For visiting this spring, we went a back way, starting further down the river. This way, we could paddle by Monkey Island on our way to the springhead. Soak up the sun, the river water, and old Florida!
There are a couple of places to rent kayaks or other watercrafts in Homosassa. We had our own, so we needed a place to drop in. Most of the drop-ins were for boats, and there is very limited parking everywhere. The Florida Cracker Riverside Resort had plenty of parking and a drop-in for boats and smaller watercrafts for only $5. The resort was established in 1963. They are also the caretakers of Monkey Island.
We parked near the smaller slips in the back. Going left out of there takes you to the Homosassa River and Monkey Island.
The first monkeys that lived on the island had been part of a research team looking to perfect the polio vaccine. The monkeys were more interested in monkeying around, so it was decided that they were better-suited living on this maintained island and being monkeys. The current monkey residents are spider monkeys. Two were busy taking an afternoon nap, but one was very friendly and came out to the edge of the island to say "hello" to me.
Homosassa River has tons of restaurants along the river. You can pull up and park your boat, go ashore and enjoy some food. Some even have live music, which we enjoyed from watercrafts.
It was scalloping season, so there was a little floating boat/hut where you could take your scallops to be shucked. Not sure which way it was to the spring head, we asked them since I was very sure these locals know the river.
They told us to head down the river, to the North East, to make our way to the spring head. If you are like me and directions make more sense using landmarks. When coming out of the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort, turn right at Monkey Island and keep paddling down.
Manatees like to hang out here in the cold months, so the wake speed is kept low. But we came in the summer, so boats were able to go faster down the river. This main section of the Homosassa River was harder to navigate for those of us on watercrafts such as kayaks and paddleboards. Especially with the wakes, the boats were making. We did our best to stay to the side. It was trying at times, but we made our way to a tributary where houses were surrounding. The wake speed was lower, so boats slowed down, which helped us.
When the river splits, you will want to veer to the right to continue towards the spring head. This part of the river was much more enjoyable to paddle.
There will be no question you are at the springhead because you will see everyone's boat parked or watercraft tied up. If you go under the highway bridge, you have passed it. Everyone was blasting music, floating, drinking, swimming! There is even a little motorboat selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic ice pops.
We found an edge of the spring to nudge our watercrafts up against. There was also a rope swing hanging, had to take advantage of that! We hung out here for a bit, enjoying the river party vibes and unwinding.
Instead of fighting the boat wakes on the large part of the river going back, we stopped off at Margueritta Grill, which was to the left when we veered to the right to head to the spring. They have nice docks, and then we got a ride back to the Florida Cracker Riverside Resort.
We grabbed a bite to eat at the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar. We had passed the other Florida Cracker restaurant in Brooksville on the way to Homosassa, and there was a line around the building. That is always a good sign. Also, they had a sign saying: "In Grits We Trust!" Love it! The whole resort gives you that old Florida vibe. We got a smoked fish dip, had some refreshing cocktails, and watched the sunset on the river.
Exploring Homosassa Springs is stepping back into the old Florida. The Florida people have known, loved, and visited way before the theme parks. So go on and take this river down to the good ol days!
Check the springs off your adventure bucket list using the Florida Springs Passport!
Your fun interactive booklet, where you can see what spring adventures you've completed and which ones to look forward to!
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