Hi friends!
Here are Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak we have the pleasure of being right on the water at the confluence where the Rainbow Spring meets the Withlacoochee River. This is an amazing spot on the river that's one of our favorites! Because there's a large temperature difference between the rivers and since the Withlacoochee River is tannic and the spring is crystal clear, it's one of the best spots to check out! It's also one of the best spots for fishing. Since we have this river front central location, we are able to offer two paddles for you to choose from and toady we'll talk about the difference of both so you're ready to tackle either one!
Rainbow River:
Our Rainbow trip is our most popular trip. The Rainbow is Florida's fourth largest spring. It puts out upwards of 500 million gallons of crystal clear spring water a day! Picture an olympic sized pool of water coming out of the ground every 90 seconds. Mind blowing! There are over 100 different spring vents and 1000 different sand boils to check out.
For the Rainbow, you park at our facility, we shuttle you up to KP Hole County Park (where you pay a $10.75/person entry fee), then you have all day to explore, paddling with the current back to your car!
The trip is a minimum of 4.5 miles which averages around 2-3 hours depends on how often you stop or how hard you paddle, but if you choose to paddle up river towards the head springs first, you can make it up to 7.5 miles of paddling (1.5 against the current, 6 with the current). This is closer to 4-5 hours. Remember that if you get out of your boat at the Rainbow Springs State Park you must pay the $2 entry fee. But you have all day til 6pm to paddle and end at your car! So take your time snorkeling, swimming, and checking out the wildlife from a safe distance.
There is also a restaurant, Swampy's along the trip! Block off some extra time in your schedule to find your way out of your boat and up to the bar for a cold drink or quick snack.
Things to note: there is a no disposable, no alcohol on the Rainbow so any food and drinks that are river friendly MUST be in a reusable container such as a Stanley or Yeti cup and tupperware. We do offer reusable cups and food storage for purchase at our shop!
We accept reservations to get you a 10% off discount or walk-ins and same day reservations! Our shuttles run every hour on the hour from 9am until our last shuttle at 2pm. Please arrive 20-25 minutes prior to get checked in!
Withlacoochee River:
Our Withlacoochee trip is the most remote and quiet trip we offer. Enjoy meandering through the Withlacoochee State Forest for 11 miles and between 4-6 hours of quiet, serene paddling where you feel like you have the river all to yourself with the wildlife!
For the Withlacoochee paddle, you park at our facility, we shuttle you up 11 miles to the Withlacoochee put in, and then you have all day to explore, paddling with the current back to your car! This is an 11 mile trip but keep in mind, certain times of year the river's current isn't moving as quickly. Because you're paddling through the state forest, there is also fewer places to stop and get out so this trip is for those who enjoy a paddle and nature. Be ready to see tons of wildlife like gators, fish, turtles, river otters, blad eagles, and many other types of birds.
About halfway through there is a little spot called Sandy Point that the private owners have graciously allowed people who are respectful to stop and enjoy! This is a gorgeous beachy point with chairs set up where you can dip your toes in the water to cool off and enjoy whatever packed lunch you brought for your journey. Please respect the property. Not only clean up behind yourself, but any other trash others may have left.
We recommend this paddle for beginners only during rainy season when the flow is going well. Otherwise, experienced paddlers in the Florida heat only as it's long when the current is slow. Make sure you bring plenty of water and sun protection!
Our shuttles run for the Withlacoochee by reservation only from 9am until our last shuttle at 12pm.
So those are our trips. Both provide an amazing experience, totally different from the other. We recommend doing the Rainbow one day, then the Withlacoochee the next for the ultimate Nature Coast experience! Call us to ask any questions about either trip or to make your next reservation! As always, it “otter” be a great day at Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak!