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As an avid paddleboarder, I’ve been looking forward to the day when my kids were ready to join me and my husband for Florida paddling adventures to places like the Rainbow River that flows from Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon, Florida.
My husband and I loved paddling to the crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Springs, a winter manatee refuge in Crystal River, Florida, a couple years ago. That’s where I first discovered how amazing Florida’s natural springs are and couldn’t wait to share them with my kids.
When my seven-year-old son took an interest in kayaking, I knew Florida paddling adventures to places like Rainbow Springs would be in our near future.
Exploring Rainbow Springs
Located about an hour and 40 minutes north of Tampa in Dunnellon, Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular swimming, tubing and camping spot. In addition to being a Florida state park, Rainbow Springs is a registered natural landmark of the National Parks Service.
This beautiful Florida state park offers picnic areas and gardens featuring man-made tropical-style waterfalls constructed when the land was part of a private “jungle oasis” tourist attraction in the 1960s. Before that, the area was home to a phosphate mines, which left pits and giant piles of soil that created terrain suitable for building waterfalls.
One of Florida’s largest springs, Rainbow Springs pumps out more than 400 gallons of fresh spring water per day. The water at the head springs is exceptionally clear and a beautiful shade of blue.
A designated swimming area allows park visitors to enjoy the refreshing spring waters. A perfect place to cool off in the Florida heat, the spring’s waters maintain a constant temperature of around 72 degrees year-round.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Down the Rainbow River
As you paddle down the Rainbow River that flows from the head springs, you’ll marvel at the water’s varying shades of brilliant blue and green and spot fish and turtles swimming below.
Are There Alligators in Rainbow River?
Yes, it is possible to see alligators in Rainbow River but we did not encounter any during our paddle.
Are There Manatees in Rainbow River?
While it’s common to see manatees in Florida’s spring-fed rivers, manatees do not frequent Rainbow River. Instead, the manatees that live in this area of Florida congregate in nearby Crystal River, a wildlife refuge dedicated to the protection of Florida manatees.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding Guided Tours at Rainbow Springs
Popular guided tours with clear kayaks and rental paddleboards are available for Rainbow Springs paddling adventures.
If you want to rent a kayak for a self-guided tour, Rainbow Springs State Park is a good option. Make sure to arrive early though, because this popular park gets busy on weekends and will close for the day when it reaches capacity.
Where to Launch Kayaks and Paddleboards on the Rainbow River
The kayak launch at Rainbow Springs State Park is a long walk (1,800 feet) from the parking area. If you’re taking your own paddle equipment, it’s not the best launch spot. We thought we could handle the walk with our paddleboards, but it was brutal. That was the only negative part of our Rainbow River paddle adventure. We won’t make that mistake again.
KP Hole County Park, 1.5 miles downriver from the head springs is a better option for launching with your own equipment. This is a popular spot for tubing as well.
Sights from a Rainbow River Paddle
With its entrancing array of blues and greens, the Rainbow River will fill you with wonder. Here are a few of the stunning shades we discovered on our Florida paddling adventure.
More Florida Adventures
Looking for more amazing spots for Florida adventures? Check out Adventure-Seeking Mom’s guide to Florida adventures beyond the beach, 40+ summer adventures around Tampa Bay and all our Florida family adventure guides.
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I have to make it here! Thank you for all the details!
My pleasure! It’s a fun family trip!
Alisha,
I am so glad you posted these photos on Instagram! It’s so hard to get my family out to do fun stuff in nature (especially in the Summer because it’s so hot). However, this Friday is my birthday and I get to force the family to do what I want! So, I want to kayak/learn to paddle board. I do have a few questions for you:
1. How early on a Saturday should we arrive to rent equipment?
2. Do they offer paddle boards and/or lessons? If not I’ll kayak!
3. Is there a way to reserve kayaks ahead of time?
4. How cold is the water?
Thank you! You are so informative when it comes to activities with the fam in Florida!
~AlohaMelani
Happy birthday week, Melani! I’m so excited for you to celebrate with a paddling adventure! I would plan to arrive as close to the state park opening time of 8 am as possible because they do limit park capacity. The offer canoe and kayak rentals at the state park but no paddleboards. I don’t think they do reservations for the kayak rentals here but you could call the park to double check. There are other vendors who rent out of the KP Hole Park as well that likely take reservations. The water is a constant 72 degrees – so refreshing in the summer heat!
I am just in awe about how beautiful those gem-like waters are! This looks like such a fun family adventure (you must have been so happy when your son showed an interest in padding!!) It also looks perfect for cooling down in the sunshine!
Yes, all of the above! I highly recommend experiencing the pure beauty and refreshment of one of Florida’s incredible natural springs if you have a chance to visit our state!
This looks like such a gorgeous place to go paddling! That water is so beautiful!
It really is! Paddling here is an enchanting experience!