Preface: Water levels are low. I would recommend waiting another 3 weeks before exploring on kayak. I know it's heavily affected the places I'm going to recommend.
Chassahowitzka. I'm a Citrus County girl like it or not unfortunately, but I do love this river. Seven Sisters springs and "the Crack" that you can only access by boat. Hands down the least crowded spot in the summer if you want to go on a weekend.
Recently visited King's Landing and was impressed! I recommend staying in Mount Dora and enjoying that little gem, then spending the day doing King's Landing and finishing where they have a bar and art gallery and cool hang out space, neat spot! Kelly Spring and Rock Springs are part of those water ways and very beautiful, less than 1.5 hours away.
Locally, Weedon Island. It's cool. It's fine. I'm not just into bay/gulf kayaking at all. If I had to choose, that would be it, and it's great.
I used to swim down to Kings Landing as a kid from Rock Springs. My buddies father was the head ranger for Kelly Park (Rock Springs). He actually grew up living in the park. His birthday parties were always the best. My mother was a ranger for Wekiwa Springs, another state park we have in Apopka. It's pretty there as well. Kings Landing to Wekiva Island is a fun run. Katie's Landing down to Wekiva Island is also good. It's just a little farther north and a different branch of the river. Wekiva River is just awesome
Mount Dora is a pretty cool little town. They do classic boat shows there fairly often, I believe. It's definitely a little gem
I was pretty blown away how lovely the whole area was- wasn't expecting a whole lot even though I had wanted to check it out for years. Lots more to explore, so I definitely plan on going back!
Spent age 10-graduation from Lecanto there, my parents still live in the county so I get back often. It's a love/hate relationship for me, but at least it's charms are extra charming.
Once you cross the channel, there are lots of areas within Caladesi that are off limits to motors. Definitely explore the east side of Honeymoon Island though.
We went Memorial Day weekend early morning to avoid the traffic and the waves, the long mangrove tunnels all the way to the homestead remains are fantastic. Only bishop harbor has better trails if you know how to find them.
If you have not ocean kayaked- don't go into it lightly. Waves and tide are rough. For me, an avid kayaker who LOVES kayaking (and hell, I love white water rafting, too!), I find trying to paddle in the gulf any decent distance totally unenjoyable. You don't constantly paddle, hard, you won't make progress, and it takes the joy of the experience out of it for me. I know some people love that challenge. Just a head's up. That's how any Pasco oriented gulf outings are gonna be. Rough work that really should be a pontoon or sundeck, not you in a kayak.
That said, the Weedon Island mangroves area is great and worth a visit!
Will take that into consideration and will probably have someone kayak with me! Thank you, im more of a casual kayaker so i may stick away for now until im ready for the challenge!
There is a strong current there and boaters who don’t care about generating a huge wake. Take care crossing hurricane pass. We were probably the only boat last weekend generating the minimum wake.
The crossing to Caladesi isn't that bad. You're not on the Gulf side unless you want to be (I don't recommend it) - straight out to the island from the Causeway, follow the coast South, and you'll come to the inlet. Or just follow the ferry.
3 sisters is a good experience. Head out of Halls River Rd joints for 3 sisters. That's my hometown, so that adds enjoyment for me personally, but it's limited- BUT there are some good bar/restaurants to finish at afterwards on the water- know that it's a bay (King's bay not the be confused with King's landing) that has some springs locations. Definitely a nicer paddle than just setting off at some random spot Pasco-Pinellas on the gulf.
I've gone the entire length from Rogers Park to the end of Weeki Wachi too many times to count and I've never seen an alligator, otter or dolphins. I honestly can't remember even seeing a turtle. Plenty of manatees, tho, when its the season.
You need to start exploring other places. Have you ever done King's Landing? You aren't gonna miss gators there.
Hillsborough River is a fun experience for a day when you don't want or need to swim- when the weather isn't brutal- it's totally worth it. Again, gators.
I would highly, highly recommend taking the Veteran's straight up to Chassahowitzka. Great spot with so much to explore.
Oh wow, how many miles is that? When i go to weeki i usually go on a private launch and paddle up to about the drop point of weeki so maybe 3-4 miles but would love to go further
I want to try paddle boarding, idk how my lower back would handle it if im not standing the whole time, and i will probably flip over a few more times than i would want.
Weedon Island. Also, maybe not a weekend with the boat traffic or a windy day, but Fort DeSoto. Start between the actual fort and North Beach before it opens up into the channel. The lunes will swim with your boat and ultimately find your way to Shell Key. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the island to yourself.
My cousin and I were kayaking and I accidentally booped a manatee with my paddle (I didn't see it) and it F R E A K E D out and shot off, scaring the rest of the herd who also shot off and knocked my cousin off her paddle board. It was terrifying and hysterical all at the same time, those things can really move. But we're on the St Pete side, north of Snell Isle
Unfortunately i have seen people purposely trying to go as close to manatees as possible and in doing so basically rammed their kayaks into them, not hard but still.
