Locations

Weeki Wachee Springs Florida

Paddle boarder sitting on a tree over looking Weeki Wachee Springs

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.

underwater shot of fish swimming in the spring

Launches:

1.  Weeki Wachee Springs State Park via Weeki Fresh Water Adventures

  • Reservations required. The park limits the number of people on the water per hour so book in advance. This also makes the State Park part of the river much quieter than by Rogers Park.
  • Rentals are available for 2 hours: single kayak, tandem kayak and paddle boards. $32-$48
  • Toilets on-site before the launch at the ticketing office.
  • Shuttle service (extra $5 fee) back to the State Park’s parking lot.

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures entrance

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures Entrance

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park launch

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Launch

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.

Routes:

The river flows from the spring near the State Park out towards the gulf. It is possible to paddle upstream but for obvious reasons is more difficult and recommended for intermediate to advanced paddlers. Especially in narrower sections between Rogers Park and the State Park where the current picks up.

1. Weeki Wachee River State Park Launch

  • 2.8-mile float/casual paddle to the State Park rental pull-off or shuttle service.
    • Recommended for renters, who need a shuttle and or beginner paddlers.
  • 6-mile float/casual paddle to Rogers Park. No shuttles so advance car park planning or ride back to the State Park is required.
    • Recommended for people who own a kayak/SUP and have a way back to the State Park with 2 cars or an inflatable kayak or SUP to Uber back to the State Park.
  • 8-mile float and paddle to Bayport. No shuttles so advance car park planning or ride back to the State Park is required.

2. Rogers Park

  • paddle around the area and channels and relax in and around the river by Rogers Park.
  • 6-mile paddle against the current to the State Park. No shuttles so advance car park planning or a ride is required or float the 6 miles back to Rogers Park for a full day on the river.
  • 2-mile paddle to Bayport. No shuttles so advance car park planning or ride is required.

3. Bayport

  • 2-mile paddle to Rogers Park,
  • Continue on from Rogers Park. See above.
  • Paddle around Mud River & Jenkins Creek.
  • Head out into the gulf.

Rules of the River:

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

State Park Specific Rules:

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:

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

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2 Comments

  • Tony

    What a beautiful looking location! I’d love to see what the mermaid shows look like nearby. Definitely a must visit next time I’m out thre in Florida!

    • Marybeth

      It’s a beautiful spring that is well-maintained and regulated in the State Park.
      Unfortunately, I just missed the mermaid show. It’s a full-on production and a popular one so you need to be there in advance of the show’s start.

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