Weeki Wachee - Florida's most legendary and unique destination

Are you living in Tampa but you’re sick and tired of going to the same hang-out spots every weekend? Well, you’re in luck because I have a spot for you to check out that’s not too far from campus and is most definitely worth your time and money.

If you are a student at the University of Tampa and have yet to check out Weeki Wachee Springs State Park - you need to! My friends and I went to this park after seeing photos on Instagram of mutual friends who had gone and we undoubtedly had the most amazing time. Weeki Wachee is considered Florida’s most legendary and unique family destination, but of course, welcomes those of all ages.

The state park offers multiple activities for families and students. These activities include a self-guided river tour in kayak and paddleboard rentals, and a natural spring of Buccaneer Bay Waterpark. The waterpark offers five fun waterslides, and also includes a thrilling flume ride, a sandy white beach, and swimming and snorkeling courses. The State Park also offers a range of adventurous camps for kids of all ages or those that consider themselves to be kids at heart. 

However, my friends and I only went on the self-guided river tour, so that is what I will focus on today. 

This unique kayak and paddleboard experience takes you downriver on a 5.5-mile journey through the most beautiful turquoise waters. You’ll travel through areas where manatees swim right below you and may even stumble upon water moccasins, as we did. That said as long as you remain seated in your kayak and don't panic, you’ll be okay! Throughout your journey, you'll also come across several tree ladders that are super fun to jump off of. 

The state park is located about an hour away from the University of Tampa campus so it is easiest to find friends to carpool with. We bought tickets prior to our arrival because we wanted to ensure there would be availability for the number of people we had with us. 

Ticket prices vary depending on what kind of item you’d like to rent. A sit-on single kayak which holds one person is $32 as is a stand-up paddleboard which holds one person as well, and a tandem kayak which holds two people is $48. Our party mostly rented tandem kayaks so it ended up being only $24 a person not including tax. 

It was an experience of a lifetime and for $24! If you’re worried about money seeing as all college students have to live on a budget, or should at least, then don’t worry. The price of your every-day Starbucks order for five days probably amounts to the same amount as your trip to Weeki Wachee! 

Upon arrival, you will park your car or get dropped off in the northwest corner of the Weeki Wachee Spring State Park lot. There will be signs leading you therefore the lot won’t be hard to locate. Once there, follow the signs down the path that leads to the main office. From there the staff will greet you and assist you in filling out any waivers you need to if you haven't done so already. You’ll get fit into some lifejackets and receive paddles and take a short walk to the water’s edge where you'll hop into your kayak and be on your way! 

As for returning transportation to the park, it will be provided to you at the end of the river when you complete your trip. You will end your trip at a set of docks where staff assistants will aid you in getting out of your kayaks and show you toward the shuttle parking area. From there, the shuttle van will drive you back to the parking lot you entered at. 

There are a few rules that need to be followed to ensure the safety of the wildlife along the river and for your own safety. The policies are as follows: 

• Those purchasing tickets must be 18 years or older to book the trip or accompanied by an adult if younger. 

• Disposable items and alcohol are not allowed. This includes all items that are single-use, like plastic water bottles, plastic bags, papers, etc. This is to ensure nothing gets disposed of into the river.

• Pets are not allowed, including emotional support pets, unless they are legal service animals.

• Make it a point to be on time for your reservation because reservations more than 15 minutes late will be canceled and no refunds will be given out. That said, if you think you are going to be late call 352-597-8484 and the staff will do their best to compensate.

• Because this adventure takes place on State Park property you are not allowed to swim in the river or exit your boat. That said, there are areas in which you are able to get out of your kayaks and hang out on small areas of land. There will be signs along the way telling you what areas are off-limits.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is the perfect place to take visitors if they want to experience some of the most beautiful areas of Florida located in close proximity to where we live. This laid-back three-hour, 5.5-mile journey down the charming, graceful waters of the Weeki Wachee River is the most captivating way to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife close up. 

During your excursion, you may coast past the famous West Indian manatee, turtles and fish, pelicans and wood storks, and the occasional otter. Even if it’s your first time kayaking, the tranquil waters along with the instruction you’ll receive from the staff will make you feel super comfortable.

This float downriver will take your breath away with its pristine natural beauty and wildlife despite if you’re paddling for relaxation or for adventure. It truly is an immaculate experience. 

All in all, going to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park was one of the most enjoyable experiences my friends and I have had here yet. I would definitely recommend purchasing tickets for those that desire something fun and new to try. Maybe I’ll see you there next time!