Hillsborough county has the cheapest kayak rentals in the area, like $25/4 hours. Lettuce Lake (wait for the water levels to rise) and Upper Tampa Bay Park are great for it.
Bishop harbor is my favorite place to explore over the last 25 years of kayaking probably 50 different places within 75 miles. Rock Springs and Weeki are too busy for me to bother with anymore. Easy 100 rating for me.
Preface: Water levels are low. I would recommend waiting another 3 weeks before exploring on kayak. I know it's heavily affected the places I'm going to recommend. Chassahowitzka. I'm a Citrus County girl like it or not unfortunately, but I do love this river. Seven Sisters springs and "the Crack" that you can only access by boat. Hands down the least crowded spot in the summer if you want to go on a weekend. Recently visited King's Landing and was impressed! I recommend staying in Mount Dora and enjoying that little gem, then spending the day doing King's Landing and finishing where they have a bar and art gallery and cool hang out space, neat spot! Kelly Spring and Rock Springs are part of those water ways and very beautiful, less than 1.5 hours away. Locally, Weedon Island. It's cool. It's fine. I'm not just into bay/gulf kayaking at all. If I had to choose, that would be it, and it's great.
Weedon Island is very cool if you like mangroves and horseshoe crabs! And armadillos galore.
I used to swim down to Kings Landing as a kid from Rock Springs. My buddies father was the head ranger for Kelly Park (Rock Springs). He actually grew up living in the park. His birthday parties were always the best. My mother was a ranger for Wekiwa Springs, another state park we have in Apopka. It's pretty there as well. Kings Landing to Wekiva Island is a fun run. Katie's Landing down to Wekiva Island is also good. It's just a little farther north and a different branch of the river. Wekiva River is just awesome Mount Dora is a pretty cool little town. They do classic boat shows there fairly often, I believe. It's definitely a little gem
I was pretty blown away how lovely the whole area was- wasn't expecting a whole lot even though I had wanted to check it out for years. Lots more to explore, so I definitely plan on going back!
I’m in Citrus County too!
Spent age 10-graduation from Lecanto there, my parents still live in the county so I get back often. It's a love/hate relationship for me, but at least it's charms are extra charming.
I totally get it! 😀
For serious, shhhhh. EDIT: Also, see you on the Chaz soon!
Dunedin Causeway - you can paddle to Caladesi or the back side of Honeymoon Island, which is very low traffic.
Really nice place. The grass flats are crystal clear around those islands in the middle.
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That sucks, will definitely have to go on a weekday
Once you cross the channel, there are lots of areas within Caladesi that are off limits to motors. Definitely explore the east side of Honeymoon Island though.
Is there a place to launch close to mainland just to cruise around the backside of Caladesi?
I hit Caladesi nearly every weekend.
We went Memorial Day weekend early morning to avoid the traffic and the waves, the long mangrove tunnels all the way to the homestead remains are fantastic. Only bishop harbor has better trails if you know how to find them.
What app do you use to track the waves if you use any? Ive never kayak’d in the ocean so im mainly wary of drifting to far out.
If you have not ocean kayaked- don't go into it lightly. Waves and tide are rough. For me, an avid kayaker who LOVES kayaking (and hell, I love white water rafting, too!), I find trying to paddle in the gulf any decent distance totally unenjoyable. You don't constantly paddle, hard, you won't make progress, and it takes the joy of the experience out of it for me. I know some people love that challenge. Just a head's up. That's how any Pasco oriented gulf outings are gonna be. Rough work that really should be a pontoon or sundeck, not you in a kayak. That said, the Weedon Island mangroves area is great and worth a visit!
Will take that into consideration and will probably have someone kayak with me! Thank you, im more of a casual kayaker so i may stick away for now until im ready for the challenge!
Windfinder
There is a strong current there and boaters who don’t care about generating a huge wake. Take care crossing hurricane pass. We were probably the only boat last weekend generating the minimum wake.
Will do thank you!
The crossing to Caladesi isn't that bad. You're not on the Gulf side unless you want to be (I don't recommend it) - straight out to the island from the Causeway, follow the coast South, and you'll come to the inlet. Or just follow the ferry.
Weedon Island mangrove forest is a must.
Just make sure to check the tide charts prior to going. Sucks being there and not being able to get through due to low tide
I found that a noon start usually helps that. Not always but it’s yet to fail me
Weeki and 3 Sisters
I love weeki, ill have to go to 3 sisters!
3 sisters is a good experience. Head out of Halls River Rd joints for 3 sisters. That's my hometown, so that adds enjoyment for me personally, but it's limited- BUT there are some good bar/restaurants to finish at afterwards on the water- know that it's a bay (King's bay not the be confused with King's landing) that has some springs locations. Definitely a nicer paddle than just setting off at some random spot Pasco-Pinellas on the gulf.
