The 11 Best Natural Springs To Kayak In Florida

Florida has some really beautiful natural springs to go kayaking! The water is super clear, and the plants around them are green and pretty. Besides, the diversity of marine life will drive you crazy! Where you can immerse yourself in nature and witness the beauty of Florida’s wildlife up close. Some of them are manatees, softshell and loggerhead musk turtles, gators, and many more.

Kayaking within these hallowed waters is an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to be fully immersed in nature’s unspoiled majesty and witness the wondrous creatures. From tranquil pine-lined waterways to heart-stopping encounters with nature’s gentle giants, there is truly something for everyone here.

So if you’re ready for an adventure and want to see some amazing sights, come join us and explore the natural beauty of Florida’s springs! Just remember to wear a life vest and bring your paddle.

The 11 Best Natural Springs to Kayak in Florida

Let’s have a glimpse of the 11 best natural springs to kayak in Florida:

1. Rainbow Springs – clear waters and waterfalls, great for kayaking
2. Three Sisters Springs – home to manatees, kayak, and paddleboard rentals available
3. Ichetucknee Springs – stunning scenery, shallow waters perfect for kayaking
4. Silver Springs – pristine waters and nature trails for exploring
5. Juniper Springs – scenic and secluded, good for kayaking and camping
6. Wakulla Springs – lots of wildlife to see, and kayak tours are available
7. Weeki Wachee Springs – popular tourist spot with a lazy river and waterfalls
8. Alexander Springs – crystal-clear waters surrounded by pine trees, great for kayaking
9. Blue Spring – clear freshwater spring and nature trails for kayaking
10. Wekiwa Springs – scenic waterway surrounded by cypress trees, good for kayaking and hiking
11. Ginnie Springs – crystal-clear waters and nature trails, a popular spot for kayaking and camping.

Rainbow Springs

Rainbow Springs State Park is a cool place to kayaking in Florida. It’s in the middle of Florida and has really pretty water that is very clear. There are even waterfalls! Canoe & Kayak Magazine thinks it’s one of the best places to go kayaking in North America.

The park is great because they rent kayaks, so you don’t have to bring your own. When you go kayaking, you can see lots of animals like otters, turtles, and fish. The water is so clear you can see them swimming around.

But that’s not all you can do at Rainbow Springs. You can also go swimming, tubing, hiking, and camping! There are trails to walk on where you can take pictures of animals and birds and campgrounds where you can stay overnight.

Rainbow Springs State Park is an amazing place to go kayaking if you’re in Florida. The water is so clear, and the scenery is beautiful. There are lots of things to do, so you’ll never be bored. If you love kayaking, you should definitely check it out!

Three Sisters Springs

If you’re seeking an unparalleled kayaking adventure, Three Sisters Springs should be at the top of your list. Located in Crystal River, this stunning natural wonder is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.

When you’re kayaking, you’ll get to see manatees, which are giant, gentle animals that love the warm water here during the winter. But it’s not just manatees you can see – you might even spot sea turtles, fish, and more!

The water is pretty shallow, so it’s great for kayaking, even if you’re a beginner. You can go explore all the different parts of the spring and see what you can find. If you need more clarification about kayaking by yourself, you can rent a kayak or take a tour with a guide.

But you can do something else at Three Sisters Springs. Snorkeling is also really popular here because the water is so clear. You can see all kinds of colorful fish and plants.

If you want to see the spring from above, there are hiking trails you can walk on. And if you’re there during manatee season, keep an eye out for them – they’re really cool to see!

Three Sisters Springs is a great place to visit if you love nature and adventure. There are so many things to do and see – you won’t be bored!

Ichetucknee Springs

Ichetucknee Springs is an awesome North Florida place perfect for people who love nature and kayaking! The water is super clear and flows through a beautiful forest. You can paddle down the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River and have lots of fun kayaking!

The river has different levels of water, some are calm and shallow, while others are deeper and faster, so it’s great for all kayakers, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Plus, the area around the river is so pretty, with big cypress trees and trails where you can go hiking and camping.

If you want to take it easy and have a more relaxing time, you can just go with the flow and enjoy the view. You might even see some cool animals like river otters, turtles, and fish swimming in the river!

