“These springs have healing powers,” said a young man standing on the edge of jewel-like Rainbow Springs, just before diving into the cool, crystalline pool. One thing I know for certain: There’s nothing that soothes my soul like paddling or floating in these magnificent waters.
The Glorious Florida Springs
Florida possesses the largest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth. Geologists estimate that close to 1,000 springs burble to the surface, mostly in the north and central parts of the state. Fed by the Floridan Aquifer—Florida’s underground river—the springs rise through porous limestone labyrinths, thousands of gallons per minute emerging at a refreshing temperature of 72 degrees. The constant year-round temperature provides refuge for the docile manatee, who gravitate to the relatively warm waters of the springs in the cooler winter months.
During hot, sultry Florida summers, the springs are a refuge for people. I’ve spent some of the most splendid days of my life swimming in Wakulla Springs and tubing down the Ichetucknee River. But it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that Eric and I discovered the delights of kayaking Florida’s spring-fed rivers. After our first experience on the Ichetucknee River in 2013, we were hooked—we returned three times that winter and spring to paddle the river. This year we expanded our horizons and embarked on a kayaking extravaganza in Central Florida, the mother lode of Florida springs.
Kayaking the beautiful Alexander Springs run
We booked two weeks at three different parks in early February (all only 50-60 miles apart), and kayaked five different spring-fed rivers: Wekiva River, Rock Creek, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Rainbow River. Kayaking in Florida is especially wonderful in late winter-early spring when there are few other people on the rivers. It was a nearly perfect two weeks. With so many other springs and rivers to paddle in Florida, we’re already planning next year’s adventures.
Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located at Wekiwa Springs, the headwaters for the Wekiva River. (Wekiwa-Wekiva—the spelling difference confuses everyone, even locals.) No matter, it’s a terrific state park, a lovely spring, and a beautiful river for paddling.
We enjoyed the campground for the spacious campsites and the miles of hiking and biking trails. The kayak launch, however, is a total pain because you have to carry your kayak down a ridiculously long, steep trail to the river. We opted instead to drive a few miles to Wekiva Island, a very cool ‘resort’ that offers an easy kayak launch site for $5 (they also have kayak rentals), a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the river, and an excellent selection of local brews. We launched twice here, once to paddle the Wekiva River and another time to paddle the narrow, very shallow jungle-like Rock Creek, which has tea-colored water from the natural tannins.
On the trails at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiva Island kayak launch
Wekiva Resort
Paddling the Wekiva River
Kayaking Rock Creek
About the campground:
Wekiwa Springs State Park campground
We really liked Wekiwa Springs campground. The sites are spacious and shady, with partial or full-hookups ($24 for water/electric) and decent Verizon. There is plenty of hiking and biking in addition to kayaking, and the park offers kayak rentals.
Salt Springs Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest
Honestly, kayaking Salt Springs isn’t too exciting. It’s a wide river framed by grasses and there’s not a lot of wildlife along the banks. But this is a wonderful place to see manatee, especially right off of the kayak launch area. The gentle giants lolled and rolled all around our kayaks, and we didn’t get one decent photo.
Kayaking Salt Springs
About 25 miles away is Alexander Springs, which turned out to be one of our favorite spring river runs. The springs are a long way from the parking lot, but they graciously provide kayak carts which made hauling our 70-pound kayak a breeze. Alexander Springs also offers kayak rentals.
Heading to the kayak launch, Alexander Springs
Little Blue Heron
About the campground:
There are several campgrounds located near springs in the Ocala National Forest, but Salt Springs is the only one with hookups—full hookups, no less. The sites are spacious and level, many with beautiful oak trees for shade. Verizon worked fine for us. In addition to kayaking, there’s a huge swimming area walking distance from the campground.
Spacious campsites at Salt Springs Recreation Area
Swimming area Salt Springs Recreation Area
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Rainbow Springs is considered by many to be one of the best springs in Florida. It’s certainly the most colorful we’ve seen, with waters that are a kaleidoscope of blues and greens. The spring itself is a delight for swimming. We kayaked one mile upstream to the swimming area, and then six miles downstream to the Withlacoochee River, where we conveniently took out at Blue Run of Dunnellon Park. We arranged our own bike/truck shuttle, but there are several kayak outfitters that provide rentals and shuttles.
Kayaking Rainbow Springs
Turquoise Rainbow Springs
Kayaking from Rainbow Springs to the Withlacoochee River
Red-shouldered Hawk
Cooling off in Rainbow Springs
The Withlacoochee Trail is nearby, and we spent a hot, humid day biking 24 miles, against the wind both directions, which made it seem more like 200 miles. Still, it was beautiful, and swimming in Rainbow Springs was a rejuvenating reward that afternoon.
The Withlacoochee State Trail
About the campground:
Rainbow Springs has spacious, level, sandy sites (almost every campground in Florida is sandy) with full-hookups. Good Verizon. The kayak launch is about ¼ mile from the campground. Although the spring is only about a mile from the campground via the river, the only access point by land is a long, winding, 7-mile drive. But the beautiful springs are well worth a visit, and access is free if you’re staying at the campground.
