WeekiBlog

Weeki Wachee River - Springs Protection Zone

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:15:52 GMT

Everything you need to know to help protect and enjoy the Weeki Wachee River

What is the "Springs Protection Zone"?

The springs protection zone is designed to protect the river’s ecology and does not alter the public access to the spring. It only regulates vessels, not the activities of people.

To summarize - Vessel (Boats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, ETC) operators are prohibited from anchoring, mooring, beaching or grounding a vessel within the Weeki Wachee River Springs Protection Zone. (F.S. 327.45) It encompasses 5.61 miles from Rogers Park to the headsprings in the state park. Violators are subject to a $140 fine. With limited exceptions, most tubes and rafts are not considered vessels under Florida law.

Are you saying I can't swim in the river?

Activities like swimming, snorkeling and floating on a raft or tube are permitted .

Visitors are encouraged to use best practices to help protect the river such as not trampling vegetation, climbing on banks or trees, or discarding litter.

So what does this all mean?

If you plan to exit your vessel (Boats, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, ETC) while paddling down the main river, you will want to plan an appropriate place to exit your vessel. If you're planning on tying your vessel to a tree, or beaching it up on sand or land, you will be at risk of the $140 penalty If you are east of Rogers Park. These rules ONLY apply to the main river, not canals. Also be sure each vessel has a life jacket and whistle (we suggest tying the whistle to the jacked).

And most importantly, go have a blast!!

History of Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 17:20:09 GMT

History of Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest!

Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest is a beloved annual event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Weeki Wachee and the surrounding area. This lively festival has deep roots in the community and has become a cherished tradition for locals and visitors alike.

The inaugural Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest took place in 1994, born out of a desire to showcase the unique character and charm of Weeki Wachee and raise funds to support local causes. From its humble beginnings as a small community gathering, the festival has grown into a vibrant celebration that attracts thousands of attendees each year.

One of the highlights of Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest is its eclectic mix of live music, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. Festival-goers can enjoy performances by local musicians and bands, browse a wide array of handmade crafts and artwork, and indulge in delicious food from local vendors serving up a variety of culinary delights.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest also pays homage to the area's natural beauty and outdoor heritage. The festival often features educational exhibits, environmental demonstrations, and guided nature walks that highlight the importance of preserving the region's wetlands and waterways.

Throughout the years, Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest has evolved and grown, but its commitment to celebrating the unique spirit of Weeki Wachee remains unwavering. As the festival continues to thrive, it serves as a testament to the strong sense of community and camaraderie that defines this charming Florida town.

Join us as we celebrate the history, culture, and natural beauty of Weeki Wachee at the annual Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest. With live music, delicious food, and fun for the whole family, it's an event you won't want to miss!

Best Kept Secrets in Weeki Wachee!

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:41:59 GMT

Welcome to Weeki Wachee's best-kept secrets, where hidden gems and local treasures await those willing to venture off the beaten path. From secluded natural wonders to charming local haunts, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the lesser-known side of Weeki Wachee.

1. Linda Pedersen Park: Tucked away on the shores of the Weeki Wachee River, Linda Pedersen Park is a tranquil oasis beloved by locals but often overlooked by visitors. This hidden gem boasts pristine white sand beaches, shady picnic areas, and scenic nature trails, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful day of relaxation and recreation.

2. Bayport Park: Just a short drive from Weeki Wachee, Bayport Park is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. This waterfront park offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, along with fishing piers, kayak rentals, and picnic areas. Explore the park's nature trails and keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees frolicking in the nearby waters.

3. Jenkin's Creek: For nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and serenity, Jenkin's Creek is a hidden gem worth seeking out. Tucked away off the beaten path, this tranquil waterway meanders through pristine marshlands and dense mangrove forests, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore this hidden oasis at your own pace, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of nature.

4. Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park (Currently Closed): Just a short drive from Weeki Wachee, Alfred A. McKethan Pine Island Park is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. This pristine beach park offers miles of sugar-white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning Gulf Coast sunsets. Pack a picnic and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and soaking up the natural beauty of this hidden gem.

5. Weeki Wachee Preserve: Escape the crowds and discover the untamed beauty of the Weeki Wachee Preserve. This sprawling nature reserve is home to lush wetlands, towering pine forests, and diverse wildlife, offering endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Explore the park's network of trails and boardwalks and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this hidden wilderness.