At Ichetucknee Springs State Park, you can rent a kayak and get a tour of the river. Even if you’re new to kayaking, they can show you everything you need to know and help you have an amazing adventure. And you can choose to spend just an hour or even the whole day exploring the beautiful Ichetucknee Springs.

To sum it up, if you’re planning a trip to Florida, you have to check out Ichetucknee Springs! It’s a perfect place for nature lovers and kayaking enthusiasts. You’ll have an unforgettable experience surrounded by natural beauty and wonders.

Read also: How To Plan A Kayaking Trip

Silver Springs

Silver Springs is a beautiful place in Florida that’s perfect for outdoor activities, especially kayaking. It’s located in Ocala and has some of the clearest waters in Florida, allowing visitors to get a close-up view of the amazing wildlife in the area.

Kayaking is a great way to explore the unique ecosystem of Silver Springs. The clear water makes it easy to see the fish swimming beneath you, and kayaks are quiet enough to get close to them. You might even spot some turtles, alligators, or manatees hanging out in the water!

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to see the underwater world, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. The boats have special glass bottoms that allow you to see what’s happening below the water’s surface without getting wet.

Silver Springs State Park is the perfect place to spend a day or a weekend. You can rent a kayak and explore the calm waters or take a nature walk or bike ride through the beautiful forest filled with cypress trees and wildlife. And if you’re looking for a peaceful picnic spot, Silver Springs has that too!

It’s only an hour’s drive from Orlando or Tampa, so it’s a great place for a quick trip away from the city. With so much to see and do, Silver Springs is a fantastic destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventures.

Juniper Springs

Juniper Springs is a beautiful freshwater spring in the Ocala National Forest. It’s perfect for kayakers who want to enjoy a peaceful natural experience. If you visit, you can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards and set off on a 7-mile-long journey down the Juniper Run. You’ll see a lot of cool stuff, like otters, turtles, alligators, and birds.

But kayaking isn’t the only thing you can do at Juniper Springs. You can also hike on nature trails that take you through the forest. Two of the trails you can explore are the Wild Persimmon Trail and the Fern Hammock Trail. They both offer amazing views of the forest and the unique Sabal Palm trees.

If you’re into history, you can check out Juniper Springs has a historic recreation area. There’s a millhouse that was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and you can learn about the site’s long history. There’s also a picnic area, campground, and swimming area, which makes it a great spot for families.

Juniper Springs is a 45-minute drive from Ocala and a perfect day trip from Orlando or Jacksonville. It’s a great place to disconnect and recharge in a peaceful environment. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend the day or weekend, Juniper Springs is a must-visit destination in Florida.

Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs is a super cool place in Wakulla County, Florida. It’s one of the biggest and deepest freshwater springs in the whole world! The water is clear and stays warm at 70 degrees all year. That’s why it’s so popular with kayakers.

You can bring your own kayak or rent one there to explore the river that flows from Wakulla Springs into the St. Marks River. You’ll see lots of cool animals, like alligators, deer, manatees, and birds like cormorants, ospreys, and bald eagles.

There are also lots of other fun things to do at Wakulla Springs State Park. You can go hiking on the trails and see the beautiful forest views. You can also swim in the swimming area or take a tour of the springs on a boat with a guide who knows all about the park.

If you’re interested in history, you should check out the Wakulla Springs Lodge. It’s been around since 1937 and is a really cool example of what Florida looked like back then. Many famous people have stayed there over the years, and you can take a tour to learn all about it. Plus, there are so many animals to see and things to do, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best places to go kayaking in Florida!

Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is a super cool place to go in Florida. It’s about an hour’s drive from Tampa, and it’s famous for its pretty blue water and for the mermaid shows that happen there.

The mermaid show is the best part of visiting Weeki Wachee Springs. Since 1947, real mermaids have been doing underwater stunts and swimming together in sync. It’s amazing to watch them swim in the crystal-clear water!

But there’s more to do at Weeki Wachee Springs than just the mermaid show. You can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the river that flows through the park. There are lots of animals living in the river, like otters, alligators, and different kinds of birds. You can even see fish swimming around you in the water!

If you don’t want to go in the water, you can walk on trails through the pretty forest or hang out by the river. The park has a special place to go swimming or have a picnic too.

