Paddling the Weeki Wachee River in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

The Weeki Wachee River is one of Florida’s most breathtaking paddling destinations, offering crystal-clear spring-fed waters, abundant wildlife, and a gentle current perfect for kayakers and paddleboarders of all skill levels. Located within Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, this scenic river provides a unique opportunity to see manatees, turtles, and various bird species while navigating through lush, shaded waterways. The river maintains a refreshing 72-degree temperature year-round, making it an inviting spot no matter the season.

Adventure Guide to Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

1. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Launch

Location: 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL
What Makes It Special: The official launch at the state park is the only access point for upstream paddling along the pristine, first-magnitude spring-fed river. The water clarity is exceptional, providing incredible visibility of fish, turtles, and vegetation.
Key Features: Rentals available for single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. The park limits daily launches, ensuring a quieter experience. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially in peak months.

2. Hospital Hole

Location: Approximately 2.5 miles downstream from the park launch.
What Makes It Special: A deep underwater sinkhole measuring over 100 feet in depth. Often home to manatees seeking warmth, this area has a striking thermocline—layers of different water temperatures visible due to shifting clarity.
Key Features: Great spot for experienced kayakers who want to take a break and observe the natural marine life gathering in the hole’s depths.

3. Rogers Park Takeout

Location: 7244 Shoal Line Blvd, Spring Hill, FL
What Makes It Special: The designated takeout area for Weeki Wachee paddlers, offering a small beach shoreline, restrooms, and picnic areas. From here, paddlers can either exit or continue briefly into Mud River, where brackish water brings different ecosystems into view.
Key Features: Shuttle services available for returning to the launch. It's also a great place to relax after paddling with nearby food options.

Local Insights

The river runs about 5.5 miles from the spring to the Gulf of Mexico, with a steady yet gentle current making for an easygoing downstream paddle.
The waters are remarkably clear due to the hundreds of thousands of gallons per minute discharged from Weeki Wachee Springs.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early morning on weekdays offers the most peaceful experience. Avoid weekends and holidays due to higher crowds.
What to Bring:
- Waterproof bag for belongings
- Reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem
- Binoculars for spotting birds and wildlife
Directions: From Tampa, take the Suncoast Parkway (FL-589) north for approximately 50 miles (1-hour drive) to reach Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Reviews

The Adventurers3 years ago

I really enjoyed this trip, beautiful river, few deep places to do snorkeling, clear water, also has few beaches or sandbar spots. I didn’t see any manatees but that day the river was packed. Only negative comment was regarding how packed was, people didn’t try to avoid me or others they kept crashing into my kayak or others, some people didn’t even try to stop their kayak, was really annoying, the river is too narrowed compared to Rainbow River.

Melissa Dressera year ago

Springs like these are the best parts of Florida! The Weeki Wachee is the gem of Hernando County. Lovely, cool, clear, calm river, excellent for swimming, paddling, and boating! There is wildlife everywhere but only the dangerous ones occasionally and I've never felt unsafe or scared! The only drawback is that there are few public sites to launch or just hang on the beach, and everywhere has a fee. Plus you MUST get there very early, and if you are renting a kayak or paddleboard you should try to have a reservation, it can get a bit crowded on weekends. The best thing is if you live on the river or can rent a place!

Morgan Gates4 months ago

We absolutely LOVE Weeki Wachee! We spent our honeymoon in the area and chose to bring our personal kayaks with us from TN to enjoy the river on our own time. We saw 6 manatees the first evening we were on the river, and had a blast! We decided to go in the evening for cooler temperatures, but there were also fewer people on the river too. There were a few sections where we were the only 2 kayaks that we could see.

Cheryll Heimbecker2 years ago

We go to lots of places and stay in airbnb homes and resorts. This river is the most magical place we have stayed EVER. We recently visited for the second time and I am already looking for a home to stay in next spring. Where else can you go kayaking, tubing and swimming in a 6 mile long stretch of beautiful crystal clear water. It's so amazing. Once you get past the homes, it's just you and nature (and possibly a hundred other people having the best time ever). We don't mind crowds but if you do, go during the week after the summer season is over. We went on a Friday in November and kayaked 11 total miles in the one day. We stopped on several sandbar type areas and swam and tried out my new underwater GoPro. We had manatees swimming right under our kayaks and even saw 3 deer. That was unexpected and very beautiful. We stayed in a home on a canal this time and we will always pay more to stay on the clear water of the main river from now on. I want to be able to jump right in from the backyard and float the day away. Anyway, come visit. You won't be disappointed. Oh, Rogers Park is a place to put in if you don't want to book a home. Or, you can reserve a kayak rental from the state park and float to their take out point. All good times. The current is strong going upstream but you can try to time it right to go with the tides. We didn't and still made it but it will be a challenge if you have children alone in a kayak trying to make it. Just a tidbit for you. Enjoy!

Brian W.9 months ago

Pluses, once you get past the eclectic houses you will eventually enter the park where it is much more quiet and scenic, with clear water and, sometimes manatees. Negatives, usually very crowded, and loud music. Put in at Roger’s Park and there is a great kayak launch there. Go left, then right, past the weird houses that must’ve been built from hippies in the 1960’s, about a mile down begins the state park (there is a sign). Keep in mind there is no swimming allowed in the park, so take a dip before you enter.