Weeki Wachee is famous for its mermaid show which has been occurring since 1947. It is also the only spring with a water park built around the spring head. The fun continues as you paddle down this "winding river" (the translation of Weeki Wachee) to discover lush jungles and hidden surprises. Whether you choose one adventure or experience many, this iconic Florida spring has fun for all!
We started at the Weeki Wachee Spring State Park, which is at the spring head. Here is where the mermaid show and the waterpark is. Park opens at 9 a.m., we got there about an hour before, and there was already a line. For the mermaid show, you can't purchase a ticket ahead of time. You have to show up early. We showed up an hour before opening, it was a Saturday, and we were a little shy of getting a ticket to see the mermaid show, which was fine with me. It would have been cool to see, but I am glad the seven-year-old girl, who was a few people in front, would get to see the magic. But later, while swimming in the spring water, we could see the mermaids and performers diving down into the water where the theatre was. If the goal of your trip to Weeki Wachee is to see the mermaid show, the earlier you arrive, the better chance you will have. They also have meet and greets with a mermaid set up too.
When we got in, we headed to the waterpark, aka Buccaneer Bay. There are grassy and sandy areas to set up camp. The first thing we did was the giant slide! There was a bit of a line, but nothing compared to most waterparks.
Once we got all wet, we stayed and swam around in the spring/pool area. There is a platform at the deep end of the spring where you can dive and jump off!
A bonus about springs compared to pools is you can see fish and turtles swimming around.
There is a "lazy river." I will be honest the "lazy river" was the most disappointing part of the water park. It is incredibly short, especially for being part of an actual body of water. You are also not allowed to get out of the innertube while on the lazy river. We bypassed that experience altogether.
There are nice restrooms and stands to get food and drinks, but you can bring your own. Though you are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, save those for the river later.
For paddling the Weeki Wachee River, we dropped our watercraft in at Roger's Park. If you don't have a watercraft, The Kayak Shack is right across from the park, and they have rentals available. Now, this launch is small and made for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. This park has restrooms and a sandy area.
Once in the water, head Northeast to enter the river, which will be on your right. Paddling the first bit of the river, you will see lots of fun houses and rentals decorated with whimsical decorations and murals. You are in mermaid county.
In the beginning, the river is crazy busy, and there is heavy river traffic. And some who are new to using kayaks and SUP's, are not very aware of the waterway rules. So be aware and alert. You will also see boats coming down the river. The further down you go, the less busy it will get, and you will be around the more knowledgeable locals.
For my bravest adventures, there is a tree you can jump from. On our left was a tree with planks of wood nailed into that you can use to climb. Once up in the tree, there is a narrow spot straight down from "V" of the two limbs, where you can jump safely into the water. Again, this spot is narrow, with tree limbs hiding on one side and shallow ground on the other. As long as you jump straight down into the darkest part of the water, you will be fine. But for safety, scout it out beforehand, that's what we did. If that is too nerve-racking for you, no worries, there is plenty more to see!
You will have the chance to run into wild pigs. You can watch them from your watercraft, but do not go up to them. They aren't violent but are wild animals, so leave them to do their thing.
As you paddle the river, you will see shallow areas where people have anchored and are chilling in the water. The further down you go, the less busy it is.
We made it a little more than two miles down the river before heading back. The river is about 7 miles long. There are mile markers along the river.
I paddled this river again but in the winter time and it was a different experience than in the summer time. The first thing I noticed was the current was incredibly strong, one of the strongest currents I have paddled. This apparently is due to, according to reliable sources, the amount of rain Florida received during hurricane season which widened the river and intensified the current.
My original plan was to paddle from Roger's Park all the way to Weeki Wachee's water park, which is around the spring head. Because of how strong the current was, I needed to be sitting or kneeling on my board to have the power to paddle against it, I only made it about 4 miles one way before enjoying the ride back.
Though the current did present a challenge, the scenery was beautiful! The trees of green tossed with bits of fall coloring of gold and rustic orange glowed in contrast to the turquoise waters. As I paddled a breeze would initiate the leaves to begin to dance and swirl around me. I felt like Pocahontas in the Disney movie as she sings "can you paint with all the colors of the wind."
The nice thing about doing winter paddles in Florida, is that the river is not as busy. Less tourists and boats to dodge. And at moments you are enveloped in sweet silence, with the only the hum of the wind and the water.
During the winter, Florida has the famed visitor, the manatee. Weeki Wachee is one of the places you can see sweet sea cow, which many times in history was mistaken for a mermaid. Now wonder they feel right at home in mermaid county. As I was enjoying the ride back on the current, down river, a cut out of what look liked Big Foot or Florida's legendary skunk ape, caught me eye. Right below him, sleeping soundly were two manatees. The push of the current and the sound of an on coming boat woke them up, and I got to see them float about.
For those who paddle from Roger's Park, you will enter Weeki Wachee State Park before you hit the three mile marker. You will also see a clear sign.
If you launch from the state park, you will paddle down 2.8 miles until you see an exit from the river, and a stair case leading back up to the land and a ride back to the park.
There were also people there to help guide and get people out of the water. If you launch from the state park, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards, or drop in your own watercraft. If you are renting or launching you will need to make a reservation ahead of time. You create your rental reservations on the Weeki Wachee Springs website. You will also need to add the option of a ride back to the park. If you used your own water craft you will pay the drop in fee, starting at $6.00, and the $4.00 ride back fee (only from the exit point 2.8 miles down). If you rented a watercraft, the ride back is included in the rental price.
Weeki Wachee is another example of the magic you can find in Florida, and the kind that has been around long before a mouse came to make a castle here.
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