Hi-- we’re upstate NY kayakers, but we’ll be in the Orlando Fla area next week and would like to explore some different waters and see some different wildlife. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for good kayaking in this area? We’ll have a car so we can drive an hour or so, but will need to rent 'yaks. Thanks
yes
check out Wekiva State park. and or Rock springs run.
Wekiva River
– Last Updated: Mar-08-05 10:19 AM EST –
Here are a couple of links for you if you're interested in paddling the Rock Springs Run/Wekiva River area. Kayaks can be rented from King's Landing. They can also shuttle you back from Wekiva Springs Marina. King's Landing to the Marina is approx. 4-6 hours. Be sure to take the quick side trip to the spring itself. E-mail me if you'd like a PDF copy of the canoe trail map/brochure:
http://www.clubkayak.com/cfkt/trips/trip33p.html
http://www.kayakguide.com/RockSprg.htm
http://www.canoe-suwannee.com/rock.htm
http://www.outdoorplaces.com/Features/Paddle/laker/wekiva.htm
There's a fairly recent trip report on the Wekiva here in "Places2Paddle":
http://www.paddling.net/places/showReport.html?801
The Econ might also be an option for you. You can rent kayaks and canoes from Hidden River RV Park on SR 50, 407-568-5346:
http://www.kayakguide.com/EconMidl.htm
http://www.kayakguide.com/EconUppr.htm
http://www.afn.org/~savanna/econlock.htm
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/eastcentral/trails/econlockhatchee.htm
http://www.pbase.com/wherley/econlockhatchee&page=all
Silver River
The Silver River is in Ocala and is where Tarzan was filmed. The Monkey population is also still there(not the same ones but the same family). You will see alot of gators and the water is clear. Plan about four hours for the trip. There is also the Crystal River if you want to see the Manatees. All are about 1.5 hrs from the Orlando Airport. If you are interested email me and I will give you directions. Gyhowie@aol.com
There are way to many places to paddle in Central Fl.