Weeki Wachee was out of boats and kayaks for the day. Was recommended by Weeki Wachee to go check out The Kayak Shack to see if canoes were available. Canoes were $40 for two or three people, with no price difference. Canoes were a great idea for the springs. Very simple check in process. We were loaded onto the bus, and transported back to the Weeki Wachee boat launch in just a few minutes. Highly recommended. Just remember to bring water and snacks for the trip.
Our family of 4 decided be dropped off up steam and kayak the 5.5 miles down river. The gentle current took us through crystal clear water filled with fish and several manatees. We took our time and finished in 4 hours. Many kayakers stopped off for a swim, a tree swing, jumping from trees, or just to take a break. The water temperature was refreshingly cool (around 73 degrees) and we heard that it stays at that temp throughout the year. We had a couple moments of heavy rain and we just pulled into coves and took cover under trees and brush. The 4 of us rented 2 double kayaks which was a good choice. My wife and I are 54 and our adult children are in their late 30s. We had a blast. All of the staff were very helpful. They set everything up for us for a great day. The only suggestion I would make is to make your reservation a week in advance during busy periods like just before children return to school or are on break.
I have rented kayaks from the Kayak Shack numerous times. They are always fast and efficient getting you on the water as soon as possible. I much prefer shuttling at the beginning of my trip and ending at my car. That way, you are not on a schedule and when you're done, you are done. This is an easy downhill paddle, a tough paddle if you want to try upstream and avoid the shuttle. The Weeki Wachee offers you crystal clear waters near the springs. It is a popular river so you won't be alone and there are a lot of home at the lower part of the river. About 1/2 mile up from the kayak shack is a "hole" where you can often observe manatee. I believe it is locally referred to as "hospital hole".
We originally booked with another canoe rental company who are located in Weeki Wachee State Park who we have used before and were very good, however, they do not launch after midday and we struggled to get to the river by that time as we were driving from Orlando. We were advised to use the Kayak Shack as we didn't arrive until 12.30 and the guys there were very helpful and friendly. They drove us and our canoe up to the top of the river and we paddled downstream arriving back at the Shack at around 4pm. The water is spring fed and beautifully clear. We stopped for a swim along the route and saw some Manatee that shelter in the rivers during the winter. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would recommend the Kayak Shack to others. The location is convenient (next to Upper Deck restaurant who do a very good burger)! and the Kayak Shack do have their own parking area.
The river is beautiful and the Kayak Shack is at the perfect location. Their prices are right-on for a low cost fun filled nature outing. Parking is convenient and loading is easy. They will take you up the river to drop off for an easy ride down, or take your own path.
My hubby and I are newbies in kayaking and were taken on this trip by our daughter. We found this experience to be high on the list of our most exciting adventures. The water is so clear you can see the bottom. It is shallow in most places and you can watch for fish. One of the most exciting moments was to find myself floating just over a momma manatee and her baby. I couldn't believe how gentle and beautiful they are! This trip was about 5 1/2 miles and took us about 4 or so hours to complete. We would definitely do this again!
This is a must when visiting Florida. The trip down the river is beautiful lots of wildlife and very relaxing and the people at the Kayak Shack make it happen. Super friendly and the great part is you don't have to wait to be picked up your car is waiting for you there. Can't wait to do this again.
What a wonderful trip down the Weeki Wachee springs. The kayak shack so kind to help these women who are just learning about this sport. The kayak shack owners and employees are so helpful and informative on this river, when they said it was mystical they are so right. Thank you Kayak Shack we will come back to do it again.
Having heard many stories of the beautiful Weeki Wachee, my boyfriend and I decided to make the 3 hour trip. My mother had been visited The Kayak Shack before and highly recommended it for their kindness and promptness. After loading our kayaks onto the trailer we hopped in the van and rode with them to the Drop-off. Once we arrived we unloaded our kayaks and they walked them to the launch and we went on our way down the river all the way back to The Shack. The water was mostly crystal clear and wildlife was breathtaking. will definitely be going back more than once.
They always went out of their way to make everyone feel important. We had a rental which had many guests from European countries. They would love going to The Kayak Shack because they were treated so politely, the owners were patient with any questions or concerns they had, and many times comments were left regarding the thrill of having or seeing the manatees gliding by. I am marking it as my personal experience because of the comments left by our guests who had been there and told us about it and wanted others to know.