Winter is the best time to visit Weeki Wachee Springs because you can see manatees. Manatees are huge animals that live in the ocean but come to the warm water of the springs to stay warm during the winter. It’s a great chance to see them up close and personal.

Overall, Weeki Wachee Springs is a really special place to visit. There are many fun things to do, like watching mermaids and going kayaking. You should definitely check it out if you’re in Florida!

Alexander Springs

Alexander Springs is a cool spot to explore if you’re someone who loves nature and spending time outside. It’s located in the Ocala National Forest and has crystal-clear water that’s perfect for kayaking. Plus, there’s a lot of wildlife around to see!

The spring produces a lot of water each day, so there are tons of fish and plants living there. You can even kayak down the Alexander Run if you’re an experienced paddler. Just be on the lookout for otters, turtles, and alligators!

If you’d rather stay on land, there are plenty of trails to hike and explore. You can walk through a cypress forest and check out the spring from a different angle. And if you get hungry, you can bring a picnic to eat in the peaceful forest.

Alexander Springs is also a great place to go swimming. The water is always comfortable, so it’s perfect for a dip on a hot day. And there are facilities like restrooms and a big parking lot, so you’ll have everything you need.

Overall, Alexander Springs is a special place showcasing the beauty of Florida’s outdoors. Whether you want to paddle on the water or hike through the forest, you won’t want to miss it!

Blue Spring

Blue Spring is a stunning natural spring in Blue Spring State Park, located a short drive from Orlando in Florida. This beautiful spring is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the animals that live in and around it.

Kayaking or canoeing is one of the best ways to experience Blue Spring. As you paddle, you’ll be surrounded by lush plants and cypress trees that make a beautiful background for your adventure. While on the water, you’ll see fish jumping and might spot turtles or river otters swimming nearby.

If you don’t want to go kayaking or canoeing, you can still have fun walking on the many nature trails. Pine Island Trail is a favorite because it passes through a beautiful forest and offers gorgeous views of the spring. Keep your eyes peeled for some animals in the park, like deer and raccoons.

Swimming in the cool, crystal-clear waters is a must-do activity at Blue Spring. The designated swimming area is perfect for taking a refreshing dip on a hot day, and the underwater landscape is filled with colorful fish and aquatic plants, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.

During the winter months, manatees come to the spring’s warmer waters, and visitors can take a guided boat tour to see these gentle giants up close and learn more about them.

Blue Spring is a great place to visit for kayaking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few hours. With its natural beauty, wildlife, and great facilities, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone in the area.

Wekiwa Springs

Wekiwa Springs State Park is an amazing place in Apopka, Florida, that’s perfect for people who love nature. There are lots of fun things to do there, like hiking, looking for wildlife, camping, and kayaking.

If you want to go kayaking, Wekiwa Springs has clear water that’s great for exploring. You can see all kinds of plants and trees around you. And if you like fishing, there are lots of bass and sunfish in the water.

If you’d rather go hiking, Wekiwa Springs has 13 miles of trails for you to explore. The Sand Lake Trail is popular and goes through a forest and along the lake.

If you want to stay for a while, you can camp there too! They have different places to camp, like cabins or just a spot for your tent. You can even hear the forest and animals when you wake up in the morning.

In the summer, the park is a great place to go swimming and have a picnic. They have a few places where you can relax and cool off.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is not only beautiful, but it also helps keep Florida’s plants and animals safe. There are lots of different animals that live there, like deer, bobcats, and even black bears!

Overall, Wekiwa Springs State Park is an awesome place to go if you love nature and want to have some fun outside.

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is a super cool place to go kayaking in Florida. It’s near the town of High Springs in the north part of the state, and people who love to do outdoor stuff like kayaking, paddle boarding, or snorkeling like to go there.

The water at Ginnie Springs is super clear because it comes from seven natural springs! This creates an awesome underwater world with caves, caverns, and cool rock formations. When you go kayaking at Ginnie Springs, you can explore this underwater world while also looking at the pretty natural scenery.

