Kayaking and tubing are fun pastimes at Rainbow Springs

Dec 6, 2021 | 1 comment

Kayaking and tubing are very popular in Florida. Rainbow Springs is a must-see location for people who love to go to springs. Crystal clear water entices thousands of visitors to this spring each year. Swimming, paddle sports, tubing, snorkeling, and fishing are all allowed on this serene area of the Rainbow River. With the crystal-clear water, it’s a perfect location to take photos with an underwater camera.

Early morning snorkeling on Rainbow River
Snorkeling on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

Like some of our other state parks, Rainbow Springs is a designated National Natural Landmark.

Bird on Rainbow River
Wildlife as seen on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

The day I visited, we chose to kayak from the state park where there is an easy put-in and paddle up to the headsprings and back. This was a fairly easy paddle even though we were going against the current of the spring

Bird on  Rainbow River. Rainbow River  Rainbow River is a great kayaking and tubing location
Heron as seen on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

Several outfitters can be found if you don’t have your own equipment or choose to forgo bringing your own.

I was camping at Rainbow Springs State Park where there is a nice boat ramp to enter the river. There is not parking at the ramp however, you can drop your gear and park a short walk away. We chose to borrow the state park provided kayak dolly and walk.

Tubing is very popular, and you can catch a ride with a rental tube company where you park your car. You are then shuttled up to the head springs where your float back down to the takeout is an enjoyable couple of hours.

Wildlife as seen while on Rainbow River  Rainbow River is a great kayaking and tubing location
Heron as seen on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi
Backyard seen from Rainbow River
Inviting backyard as seen from Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

Sights and sounds

There is an abundance of sights and sounds to enjoy while you are on the river

Flag in backyard as seen from Rainbow River
Flag in backyard as seen from Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

We were enjoying this so much we paddled past our takeout before returning upstream to exit the river.

Wildlife as seen while on Rainbow River  Rainbow River is a great kayaking and tubing location

Ibis as seen on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

Peaceful and quiet

Because floating on a river while viewing wildlife is a wonderful way to spend a day I recommend you add this trip to your list of places to visit. This means you should immediately add this trip to your list of places to visit. Everyone needs peaceful days. Girl Campers in Florida visit many kayaking and tubing locations.

Birdhouse as seen while on Rainbow River  Rainbow River is a great kayaking and tubing location
Bird box on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

If you would like to join in on some of our Girl Camper events in Florida head over to our Facebook page. We love to go camping, kayaking and tubing along with many other fun activities. More of my camping shenanigans, along with other stories can he seen here

Wildlife as seen while on Rainbow River  Rainbow River is a great kayaking and tubing location
Wildlife as seen on Rainbow River – Photo by Judi

Thanks for looking.

–Judi

1 Comment

  1. Karen McCann

    Hi! I was a part of this experience and have to say it was fab! I met a group of great gals and even encouraged me to try kayaking bringing me a bit out of my comfort zone. I loved it! With their encouragement and support I know I will be adding this to future adventures. Thank you Judi for believing in me and giving me the confidence to try something new. To every one of the campers, thank you for going above and beyond to welcome me into this group!

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