turned homes dot the picturesque riverbank. The Weeki Wachee River rises from Weeki Wachee Springs. Flowing 7.4 miles from its head spring to Bayport in Hernando County, Florida, this short, fast-moving river meets the Gulf of Mexico.

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Why Visit Weeki Wachee Springs?

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a state park offering one of the most beautiful springs you can find in Florida, and this is why you should visit Weeki Wachee Springs:

• You can kayak Weeki Wachee Springs and down the river.
• The park also hosts Buccaneer Bay and Buccaneer Bay Water Park. 
• Weeki Wachee Springs offers several camping programs.
• The park is home to a live mermaid show ideal for children.
• Weeki Wachee Springs park offers riverboat tours to teach people about the importance of Florida’s wildlife.

The History Of Weeki Wachee Springs

The spring we can find north of Tampa is called “Weeki Wachee” because the Seminole Indians called it that way in their native language (small spring).  While not actually “small,” as its name implies, it has a depth of more than 400 ft.

Newt Perry, a former U.S. Navy man, swim coach, and star swimmer turned event promoter,  purchased Weeki Wachee Springs in 1946. This athlete cleaned out the spring, which was full of junk at the time.

Newt wanted to create a way for humans to perform underwater. He invented a method for breathing underwater using a free-flowing air hose that supplied oxygen from an air compressor. This hose gives the appearance of people or mermaids breathing underwater.

Initially, an 18-seat theater was built. A newer theater with a capacity of 50 was later created, and viewing windows were added. Newt sought out pretty girls and taught them to perform underwater ballet moves and other tricks. As such, the mermaid shows of Florida were born.

This show was why Weeki Wachee Springs was an icon among all the tourist stops in Florida between 1950 and 1970.  The spring had great fame, was the location of some famous movies, and was included in the maps in 1966 (including the small town of Weeki Wachee).

In 1982, slides and a sandy beach were built to allow people to sample the refreshing waters of Weeki Wachee Springs.  Finally, the spring became a state park in 2008.

What City Is Weeki Wachee Springs In?

Weeki Wachee Springs is in the unincorporated community of Weeki Wachee and is located north of Tampa.  Additionally, the spring is located on Spring Hill, a census-designated place in Hernando County.

The Location Of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located in Hernando County, 48 miles north of Tampa. In addition to the state park, we can find a community called Weeki Wachee in Spring Hill. In case you do not have the complete address and you do not know where to find it, we will show it to you below:

Address: 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606, United States

Getting to Weeki Wachee Springs

Getting to Weeki Wachee Springs is accessible.  If you’re outside of Florida and want to get there by plane, you can fly into Tampa and take the closest route to Weeki Wachee Springs.  If you are in Florida, these are some of the easiest ways:

• From Tampa: This is the easiest route. You should look for the road FL-589 Toll N and cross at FL-50W.  You can then locate the park, which is situated less than 7 miles away.
• From Orlando: Start on FL-408 W, go to Florida’s Turnpike, and drive to FL-50W until you reach the state park.
• From Gainesville: Start on FL-121 S, drive to Hwy 41S, and return to FL-121 S. Follow US-98 and end on US-19 until you reach Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

What Is There To Do At Weeki Wachee Springs?

There are tons of things to do! Paddling, canoeing, and kayaking. Picnicking and barbecuing. Swim at Buccaneer Bay. Watch the mermaid shows, camps with kids, boat tours, and more!

For a comprehensive guide on things to do at Weeki Wachee Springs read this: Weeki Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – The Complete Guide

Kayak Weeki Wachee Springs & The Weeki Wachee River

Quite possibly the main event for those who love kayaking! If you do, Weeki Wachee Spring is by far one of the most beautiful kayak routes in Florida. My all-time favorite is Kings Landing, but Weeki Wachee is a close second.

One unique aspect of kayaking at Weeki Wachee is that it’s an old-school experience. Think Huckleberry Finn, and you’ll know where I am going with this.

