Explore North Central Florida Springs and Waterways by Kayak!
Kayaking in North Central Florida offers a breathtaking journey through some of the most pristine and crystal-clear springs and rivers in the country. With its lush forests, abundant wildlife, and year-round warm waters, this region is a paddler’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful float through spring-fed waters or an adventurous paddle down winding riverways, Florida’s Nature Coast delivers an unforgettable kayaking experience.
Black Prong guests can check out our kayaks from the activities barn to explore the beautiful waterways of Florida’s Nature Coast!
Click on the names below to visit their websites for more info!
Chiefland
- People have enjoyed the cool waters of Manatee Springs for more than 10,000 years, from early Paleo Indians to modern park visitors. The first-magnitude spring releases an astounding 100 million gallons of water daily. Enjoy the boat launch, concessions, and boardwalk overlooking the springs. True to its namesake, manatees can be seen in the cooler months, and birds, mammals and fish are spotted year-round.
- Fanning Springs is an ideal place to begin or end a Suwannee River canoe journey. The park is centrally located for a paddle down river to Manatee Springs State Park (7 miles) or to numerous upstream locations.
- New Clay Landing- North of Manatee Springs State Park, Lots of parking, no fees
- Usher Boat Ramp- Just south of Manatee Springs State Park, managed by park service, no fees, open dawn to dusk
- Camp Azaela Boat Ramp- South of Manatee Springs State Park, limited parking in a residential area, no fees
Dunnellon
- The easiest way to experience the Rainbow River — which has been a top Marion County attraction since the late 1880s — is to launch your journey from Dunnellon. The 5.7-mile, gently winding waterway is lined by stately homes on the west bank and bordered by the wild greenery of the Rainbow River State Park on the east side. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or tubing down the river.
- The KP Hole Park is a destination that provides access to the Rainbow River. It is open daily and offers swimming, picnicking, a public boat ramp, and a kayaking launching dock. Explore the springs along the Rainbow River, see wildlife, and take advantage of the shuttle service!
- This tiny park is behind Dunnellon City Hall adjacent to the public boat ramp along the Withalacoochee River.
High Springs
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
- Paddling at Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is an experience you will not forget. Float your canoe, kayak or SUP down the quarter-mile spring run as it flows from the main spring headwaters to the Santa Fe River.
- The Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is now a free city park. The Canoe Outpost is available free of charge to launch your canoe, kayak, or SUP-board, or just to enjoy the beautiful Santa Fe River!
Santa Fe Paddling Guide & the Suwannee Boat Ramps Index are good resources for finding boat launches and planning your trip!
Crystal River
- A group of clear freshwater springs within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This enchanting swimming, snorkeling, and paddling spot is where visitors can see wintering manatees that come to the springs to stay warm when temperatures in the Gulf drop. In-water recreation at Three Sisters Springs is accessible by launching a vessel from any of the public boat ramps or kayak launches on Kings Bay and navigating to the spring-run for Three Sisters.
- About 100 feet offshore is one of the 70 natural springs that feed the Crystal River and Kings Bay. The springs keep the water a pretty constant 72°F (22° Celsius) year-round. The park offers a small beach area leading to a roped-off swimming area, kayak/canoe launch, a boardwalk along the waterway where you are likely to spot waterbirds, a playground area, and other amenities.
- Kings Bay Park is a lovely space that’s only a few blocks from downtown Crystal River. It offers a fishing dock, picnic tables and barbecue grills, a large playground, a river walk, along with lovely bay views. If your timing is right, it’s possible to see manatees off the dock. Open 8am to sunset.
Ocala
- Discover the charm of a historic Florida attraction and the crystal clear beauty of one of the last uninhabited spring runs in the state at Silver Springs State Park. As the largest, first magnitude artesian springs ever discovered, visitors have long been captivated by the springs’ natural beauty and vibrant clarity.
- One of the oldest and best known recreation areas, Juniper Springs is located on SR 40, just 30 minutes from Ocala. Available amenities include a swimming and picnic area, campground, and trails that were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). There are hundreds of tiny bubbling springs and massive springs gushing out of crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks, an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub.
- This recreational jewel is named after the naturally occurring minerals that rise to the surface from deep natural fissures in the earth, providing a slight salinity not found in other nearby springs.
- Both a popular day use recreation area and an important archaeological site, Silver Glen Springs showcases the delicate balance between enjoyment of the outdoors and preservation of irreplaceable resources.