Weeki Wachee Springs Florida

Location:

Weeki Wachee Springs Florida Seminole First Nations meaning ‘little spring” or ‘winding river’.

Flowing from the spring the Weeki Wachee River winds 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. 

The spring is so deep that the bottom has never been found and more than 117 million gallons of clear, fresh water come up from the bottom of the spring each day. 

Weeki Wachee Springs is on the traditional territories of the Seminole, Tocobaga, Mascogo & Miccosukee nations.

Located in west central Florida Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of the state’s oldest roadside attractions. Made famous for its mermaid shows.

Although part of the same state park the mermaid show and other attractions are adjacent and a separate entrance to the boat launch, kayak, and paddle board rentals called Weeki Fresh Water Adventures.

2.  Rogers Park

• Google Map location
• Parking fee ($10) but free to launch.
• The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
• Toilets on-site at the park.
• Busier sections of the river.
• Rentals are available in the area:
  • Kayak Shack is located across the river from Rogers Park.
    • Single kayak, tandem, canoe and SUPS are all available. $40-$55 rental fees include everything including parking, launch and all equipment.
    • Launching only happens 8 am-12 pm and all rentals must be back by 5 pm. Renters launch only.
    • Advanced reservations are highly recommended especially during high seasons March-September.
  • KayaKing is located down the street from Rogers Park.
    • single kayaks, tandem and SUPs are all available. 4-hour rentals between $37-59 which includes everything.
    • Launching only happens between 9 am-3 pm.
    • $10 fee to launch your own paddle vessel.

3.  Bayport

• Located on the gulf at the mouth of the Week Wachee River.
• A less popular option for kayaks, canoes and SUPs due to more boat traffic.
• Toilets on site by the kayak/canoe launch.

Rules of the River:

• No alcohol
• No glass.
• Do not feed or harass the wildlife.
• Do not litter.

State Park Specific Rules:

• No disposals like plastic single-use water bottles, wrappers etc in the State Park section of the river.
• Non-service animals are not allowed in the State Park section but are allowed if well-behaved and leashed in the section by Rogers Park.
• No inflatable inner tubes, rafts or similar flotation devices.
• See here for more Rules and Regulations of the State Park section.

Tips:

• Bring sunscreen and other forms of sun protection.
• Stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
• Plan and book your trip and/or rentals in advance.
• Bring a waterproof camera. The scenery is lush and beautiful and the water is crystal clear! Plus there are lots of wildlife viewing opportunities!
• Give the wildlife lot of space and remember you’re visiting them in their home.
• Bring cash if you’re around Rogers Park. There is often a floating snack boat with ice cream, drinks and snacks.
• Look for tree climbs with rope swings along the section of the river outside of the State Park.
• Take time to visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and other attractions like the water park, learn about Florida wildlife at the Ranger Show or take in the famous Mermaid Show – be sure to plan in advance and be there early – it’s a popular one!

Overall:

• Highly recommend visiting Weeki Wachee and launching from Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and either floating to the shuttle/rental pull-off or going all the way to Rogers Park.

Other Resources & Florida Paddle Locations:

• Southwest Florida Water Management Project
• Paddle Magazine Weeki Wachee Kayaking Guide
• Weedon Island Preserve St. Petersburg
• Hillsborough River State Park
• Southwest Florida Paddling: Stump Pass Beach State Park, Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island State Park

Have you paddled a Florida spring? Share in the comments where you paddled or where you’d love to paddle in Flordia!