When you start from Rogers Park, you will pass canal communities going upstream against the flow. This section is primarily populated by residents and tourists renting homes on the river. The spring is stunning, but the Weeki Wachee River is just as beautiful. 

Most homes along the Weeki Wachee River are old fishing cabins that have been converted or have additions. There are plenty of newer two-story homes, but the old one-story ones maintain the area’s old-fashioned vibe.

Kayaking The Weeki Wachee Springs

Manatees On The Weeki Wachee River

Another unique element is that you’ll see manatees, no matter how many times you kayak, in Weeki Wachee, whether it’s up or down the river. I’ve been countless times and never not seen them. Sometimes, it’s a herd; sometimes, it’s a mother and calf. At other times, a solo manatee is simply relaxing. Regardless, they are prevalent in this water system. I also often see them from the Upper Deck when I eat there. 

Wild Life On The Weeki Wachee River

I already mentioned that it’s common to see manatees. However, you can expect to see all kinds of birds, turtles, otters, raccoons, and an abundance of fish. You may also be treated to a dolphin sighting, a shark, or an alligator.

Weeki Wachee River Snack Boat

The Weeki Wachee Snack Boat is an unexpected treat for all. About a mile south of Rogers Park, where the river splits, is where you’ll find them. Along the river’s edge is a pontoon boat decorated with copper manatees. It serves hot dogs, sodas, chips, and ice cream. This is not only a great spot to replenish, but it’s also one of the prettiest places to stop for a swim.

Enjoy the shady trees and cool water of this oasis along the river as you slow down and relax. We had no idea that this place was on the river, and boy, did it need it! We were thirsty and hungry. Naturally, we indulged in hot dogs!

Here’s how clear and shallow the water is on this section of the Weeki Wachee River:

Where Do You Launch Kayaks from Weeki Wachee Springs?

Rogers Park

You can launch your own vessel at Rogers Park or rent one and launch here. This is an extremely popular place to launch at because it’s 100% free if you bring your own vessel. Rogers Park has parking, but it tends to fill up on weekends. Rogers Park also features a popular swimming area.

If you decide to launch from Rogers Park, understand that you will be paddling upstream towards the state park. The first mile and a half can be challenging depending on the current. And, while Rogers Park is a fantastic launch, you have a way to paddle to get away from the crowds and find the remote areas of the river.

Address for Rogers Park: 7240 Shoal Line Blvd, Weeki Wachee Gardens.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

For those unfamiliar with the area, this is by far the best option for exploring the river. The water flows downstream, making it easier to paddle or float downstream.

It’s also the most stunning in terms of views. Sandbar after sandbar, coupled with dazzling, crystal-clear water, await. And, it’s crystal clear until you approach the houses on the right before Roger’s Park.

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures is the only kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental facility located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. 

Launching your own vessel costs $8, or rentals start at $35. 

The ride down the river to Roger’s Park is about 5.5 miles. Alternatively, you can opt to exit at the halfway point.

You must have a reservation to launch here, so please plan accordingly.

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals 

Rentals At Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures is the only kayak and paddleboard rental facility on the river at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Florida (reservations are required).

Rentals start at $35. On the other hand, you can bring your vessel and launch it for $8. 

Rentals At Rogers Park

Friendly Mobile Kayaks

I’ve personally used Friendly Mobile Kayaks a few times. I found them on Facebook, and they saved what would have been a flop! We tried renting from Weeki Wachee River Rentals, but they were sold out. Not only did Cameron deliver the kayaks right to us, but they are the most economical option in the area. We only paid $25 per day per kayak. And returning them was easy. We texted Cameron, who then met us to pick up the kayaks. It’s also worth noting that they also rent clear kayaks.

Reserve yours here: Friendly Mobile Kayaks.

