Weeki Wachee – Romantic with Manatees Mermaids

While everything in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park revolves around mermaids, the real experience awaits in the background: A kayak tour through the incredible Weeki Wachee River is an absolute must when you’re near Tampa.

As soon as you receive your kayak, you dive into an incredibly beautiful nature experience. The crystal-clear water is often only foot-deep, with many species of fish swimming past you as if welcoming you.

You’re surrounded by an explosion of colors, consisting of turquoise water, romantic vegetation in all shades of green under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. And in the middle of it all, bright yellow and signal red kayaks shine.

By the way, the river’s source is one of the deepest freshwater springs in the USA and is over 120 meters deep!

Sandbars and Manatees in the River

During the approximately 9 km long trip, there’s so much to see that a break on one of the numerous sandbars is welcome for a small refreshment. At the end of the tour, with a bit of luck, the manatees (sea cows) await the paddler, as the highlight of highlights. But even if you don’t see them in the summer months, this unforgettable experience is worth it.

It doesn’t really matter for all activities whether it’s winter or summer, however, in winter you’re more likely to paddle over the peaceful manatees and get close to them. In summer, the constant 22°C warm water cools you down, while in winter it feels nicely warm. So you can ride on the Lazy River at any time, except when a thunderstorm is approaching.

Important to Know for Kayaking

It is forbidden to bring any kind of disposable packaging into the park because unfortunately there has been too much pollution from careless visitors in the past. So it’s advisable to stock up on Tupperware in good time so that you don’t starve or get thirsty during the approximately 3-hour trip. It’s also advisable to reserve a kayak. You can do this over the internet.

Mermaid Dance in the Mermaid Show

In Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, visitors can expect a true Florida original: the legendary Mermaid Show. Since 1947, the “real mermaids” have been captivating guests from all over the world with their elegant underwater ballets. The show lasts about 30 minutes and is included in the regular park admission

In a crystal-clear spring basin, the mermaids dance seemingly weightlessly in front of a huge glass wall – without any diving equipment, only with air hoses and impressive body control. The show combines nostalgia with amazement on one side and is also a must for families with children, romantics, and anyone who wants to experience the magic of Florida.

The Cave System under Weeki Wachee

What many visitors don’t know: Beneath the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park lies one of the deepest known underwater cave systems in the USA. Professional divers have already explored depths of over 120 meters – the crystal-clear spring water comes from this enormous underground source.

The cave system is not accessible to regular visitors, but just the idea of what lies beneath the surface gives the place a mystical aura. The spring feeds around 400 million liters of water daily into the river – a natural wonder that sustains the entire park and its surroundings.

Buccaneer Bay – Florida’s Only Water Park with a Real Spring

A real insider tip at this location is the Buccaneer Bay water park. Situated right at the Weeki Wachee spring, it offers water slides, a river swimming area, sun decks, and a sandy beach – all fed by the cool, natural spring water. Especially popular:

The free-swinging platform from which the brave can jump directly into the crystal-clear spring. The water park is open seasonally (usually spring to fall) and is included in the regular park admission price. Ideal for families with kids who want to get into the water after the mermaid show – a real mix of attractions combining nature and fun.