Weeki Wachee River

Lioness “Themodellioness” Astral

3 out of 5 stars★★★☆☆

I love this spring itself. The water is so refreshing and some areas were dropping flower petals into the water as we paddled. The lush vegetation and color of the water and trees is truly breathtaking further away from the Marina/Rogers park. We got to see 5 manatees yesterday and a calf; that was great. The current had a stronger flow for the day and the wind was blowing at about 13 mph, but it was worth it. We went from a little bit past the marina all the way down to the Weeki Wachee National Park river entrance and it was amazing. Swimming before getting into the park was phenomenal, refreshing, and needed with the heat once 10 am rolled around. Truly, anywhere not privatized-was amazing. On the way back we just drifted, splashed ourselves, snacked, and observed the birds, fish, manatees, & snakes. Be sure to enjoy the early morning without the motor boat folks or homeowners staring. I’d advise long sleeves, sunscreen, glasses, water, and maybe a long-brimmed hat. Definitely wish there was any area to sit and enjoy it without being dragged downstream but the only areas are owned by someone. Lots more trash/chemicals in the water than when I was growing up here. Once motor boaters start showing up quickly, around 3, downstream; the water got a bit cloudy, murky, and trash filled.. just what happens when you only allow inconsiderate people to take over an area with wealth and entitlement. There were children/teens (whatever) driving their parents boats pretty fast, driving over the sandy shoals and decently fast near/over the manatees on the way out.. Would be actually perfect if there weren’t inconsiderate speedboats/jetski riders, homes privatizing actually all of the river but the water…, and could designate/ actually create a few public moorings or beaches with signage on the water (there are no places to moor your kayak but I watched speedboats anchor in all along the river). I really hope the city reconsiders the zoning around the river, create a genuine public third space so not only old folks and spoiled rich kids are out on the water & as well as placing stricter limitations to motorcrafts. These people are incompetent lol. There was ONE boat with a trolling motor actually driving at a no wake speed… out of over 30… Again-very inconsiderate unless you’re essentially in the state park, be alert so you don’t get run over. Hopefully it won’t take the worst to happen to start fining motorists.

Chachoux22

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

I definitely recommend you try ! The water is gorgeous and it doesn’t feel like you are in the US. I get to see otters 🦦, snake 🐍, fish 🐟.

Reva B.

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Beautiful float down the river with plenty of wildlife siting. Even blessed to see 3 manatees on this trip! The girls in the check in office were super nice and helpful... but the kids getting us in the river were just doing the bare minimum. Overall great experience!

Zoe Xiang

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Our favorite place for kayaking/paddle boarding! The water is so beautiful and clean. We normally start from Roger's Park (before 8am so parking isn't a problem), and paddle towards the state park, we only complete half of the journey, return by the Rogers around 11am. I would suggest wearing sun screen, maybe bug spray (I only experienced bug issue once). A life jacket is required on your ride. Highly recommend using a paddle board, you can see so much better! We saw a group of 6 manatees today! Kayaks or paddle board rental is available by Rogers Park or state park, you may want to call in advance in peak season like summer.

Brian W.

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

Pluses, once you get past the eclectic houses you will eventually enter the park where it is much more quiet and scenic, with clear water and, sometimes manatees. Negatives, usually very crowded, and loud music. Put in at Roger’s Park and there is a great kayak launch there. Go left, then right, past the weird houses that must’ve been built from hippies in the 1960’s, about a mile down begins the state park (there is a sign). Keep in mind there is no swimming allowed in the park, so take a dip before you enter.