The crystal-clear, winding Weeki Wachee River is one of the most beautiful waterways not just in Florida, but perhaps in all of the United States. It is located in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast which extends from Pasco County, north of Tampa Bay, up though the Big Bend to Wakula county in the panhandle. Known for its pristine forests and waterways, this coastline is most famous for being one of the largest and most unique gathering spots for manatees in the world. The river flows northwest once it leaves the spring through a sparsely populated stretch before turning west into the Weeki Wachee Gardens subdivision. From there, the river widens joining with the Mud River then spilling into the Gulf of Mexico.
Many of the rivers in this part of the state originate as springs flowing up from the Florida aquifer deep underground. The rivers snake their way from these springs to the Gulf of Mexico maintaining a constant 74-degree temperature year around. The water is as clear as bath water and 98 percent pure. Think of the spring water you buy in the grocery store. During the winter, thousands of manatees migrate to these rivers to escape the chilly Gulf of Mexico waters. Along with them, nature lovers from around the world congregate to witness the spectacle, kayak, and even swim with the gentle giants. Though Crystal Springs may be the most notorious spot to view manatees, they frequent the entire area including the Weeki Wachee River.
Weeki Wachee Springs
The river is fed by a large spring near the busy intersection of US Hwy 19 and SR 50 in Hernando County near Spring Hill. There is a park entrance for Weeki Wachee Springs on the south side of the intersection. 117 million gallons of water flows from the main spring daily. Such an enormous amount of water has to go somewhere so it forms a shallow bay locals call Buccaneer Bay. The entrance to the park is $13 for adults and $8 for kids.
Weeki Wachee Springs is more than an ordinary state park. Buccaneer Bay is a popular swimming hole complete with tube rentals, water slides, a snack concession and even a traditional bar. Access to Buccaneer Bay is included with the park admission. Tube rentals and lockers are extra. The main spring is fenced off, so no swimming is allowed in the main spring unless you’re a mermaid.
Mermaids
You read that correctly, a mermaid! Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the famous live Florida Mermaid Show that goes back long before Walt Disney transformed the central Florida tourism industry. The name Weeki Wachee can be attributed to the Seminole Indians meaning “little spring” or “winding river.” Interestingly, there is nothing little about the spring. The bottom has never been found to this day. No wonder Mermaids live here!
The original Weeki Wachee theme park was established in 1947 by a local businessman named Newton Perry. Intended as a roadside attraction, it grew into a popular tourist destination thanks to the mermaid show. It reached the height of its popularity in the 1970s. As the park fell into decay over recent years, the state stepped in to transform it into a very unique state park. They kept the mermaid attraction which is included with the park admission. Also remaining is a 30-minute boat ride down the Weeki Wachee River from Buccaneer Bay. Ghostly remnants of the old theme park are evident just about everywhere as you stroll through the 538-acre property.
The Main River
While the main spring and Buccaneer Bay may be a haven for the tourists, the real draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts lies further downstream. Rent a kayak from one of many local rental venues to really experience life on river. From Buccaneer Bay, the river flows steadily toward the Gulf of Mexico for about 12 miles. Though the spring may be bottomless, the Weeki Wachee is a shallow river, less than 2 feet deep in some parts. It’s also a misleading because of its clarity. You may hop in to cool off expecting the water to be waist deep and shockingly realize it’s twice that depth. I mentioned the water is always 74 degrees! If you forget before you jump it, you’ll remember quickly. Though it may look like nice bath water, it’s cold bath water by Florida standards! You won’t be alone in the water either.
River Life
The water is teaming with fish that are tolerant to both salt and fresh water such as mullet. Schools of large mullet are common well upstream. And yes, there are alligators, just not as common as you might find in other Florida waterways. It’s tough for gators to ambush prey when the water is so clear and cool. You’ll usually find them on the banks warming their body temperature. But even if you don’t see them, they are likely lurking around somewhere.
In the summer, manatees migrate further offshore to the warmer gulf waters, but in the winter, manatee sighting are common in the deeper parts of the river. You won’t see them near the main spring or Buccaneer Bay. You have to take a trip down river where the curious creatures may even swim up to greet you. Manatees are gentle mammals, and they are vegetarians so enjoy the once in a lifetime experience. Take a lot of pictures to share the experience.
Visiting The Weeki Wachee River
My dad told me stories of driving up to the Weeki Wachee river as a teenager. Thankfully, the Weeki Wachee River doesn’t appear on any lists of top destinations. Memories are still made here, and its unspoiled nature remains intact. Whether you’re a child swimming in Buccaneer Bay, or a native Floridian taking in the solitude of one of the Nature Coasts many jewels, or a tourist seeing a manatee up close for the very first time, everyone must appreciate the Weeki Wachee river for being as winding and pure today as it was when the Seminoles roamed its banks.
Weeki Wachee Springs is located in Spring Hill at the corner of US Hwy 19 and SR 50. Kayak rentals are available from many locations. Most launch from the state park. Click the link below for more information on Kayaking.
Click here for more information on Weeki Wachee Kayaking.
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