Rainy day at Rainbow Springs campground
Manatee are so wonderful to see and so frustrating to photograph, aren’t they? I have a lot of pics of nostrils and blurs. :)
Haha, us, too! Next year we’re going to some of the springs where the manatee are reputedly easier to photograph. :-)
So many spring runs, so little time. We loved our days at Alexander Springs, and kayaking the Silver River in winter was fabulous. Sherry and David gave us some good info on secret places near Blue Springs and we had one of the best kayaks ever. Yes, Laurel, North Central Florida is my highest rival for kayaking Recreation Creek. I sure wish it wasn’t on the other side of the country. Thanks for the great photos and stories.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Sue. I know you love the kayaking in Florida just as much as we do. Now you have me curious about the secret kayaking spots that Sherry and David found. :-)
My favorite kind of kayaking. I enjoy coasting up to the turtles and watching them slip into the water. Looks like a great area.
Central Florida is amazing for kayaking, Debbie. I agree, it’s fun to watch the turtles — some aren’t disturbed at all, and others plop into the water as soon as they see us coming down the river.
I just don’t believe you saw that otter. They are my VERY FAVORITES! I am SO envious! Your bird pictures are wonderful especially that kingfisher. It’s the best kingfisher picture I’ve ever seen. I can hear him chattering. He must have really liked you in purple to let you get that shot. What a fun time this looks like. We’ll be at Salt Springs very soon – hopefully since we have no reservation and Wekiwa after that. Hope our weather is as good as yours was. I can take one day of rain. Makes the resurrection ferns grow.
Eagle-Eye Eric spotted the otter — we love seeing them! As you know, kingfishers are soooo hard to photograph. They take off as soon as I point my camera at them. Hope you have great weather for your time in Central Florida, too.
We just went to Florida for the first time and it was just a dip into the state. We snorkeled up near a manatee, but were careful not to disturb. Your trip looks exactly like the one we want to do when we go back. Love all of your pictures and I am excited to put a name to the birds we saw. Thanks.
Pam, I would do this trip again tomorrow! It’s amazing how many springs and rivers are concentrated in Central and North Florida. How cool that you snorkeled near the manatee! Thanks for your nice comment. :-)
The thought of kayaking with alligators makes me nervous, at best. Love the great photos and thanks for identifying them.
Jerry, I’m not too crazy about kayaking with alligators, either, but we only saw one little one in our two=week kayaking extravaganza. The winter is a good time to kayak because they hunker down during the cold weather. I personally wouldn’t kayak during spring mating season (April-June) because they’re more aggressive then. Thanks for commenting. :-)
Still a little nervous. Is a little one, 2-feet or 6-feet?
Haha, good question!! I’d consider 6-feet a big one. The one we saw was about 3-feet. I wouldn’t feel comfortable kayaking rivers that have alligators in an inflatable kayak. I know people do it, but I like the security of our hardshell, big, heavy, stable tandem kayak.
Not sure we’ll ever make it to FL so I sure do appreciate vicariously traveling through you via your GORGEOUS photos! What a stunning area.
So glad to have you along with us in Florida, Lisa. :-) If you ever do decide to spend time here, I know you would love kayaking the beautiful and peaceful rivers.
Hey! I am going to a conference in Orlando (in July!😜)and then plan to rent a car and drive for two weeks. I would love to kayak. Because I am flying there I will need to rent a kayak. Where would you recommend as your number one spot? And can I get or need a guide? Any other great and /or backroad stops you recommend?
Oh wow — Florida in July! You’re going to be very happy kayaking and swimming in the springs. In fact, it will be essential. Choosing our favorite spot is difficult, but I’d say go for a kayak trip on the Wekiva — you can rent kayaks at Wekiva Island and it’s a fun place. Just avoid the weekends in the summer — I would imagine it’s crazy then. No need for a guide! Stop at Wekiwa Springs for a swim. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, head to Cedar Key for a few days for a true “Old Florida” experience on the coast. You can rent a kayak there for a salt water kayaking experience (check out our posts on Cedar Key). Let me know if you want more ideas. :-)
Wow, wow and wow! I could just float along with you for hours – what a beautiful place. The bird variety is incredible, but really love the turtle and otter! Had no idea those lovely parks had hookups, they look perfect.
That’s how I feel, Jodee — I’m happy just floating these peaceful rivers all day long. I must say, Florida totally has it together in terms of providing excellent campgrounds in beautiful locations.
Oh, boy, what great kayaking! You certainly chose some beautiful waterways. Lovely photos:) My favorite is the otter. I just love those little guys:)
There are so many gorgeous places to kayak in Florida, Pam — maybe next winter we can kayak together? We’re always on the lookout for otters. Caught a brief glimpse of one today on the Ichetucknee River.
Excellent resource for the area! I’m going to keep this on file for when we visit next year.
Nina
I hope it will be helpful for you, Nina. The Florida springs and rivers in winter are magical. Would be fun to meet up with you guys!
We would love to go back to Florida and kayak those beautiful waters again. Rainbow Springs is where we swam with the manatees. Lovely photos, especially enjoyed those of the limpkin.
LuAnn, I hope you and Terry will join us for a winter in Florida — we would have so much fun kayaking together. How cool that you swam with the manatee at Rainbow Springs! I would love to have that experience.
It looks like you two are having a wonderful winter- we were both saying we were really going to miss spring migration on the gulf. Thanks for all of your sharing:-)
Bettina
Bettina, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed (yet another) winter in Florida! And we’re really looking forward to the spring migration — we’re heading out at the end of March, with a week booked on Dauphin Island, followed by High Island. Hope you two are doing well. :-)
What an extravaganza indeed! Laurel should we get back to FL these places will be on my list. I would not mind kayaking especially when those birds show up and pose for you.
Great captures of my favorite feathered friends.
Glad you enjoyed the photos, ML — I know you would love kayaking with the birds just as much as we do.