Manatee & Weeki Wachee

Tampa isn’t just the City of Champions thanks to those epic Super Bowl and Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021—it’s the city of fun. From Lightning games to boat days, bar crawls to concerts, there’s never a dull weekend here. We truly are spoiled for choice.

One of our first local adventures after moving to the area took us just north of the city to a little slice of Florida paradise: Weeki Wachee. Known for its crystal-clear spring water, calm currents, and the chance to spot a few friendly manatees, it’s the perfect escape when you need a dose of natural beauty (and a break from traffic).

While it’s not quite as manatee-packed as Crystal River or Three Sisters Springs, Weeki Wachee makes up for it with its stunning scenery and unique features—including one of the deepest freshwater cave systems in the U.S. Oh, and did I mention the live mermaid show in the summer? Yep. Actual mermaids.

Since we were still new to the area and didn’t have our own gear yet, we went the tour route for our Memorial Day weekend outing and found SUP Weeki on Facebook. The owner, Pam, updates the river conditions daily and is an absolute gem—affordable, knowledgeable, and super easy to work with. I seriously can’t recommend her enough.

If you’re looking for a laid-back paddle, dreamy water, and a chance to see Florida’s wild side (and maybe a mermaid or two), Weeki Wachee is 100% worth the trip.

Most tours along the Weeki Wachee run about 3–4 hours, and there are a few scenic route options to choose from. Our personal favorite? We love paddling up to Hospital Hole first—where the water gets mysteriously deep and dark—then cruising down to the State Park to wrap things up.

One of the best parts about Weeki Wachee is how beginner-friendly it is. Most of the river is shallow enough to stand in, and no paddling experience is needed. It’s a super chill float that lets you soak up the surroundings without feeling like you’re in a workout class.

Also, bonus: alligators are very rare here, which makes it even easier to relax and enjoy the ride.

Weekdays offer a more relaxed vibe with fewer paddlers on the water, but weekends are still a blast—just be sure to arrive early, especially during the warmer months. If spotting manatees is high on your list, plan your visit for spring, fall, or winter when the water’s cooler. That’s when you’re more likely to catch one gliding by or munching on riverbank greens.

One thing to note: after heavy rain, the water tends to take on a darker green hue. For those postcard-worthy crystal-clear views, aim for dry days. And don’t forget the essentials—sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and a full water bottle are musts. Oh, and leave the booze at home—the local sheriff does make rounds on a jet ski, and it’s not the kind of souvenir you want from your trip.

Soak it all in, take your time, and enjoy a slice of Florida paradise on the magical Weeki Wachee River.

Happy Traveling,

Katrina