Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: A Guide to Visiting

Delighting families and entertaining audiences since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has been a local favorite in Florida for generations. The natural springs of Weeki Wachee are crystal-blue, and refreshing under the intense summer sun. 

Based in Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee offers various unique outdoor activities for visitors of every age. Enjoy an enchanting live mermaid show or rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend a tranquil afternoon on the water; The choice is yours! If you want to maximize your time at the Park or are coming for the first time, check out our helpful tips to make the most of your vacation.

Things To Do at Weeki Wachee Springs

Before buying tickets or visiting the park, check the weather and plan accordingly. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park does not offer refunds for bad weather and some attractions can be canceled or delayed due to weather conditions.

Weeki Wachee Mermaid Show

Inject a little dose of fantasy into your vacation and visit Weeki Wachee to see a live mermaid show! The mermaids have been a popular and integral part of the charm of Weeki Wachee Springs for six decades and continue to captivate guests today.

Highly trained performers, the mermaids at Weeki Wachee will mystify you with underwater feats including eating and drinking, and performing musical numbers. 

Mermaid Camp
Does your child want to test their flipper at becoming a trained mermaid? Now's their chance! The Weeki Wachee Mermaid Camp is a two-day program for children ages 7-14 and will teach children how to be a mermaid performer.

The camp also includes a makeover with a glamor shot and a live performance at the end of camp for friends and family to attend.

Manatee Watching at Weeki Wachee

Affectionately nicknamed, “sea cows”, the manatee is one of Florida’s most beloved and endangered residents.

Florida manatees are found in freshwater, and saltwater ecosystems throughout Florida and oftentimes at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

If you encounter a wild manatee, it is a truly memorable experience and an amazing way to experience Florida’s natural wonders.

Remember, if you encounter a wild manatee, it’s important not to touch them and give them plenty of space as they are protected by the State and a beloved symbol of Florida.

Buccaneer Bay

If you’re searching for an all-in-one experience, choose Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Buccaneer Bay is the perfect place for entertaining the little ones, providing family fun, and giving mom and dad a care-free beach day.

Waterslides

Get your heart pumping and slide down the Bay’s 2 water slides: Cannonball and Pirate’s Revenge. 
Cannonball: Sliders must be 48 inches or taller to ride.

Pirate’s Revenge: Sliders must be 42 inches or taller to ride.

Tubing

Feel your stress melt away as you float down the Bay’s crisp, natural river. Visitors can rent innertubes and enjoy a relaxing trip around the swimming area. Certified lifeguards are stationed throughout the area to ensure safety.

Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove

For the little ones, enjoy the child’s play area with splashing water and wading pools, perfect for children 6 years and younger.

Snacks and Dining

No perfect summer day would be complete without a lunchtime pick-me-up! Picnic tables are provided for eating or you can enjoy a refreshing meal at the Bay’s seasonal restaurant.

Kayaking, Boating & Paddleboard Rentals

Enjoy Weeki Wachee’s 2.8 miles of cyan-colored water as it reflects the sweltering rays of the Florida sun. Weeki Wachee Springs rentals are the perfect solution for an immersive day in the sun measured at your own pace. Reserve your boat online before your visit to ensure you have the best experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can travel past the river’s 2.8-mile rental takeout point and self-launch using the property’s kayaks and paddleboards. Just remember, you will have to paddle back to the beginning where you’re staying and return the equipment.

Embrace a sense of solitude and a deeper appreciation of the outdoors while on the water and keep an eye out for turtles, otters, storks, and pelicans. Don’t worry about running into alligators as they stay in the marsh areas where there are no guests.

Wilderness River Cruse & Wildlife Shows

Take a relaxing boat tour through the pulchritudinous Weeki Wachee Spring or enjoy a hands-on experience with a wildlife show. The Weeki Wachee Wilderness Cruise Ride is a great way to sit back and appreciate the natural sights leisurely. The wildlife shows provide a close-up encounter with Florida wildlife like alligators, snakes, lizards, wild birds, and more.

Weeki Wachee Cave System & Geography

Weeki Wachee Springs is home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the country and is one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Florida. This natural spring discharges close to 100 million gallons of fresh water every day.

The water travels through the serpentine Weeki Wachee River before it funnels into the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Spring is also home to abundant and protected wildlife including, nesting bald eagles, mullets, alligators, cooter turtles, blue herons, wild turkeys, deer, manatees, and colorful fish of all sizes.

Although Weeki Wachee Spring is only 1 of over 700 natural springs in Florida, the Spring’s 400 ft. depth, steady temperature, and beautiful biosphere make it stand out from the others.

Neptune's Old Florida Adventure Retreats

Rest your tired head and get a good night's sleep after your eventful day at a retreat that is equal parts, enchanting, and peaceful. Neptune's Old Florida Adventure Retreats offers uniquely designed properties to fit your style and desire. Each is thoughtfully themed, brimming with colorful personalities, and convenient accommodations designed to provide a warm welcome with old Florida charm.

Neptunes Grotto is a mermaid-themed, restored, vintage, waterfront motel offering nightly rentals, four individually unique efficiency suites, and even a vintage camper. Mermaid Cove, Pirates Cove, and the Chubby Mermaid are each single-family waterfront vacation rental homes with easy direct access to the Weeki Wachee River.

Book Your Getaway Today

The Cabin by the Sea is in neighboring Hernando Beach, situated along the coastal Florida flats and marsh. Cabin by the Sea is a coastal-themed waterfront vacation rental home with quick access to the Gulf within minutes via boat.

Take advantage of complimentary kayaks and paddleboards provided to guests for a journey out to beautiful areas like Salt Spring, and Weeki Wachee River or Redfish Bayou!

Book your getaway now and experience the beautiful typography of Florida and whimsy enchantment at Neptune’s Old Florida Adventure Retreat.