Remember when you could sneak your kayak down the river bank behind Pizza Hut? Good times
Oh man, I do, that was my Book It! Pizza Hut!
I was at 3 sisters a couple weekends ago and it was beautiful but insanely crowded.
All the springs are on the weekends. Especially these dayz
The Hillsborough river. I'm 20 minutes from Lowery park and it has a launch.
Great people watching on that stretch. The nature isn’t as serene and peaceful but it’s fun as hell and I like to try and scoop out trash.
I think ive gone through one time with my friend to go out to the bay on his boat, a lot of people fishing which is cool.
Is this the Weeki Wachi?
Weeki Wachi is my fav place to see manatees. Crystal River is a distant 2nd.
Last year when i went 3/4 times that I went i’ve seen manatees. Im trying to see aligators, otters, dolphins as well if possible
I've gone the entire length from Rogers Park to the end of Weeki Wachi too many times to count and I've never seen an alligator, otter or dolphins. I honestly can't remember even seeing a turtle. Plenty of manatees, tho, when its the season.
You need to start exploring other places. Have you ever done King's Landing? You aren't gonna miss gators there. Hillsborough River is a fun experience for a day when you don't want or need to swim- when the weather isn't brutal- it's totally worth it. Again, gators. I would highly, highly recommend taking the Veteran's straight up to Chassahowitzka. Great spot with so much to explore.
Oh wow, how many miles is that? When i go to weeki i usually go on a private launch and paddle up to about the drop point of weeki so maybe 3-4 miles but would love to go further
IDK but gotta be 3-4 miles I’m guessing. It’s an effort on a paddle board.
I want to try paddle boarding, idk how my lower back would handle it if im not standing the whole time, and i will probably flip over a few more times than i would want.
You should check out Kings Landing, Google it, and look at the photos
It is
honestly, you can't beat weeki. the current and the super clear water are enough for me. i think there are some bioluminescent bays on the east coast.
Yessir, honestly so serene and calm, very little boats to disrupt.
yeah, starting at the spring with no motorboats around is so wonderful.
Chassahowitzka has lots of manatees too!
Alifia River, Hillsborough River, wiki, Chaz, weedon Island, shell key.
Chassahowizka River out by weechie
Second person here to mention it, will definitely check it out
I'll be the third, it's beautiful!
It’s beautiful! Saw a manatee out there a few times
Check out the rivers. Was just at seven sister springs this weekend and saw a dolphin
The bioluminescent kayaking over on the east coast is absolutely worth a weekend trip
Alderman’s ford park on Lithia River.
The Alifia River is a great river to take a trip down as it starts with the great lithia springs water.
I will check that out, thank you! Ill keep posting on here when the weather is nicer and I can enjoy the outdoors!
I used to go on the trails there. Never tried kayaking yet
That’s right by me and is great.
Rainbow River
Cute river potato.
Your friendly neighborhood aquatater.
Weeki Wachee!
Are there shuttles for Weeki Wachee?
Not that im aware of, from where i live its about an hour drive so i try to get there super early and stay till about 4-5PM
Boat ramp near end. Paddel up river to hospitality hole.
Philippe park in safety harbor
Weedon Island. Also, maybe not a weekend with the boat traffic or a windy day, but Fort DeSoto. Start between the actual fort and North Beach before it opens up into the channel. The lunes will swim with your boat and ultimately find your way to Shell Key. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the island to yourself.
My cousin and I were kayaking and I accidentally booped a manatee with my paddle (I didn't see it) and it F R E A K E D out and shot off, scaring the rest of the herd who also shot off and knocked my cousin off her paddle board. It was terrifying and hysterical all at the same time, those things can really move. But we're on the St Pete side, north of Snell Isle
Unfortunately i have seen people purposely trying to go as close to manatees as possible and in doing so basically rammed their kayaks into them, not hard but still.
Fuck those people. I grew up here, as did my dad, as did his dad, and respect for our aquatic neighbors was drilled into my head from basically birth
Weedon island, I love that paddle
Wherever the fish are! But primarily I stick to Old TB.
Hillsborough county has the cheapest kayak rentals in the area, like $25/4 hours. Lettuce Lake (wait for the water levels to rise) and Upper Tampa Bay Park are great for it.
"Sleeping turtle". Around the Mayaka river. Snook Haven for manatee and dolphins sometimes.
You should check out Kings Landing, Google it, and look at the photos
Weedon Island baby
Google florida springs and a plenty will emerge
Bishop harbor is my favorite place to explore over the last 25 years of kayaking probably 50 different places within 75 miles. Rock Springs and Weeki are too busy for me to bother with anymore. Easy 100 rating for me.
Where is that at?
This is weeki i cant change the description to add the location.
anna maria , brooksville, weeki wacheen, gulfport
Weeki Wachee, Fort DeSoto, Hillsborough
Litte Manatee River State Park.
Silver springs is my favorite, however it’s a little further to drive.
Still want to make a pizza out of that fucking tail.
In a kayak on the water just say’n.