Best Springs to Kayak in Florida
In the mood to go kayaking, then check out these top springs in Florida that are known for their scenic view and clear blue water that will make your weekend kayaking memorable. You can either bring your boat for kayaking or hire one from the kayak/canoe rental stalls nearby. We are warning you early on that the price varies per demand, so if you have a canoe/kayak, bring it along, as you won’t be able to resist the beauty of these springs.
1. Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee has to be on your list if you love kayaking. The clearest blue water ever in Florida, that’s what Weeki Wachee has to offer you. You can get a sight of the marine life in the springs and spot a manatee while you cruise through the waters. Also, the spring channel takes you through several scenic routes, and you can enjoy a lot of species thriving in their natural habitat.
Further, when you are done kayaking, you can watch the exclusive mermaid show put on by the authorities. What’s so special about it? The mermaid costumes along with the blue waters is definitely something you shouldn’t miss while in Weeki Wachee. Ensure you inquire about the show timings before setting out to the place.
2. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
While the waters may not be as blue and clear as that of the Weeki Wachee Spring, the Ichetucknee Springs State park has some of the best views you can experience while you kayak.
You can kayak through tall and scattered cypress stress and witness a lot of rock formations on the go. Further, if you haven’t experienced the thrill of wetland kayaking, then you need to visit Ichetucknee immediately.
The Ichetucknee springs are home to a wide variety of marine life, and if you are lucky, you can get a glimpse of fish pools while you kayak.
Further, as the spot is a common ground for kayakers, you can get to know a bunch of them and may indulge in more fun water activities like diving and snorkeling. The spring is open to the public from 8 am in the morning until sunset, so pack your gears and go accordingly. But the kayaking experience, while it’s about to get dark, is truly memorable in the Ichetucknee springs.
But if you want to experience the beauty of the vegetation and flora and fauna here, then you need proper daylight.
There’s also a picking spot wherein you can enjoy a cold lunch with your family and friends. Wildlife viewing is another common activity in the place, and you can come there as a part of tours wherein the guide will show you some of the secret spots as well.
3. Silver Springs
One of the most popular and heavily visited springs in Florida, Silver Springs is known for its serene, calm waters that blend really well with the green vegetation surrounding it. The spot is literally a hotspot for families during the summer weekends. So, if you want to get your hands on the kayaks, you will have to book them online beforehand.
Wildlife viewing, along with kayaking, is one of the most preferred sports as a wide variety of fauna thrives in its natural habitats. You can also get a glimpse of the alligators, monkeys, turtles, and deer in the wild. Therefore, in order to ensure that the fauna is left undisturbed, a certain space is allocated for the swimmers and picnic spots. However, you can view the vegetation and wildlife from a distance.
4. Three Sisters Springs
The three sister springs is home to the manatees, and it is a sight to watch them swim through the blue waters while you kayak through the beautiful spring channel. The vegetation protrudes to the water area, thus creating a scenic amalgamation of the rich blue and soft green colors. A beautiful sight that you should experience this weekend.
You can bring your own canoe, rent, or even buy them from the nearby stalls. The spring is closed during the winter to protect the manatees, which crowd in the spring to keep themselves warm.
The summer weekends are usually crowded as the spring is great for swimming and frolicking around with your friends in the water. You can also go snorkeling and scuba diving.
5. Blue Spring
While the name might deceive you, as the spring water isn’t as blue as the other springs, the experience of kayaking through the clear waters of Blue Spring is beyond words. As the park’s popular activities are canoeing and kayaking, you can find several rental stalls for kayaks and canoes.
The park is quite crowded during the winter, and the authorities tend to limit entry if the crowds are deemed unmanageable. So if it’s a winter weekend you are planning to visit, make sure you reach early.
Viewing the manatees in the wild is another popular activity in the spring. The manatees thrive in the wild here, and you can find many of them while you kayak through the waters.
Further, there’s a spacious camping ground around the spring pool wherein you can set up your picnic baskets and camps and spend some quality time enjoying the clear waters and the peace and calmness of the place. Make sure you book your spot online, as the camping sites get crowded real quick.
To Sum it Up
These Floridan springs are the best for kayaking as the clear waters, vegetation, and a glimpse of the wildlife makes the entire journey memorable. Some of them offer camping spots that fill up quickly during the winter months. Make sure you visit the official website, grab the tickets, and make the necessary reservations to get a spot. Happy Kayaking, folks!