Enjoy kayaking on Weeki Wachee River, Florida

About an hour north of Tampa, Florida, in the quiet rural community of Weeki Wachee, lies one of the city’s hidden treasures. Located beside the Weeki Wachee Springs Park runs the simple, peaceful Weeki Wachee river. Kayak and canoe rentals are available to explore this natural spring.

Sliding my kayak into the Weeki Wachee river reminds me why I was drawn to Florida’s vast and unusual beauty. The small but pristine river is one of most translucent I have ever paddled. Gazing over the side of the boat, I see right to the river bed below. It’s natural spring, at a constant 73 °F temperature, keeps the water crystal clear and cool. If I wait awhile, I’m bound to see manatee, red eared sliders and egrets lining the shores or swimming alongside. Occasionally, an alligator makes an appearance, sunning itself on rocks nearby. Alligators are more peaceful than you’d think, content to live in their world, coexisting with us in ours.

Gliding along the river that is lined on either side with native cypress, bush and scrub oak, I find myself in quiet isolation. The water is cool enough to swim in on a hot Florida day and banking the boat on a shore lets me slip inside this pure corner of paradise and see a Manatee up close. Located just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Spring Hill, I can escape traffic and noise with ease.

Following the river through its bends I eventually come to a residential area, the shores now lined with homes that have withstood years of hurricanes and storm surge. Some of them are stately and grand, others are modest. I’m amused to view the artwork on the seawalls and wave at any party goers. Life on the river is casual, and I’m sure to find a resident enjoying the sunlight filtering through the cypress.

The river winds its way to Roger’s Park, where I find a larger beach to lounge on and designated swimming areas. I can stop here for awhile, rest my paddling arms, or continue down river. The Weeki Wachee’s water becomes a little murkier here as it starts to blend with the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf’s salty waters bring in its own mix of wildlife and schools of fish become more abundant.

When friends come to visit, we rent kayaks or canoes for the four hour excursion down the river. The company comes to pick us up at the end of the day so we won’t have to make the journey back up river. The current is strong and can carry us down stream with just a paddle dipping in to steer.

At the end of the trip to Weeki Wachee river, I find myself revitalized and rejuvenated. The connection to nature is profound and I find myself looking forward to the next time I slip the bow of my boat into the river’s welcoming water.

Photos of Weeki Wachee river by Diana Reed

Topic:  Travel with kids | 3 Comments
Tags:  green travel, sport

About the author

Diana Reed is a photographer/writer living on the west coast of Florida. Her work has been published in Country Business, Coastal Living and Florida Catholic. She has three children, two dogs and one cat that provide plenty of subject matter.