This is the amazing Weeki Wachee Springs.
And this spring is just beautiful.
Not only does it have live mermaids, a water park,
and this incredible crystal clear water,
but a few other adventures that you'll want to experience with the family.
So if you're interested in seeing what Weeki
Wachee has to offer, stay tuned, because I'm going to go over
all of the details of this incredible spring.
Weeki Wachee
State Park is located just north of Tampa on the west
side of Florida and is one of Florida's oldest roadside attractions.
Founded in 1947, Weeki Wachee has been
the mecca for mermaid enthusiasts.
And you can still see the mermaids
in Weeki Wachee Springs to this day.
Weeki Wachee Springs is open every day from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
and the park has a ton of things to offer for families of all ages.
The heart of this spring is a first magnitude spring that emits
117 million gallons of fresh spring water every day.
And the spring is also so deep that the bottom has never been found.
The opening of this spring is also home
to the Weeki Wachee Famous Mermaid show.
The Mermaid Show happens several times a day
and is a must see if you're visiting this spring.
These performances take place every day,
weather permitting, and is viewed through windows
in a 400 seat theater that is embedded into the side of the spring.
During our visit, they were performing Hans Christian Andersen's
The Little Mermaid Live, where you'll get to see and enjoy this
classic tale told unlike any other Little Mermaid.
During this show, you'll get to see the Little Mermaid
celebrate her birthday and come face to face with her prince.
This entire show will have you laughing and swaying to the music and is definitely
a unique experience that will have you mesmerized the entire time.
If you are planning on heading to The Mermaid Show,
they do open the doors 30 minutes before the show opens and make sure
that you get there as early as possible because the seats are first
come, first serve and the theater fills up very quickly.
If you want to get a picture or speak with a mermaid
after the show, you can always head over to the Mermaid Lagoon
next to the gift shop for the Mermaid Meet and greet.
Once you've fulfilled your lifelong dream of seeing a mermaid,
there are so many other things to do at Weeki Wachee Springs.
Right behind the Mermaid Theater is Buccaneer Bay.
Buccaneer Bay features two tremendous water slides.
One is a twisting flume that is dubbed Pirate's Revenge.
And there's also The Cannonball, which is the tube slide right next to it.
These slides will have you feel the rush of excitement
and have you eager to ride them over and over again.
But if you would rather relax in the sun, there is also this beautiful white sand.
Or you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear spring waters,
which stays a refreshing 72 degrees all year long.
If you want to relax even more, you can also rent an inner tube
for a cool, lazy float on their natural river
that floats around the swimming area and down Weeki Wachee River.
If you're visiting outside of the summer months,
please note that Buccaneer Bay is only open
on weekends until May 30th.
If you are interested in venturing a little bit further down the river,
there's also the Wilderness River Cruise that is included with admission.
This 20 minute cruise will take you down Weeki Wachee river and along the way
your guide will point out various wildlife like jumping fish, an eagle's
nest, turtles, and if you're lucky some manatees and maybe an alligator.
If the wildlife on the cruise is not enough to fulfill your curiosity,
just a short walk from where you picked up the Wilderness
River Cruise is the Ranger Experience.
Located in Discovery Point Theatre this
educational and entertaining 20 minute show features some of Florida's
native wildlife, including turtles, snakes and alligators.
And when you exit the show, make sure to take a moment
to enjoy the Tranquility Trail that runs along the river.
Also on this side of the park, is a small playground for kids,
as well as a few food options.
And while I'm speaking about it.
There are several eateries all across Weeki Wachee that includes
the Mermaid Galley, the Captain's Quarters that serves ice cream and pizza,
the Pirates Grub, the Snack Shack, and Weeki Hut.
And while you're roaming around the park, keep your cameras ready
because you may just encounter one of the beautiful free roaming
peacocks that venture around the park.
If you want the ultimate adventure down Weeki
Wachee River, then I highly suggest going kayaking.
We took this adventure
while we were there for the day, and I could not recommend it more.
You do have to make reservations for all launches,
including your own vessels, and if you do need to rent a kayak, Weeki
Wachee Adventures is the only kayak and stand up paddle board
rental facility located in Weeki Wachee Springs state park.
So whether you're paddling for adventure or relaxation,
the float down the 2.8 miles of Weeki Wachee River
is one of the most tranquil experiences that you can have.
This beautiful crystal clear water is absolutely breathtaking and
is one of the most beautiful kayaking trips that I have done in central Florida.
This trip is only one way and they do check your bag
for any single use items to prevent litter along the river.
Most of the trip down the river is a journey underneath
the shade of several cypress and oak trees and of course,
Florida's famous distinctive palms.
The water is crystal clear throughout your entire trip,
and on the cool morning of our visit, the water felt warm in comparison.
Along the way, you'll be able to see
all of the fish and turtles as they swim underneath your kayak.
And we were even lucky enough to spy a mama manatee
and her baby as they swam upriver.
If you do want to enjoy this adventure, you'll want to make sure that you arrive
early for your appointment to give you some time to check in and grab your gear.
We were lucky enough to be the first ones on the water during our trip,
and we rarely encountered any other people while we were on the water.
And when we did, it was few and far in between.
But I do have to admit, my favorite person that we came across was hands down
this awesome pup on the paddle board who we encountered several times
throughout our day.
Once you make it to the end of the run, the Weeki Wachee team
will help you out of your vessel,
collect your paddle and lifejackets and will even drive you back to the park.
If you want to enjoy another historic, iconic spring in Florida,
then you'll want to check out my overview on Silver Springs
that just popped up on the screen.
Silver Springs is famous
for their glass bottom boats, wild monkeys, and was also the location
for several classic films like The Creature From the Black Lagoon.
Until next time, everyone!
I hope you have an amazing day and go out and enjoy some Florida sunshine.