The Santa Fe River Run is the most famous kayaking route at Ginnie Springs. It’s about six miles long and goes through forests and beautiful scenery in northern Florida. You can see turtles, otters, fish, and lots of other animals along the way. The Santa Fe River run also has many small springs and sinkholes that you can explore.

Kayaking at Ginnie Springs is perfect for everyone because the water is calm and easy to move around in. You can rent all the kayaking gear you need, including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, so spending a day on the water is easy.

If kayaking isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can also go swimming, tubing, camping, and hiking at Ginnie Springs. There are many campgrounds that are open all year round, so it’s an excellent spot for a quick weekend trip or even a more extended vacation.

2 More Florida’s Springs For Kayakers

Rock Springs

Now it’s Rock Springs. This cool place is located in Kelly Park, Apopka, Florida. The water is crystal-clear and turquoise, flowing gently through a forest. You can enjoy the beautiful natural views while kayaking and spot different types of fish, turtles, and birds. The water is not too deep and perfect for beginners and families.

The kayaking route at Rock Springs is about 8 miles long, and it takes you through cypress trees, oak hammocks, and green forests. You can stop to rest or have a picnic along the way. Tubing is also popular in the park, and you can rent a tube to enjoy the refreshing and lazy river.

Kelly Park offers picnic areas, campsites, restrooms, and a playground. You can go there any time of the year for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Rock Springs is a peaceful and beautiful spot for kayaking in Florida. It’s clear water and natural setting provide a relaxing experience for all paddling enthusiasts. If you want to explore the beauty of Florida by kayak, Rock Springs is the place to be.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs, located in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida, is a great place to go kayaking. This spring is special because it flows into Lake George, a big, shallow lake that’s perfect for exploring.

The kayaking route at Salt Springs is about 5 miles long. Paddlers will go through a lush, forested area before heading out onto the open waters of Lake George. The water is crystal-clear, and the scenery is beautiful, with lots of trees and plants along the way.

While kayaking at Salt Springs, visitors might see alligators, turtles, herons, and ospreys. There are also lots of fish in the lake, so it’s a popular spot for fishing.

There are plenty of places to stop and rest or have a picnic along the way. Plus, there are several campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest, which is great if you want to stay for a few days.

Salt Springs offers more than just kayaking – visitors can enjoy many other activities, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and viewing wildlife. There are many hiking trails, from easy to hard, so you can pick one that’s right for you.

Overall, Salt Springs is a cool place to go kayaking in Florida. You get to kayak through the spring and lake, which is a unique experience. With so much to see and do, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

What’s so amazing about Florida’s Springs?

Florida has some really awesome springs! They are special for a bunch of reasons. 

Here are just a few:

Crystal-clear waters

Florida’s springs are known for their crystal-clear waters. This is so clear that you can see the bottom of the spring from the surface.

Because the water in the springs comes from underground aquifers, and it is filtered through limestone, which removes impurities and sediment from the water. 

Biodiversity

Florida’s springs are home to a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The springs provide critical habitat for species such as manatees, turtles, fish, and invertebrates.

Fun things to do

Florida’s springs are home to a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, including many species that are found nowhere else in the world. The springs provide critical habitat for species such as manatees, turtles, fish, and invertebrates.

Cultural significance

Many of Florida’s springs have cultural significance for the state’s Native American tribes. They have used the springs for thousands of years for ceremonies and rituals. The springs are also important to Florida’s history, as they were used by early settlers for drinking water and irrigation.

Overall, Florida’s springs are a unique and beautiful natural resource that is worth exploring and protecting for future generations.

Final Word

If you want to have a cool kayaking adventure in Florida, try a clear kayak trip in the springs! All the springs in Florida are super beautiful, but there’s one that’s extra special – Rainbow Springs.

Rainbow Springs is like a hidden treasure with super clear water that’s so clear you can see all the way down to the bottom! When you’re kayaking there, you’ll see lots of cool fish and plants underwater.

But wait, there’s more! Rainbow Springs also has a huge waterfall that you can see from your kayak. It’s so awesome! Plus, the whole area is peaceful and pretty, with many trees and nice breezes.

So, if you want to see the magic of Florida’s springs in a way you’ll never forget, you have to go to Rainbow Springs and take a clear kayak trip. Trust me, it’s something you don’t want to miss out on!