Dirt Bag on his kayak we rented:

Easy Peasy Mobile Kayak Rental LLC

Family-run & operated Mobile Kayak Rental. Tandem Kayak – $80 · Duration Varies.  And if you check out their site, they have a ton of other watercraft to rent to you.

Kayak Pick Up

If you plan to kayak the rivers, there are a few physical locations to rent from:

The Kayak Shack

• They are conveniently located next to the Upper Deck Restaurant at Rogers Park. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended during peak season.
• All Day Rental $35 – Phone: (352) 610-4169 – All rentals must be returned by 5 pm

Weeki Wachee River Rentals

It is located before the bridge that crosses Rogers Park. You can also rent small boats here. You cannot make a reservation here – it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Weekends are busy and sell out. I can tell you from experience that you cannot score a rental if you don’t show up long before 8 am. Phone: (352) 596-2852 – All rentals must be returned by 4 pm

All Day Rental Prices

• Boats – $100 – $145 depending on size
• Canoes and Kayaks – $35 – $45 – depending on size

Do’s and Don’ts of Swimming 

There will be controversy surrounding this topic. There are numerous posts on Facebook from locals complaining about swimming in the Weeki Wachee River. 

A dredging project was completed on the Weeki Wachee River to remove the sand from the riverbed. A limestone riverbed is a base for seagrass growth and a winter refuge for local manatees. Seagrass has been planted in the river, and fortunately, they are growing.

Kayaks tethered to the river’s edge cause erosion, and it is prohibited.  The manatees have less food for the winter because thousands of people repeatedly climb on the river’s edge and trample the seagrass. Jet skis and small boats have caused several feet of property damage to those who live along the river. 

New rules implemented are now signposted all over the river:

So, Can You Swim On The Weeki Wachee River?

Yes, you can – even though the signs at the top of the state park say ‘do not swim,’ you can once you get further down. The rules are straightforward:

Do not tether (aka dock or tie up) a vessel, and your vessel must be attached to you – see below:

Upper Deck

About three miles down the road at Roger’s Park is Upper Deck. This restaurant sits right on the Weeki Wachee River. The food here is fantastic, especially the lobster bisque and Cajun shrimp! If you visit here, try to do so at sunset. It’s not uncommon to see manatees swimming up and down. We saw four during one of our visits. 

Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs

When we talk about a mermaid show in Weeki Wachee Springs, many people think of the typical shows that can be seen in theaters or on television.  However, in the state park, we can find a live mermaid show under the water of this beautiful spring.  Weeki Wachee Springs offers an excellent theater with over 500 seats (16 feet deep from the spring level) and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole family to see the mythical mermaids.

Best Of Florida Springs & Rivers

If you love springs, then you need this book! Florida is home to over 1,000 natural springs, situated 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

Weeki Wachee Springs and Weeki Wachee River are magical places to find mermaids, manatees, and alligators. Florida’s springs offer some of the best ways to connect with Mother Nature.  Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will give you peace and tranquility – it’s one of Florida’s most beautiful springs to kayak.

Here are some of the most popular springs in Florida:

• Blue Spring – Florida
• Crystal River & Three Sisters Spring
• De Leon Springs, aka “Ponce De Leon Springs State Park”
• Devil’s Den, Florida – A Prehistoric Spring
• Homosassa Springs Florida
• Kelly Park – Rock Springs
• Kings Landing, Florida, and The Iconic Emerald Cut
• Rainbow Springs State Park
• Royal Springs – Suwannee County’s Hidden Gem
• Silver Glen Springs, Florida
• Silver Springs – One Of Florida’s Most Famous Springs
• Suwannee Springs, Florida – The Oldest Spring in Florida
• Weeki Wachee Spring’s Buccaneer Bay Water Park
• Weeki Wachee Preserve: Hernando County’s Natural Beauty
• Wekiva Island, Florida – The Locals Retreat
• Wekiva Falls RV Resort – Sorrento’s Hidden Spring

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