These hidden gems are just a taste of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in Weeki Wachee. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a break from the ordinary, these best-kept secrets promise unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

Intro to Weeki Wachee: An overview of the town's history, landmarks, and what makes it unique

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:57:16 GMT

Welcome to Weeki Wachee, a quaint town nestled along Florida's Nature Coast, where history, enchantment, and natural beauty converge.

History: Long before the arrival of European explorers, the land surrounding Weeki Wachee was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Seminole and Timucua. These tribes revered the area's natural springs, which provided a source of fresh water and played a central role in their spiritual beliefs.

With the dawn of the 20th century, Weeki Wachee began to attract the attention of settlers drawn to its fertile land and abundant waterways. In 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs gained international fame when Newton Perry, a former Navy man turned entrepreneur, unveiled his vision of an underwater mermaid theater. Using innovative breathing techniques and underwater air hoses, Perry's "mermaids" captivated audiences with their graceful performances in the crystal-clear spring waters.

Weeki Wachee Springs quickly became a popular roadside attraction along Florida's burgeoning tourism corridor, drawing visitors from far and wide to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of mermaids swimming in their natural habitat. Throughout the decades, Weeki Wachee continued to evolve, adding new attractions like Buccaneer Bay Water Park and expanding its offerings to include wildlife encounters, river cruises, and educational programs.

Today, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Newton Perry's vision and the timeless allure of this enchanting corner of Florida. From its humble beginnings as a roadside curiosity to its status as a beloved cultural icon, Weeki Wachee's history is a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation, imagination, and adventure.

Landmarks: One of the most renowned landmarks in Weeki Wachee is Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, known for its mesmerizing underwater mermaid shows and crystal-clear spring waters. Visitors can also explore Buccaneer Bay, Florida's only spring-fed water park, or take a leisurely boat tour along the Weeki Wachee River, admiring the lush scenery and abundant wildlife.

What Makes it Unique: What sets Weeki Wachee apart is its enchanting blend of natural wonders and nostalgic charm. From the legendary mermaids who have enchanted audiences for decades to the pristine beauty of the Weeki Wachee River, there's an undeniable magic that permeates this charming town. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Weeki Wachee offers something for everyone.

All About Our Weeki Wachee Manatees!

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:38:08 GMT

Florida Manatees or “Sea Cows” , also known as the West Indian Manatees are gentle giants who roam the rivers of Weeki Wachee and make friends (distantly) with those they encounter. Here are some fun facts you probably didn’t know about manatees:

-The manatee’s closest relative is an Elephant!

-The average adult manatee weighs between 800 and 1200 pounds and is about 10ft in length.

-You will find manatees in shallower, more slow-moving waters like rivers, saltwater bays, canals and coastal areas. They especially love places where seagrass or freshwater vegetation grows abundantly. For Florida, we tend to see them more in the winter months.

-Most of a manatee’s time will be spent eating, resting and swimming. They are herbivores and therefor eat aquatic plants, or underwater vegetation.

-Since manatees are mammals, like us, they need to surface to get air every 3-5 minutes, unless it is a more active day, where they may surface as much as every 30 seconds. When sleeping, they can stay submerged for up to 20 minutes!

-Manatees can swim up to 20 miles per hour in short bursts, but that’s probably only if something scary is chasing them. Their typical speed is about 3-5mph.

-West Indian manatees have no enemies, so they can live 60 years or more. Most manatee deaths are from boaters who don’t see them, cold stress, gastrointestinal diseases, which come from consuming fish hooks, litter and other human related causes, pneumonia and other diseases.

-Manatees in the U.S.A are protected by law (Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and the Endagered Species Act of 1973). These laws make it illegal to hunt, harass, capture or kill marine mammals.

-If you do encounter a manatee while swimming or boating, be sure not to poke or prod them with your hands, feet, or objects. If the manatee avoids you, no need to chase them. Just let them go where they are going. Avoid feeding them, and do not isolate them from their group if swimming with more manatees or calves.

Remember to respect the nature around you as this is their home. Make sure any trash is not left in the water.

Enjoy Experiencing Weeki!

How to pack for your trip

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 14:38:08 GMT

Packing for a trip to Florida is an art. So let us help.

Everyone knows Florida is “sunny and hot”. But what most do not prepare for is that evenings can get chilly depending on the season of your arrival. We live in layers here, especially in the Spring. We wake up in the 50’s or 60’s and come home in the 90’s. Our cars have spare sweaters, jackets as a rule during these months.

First determine which season you will be coming down to Florida.

Always have sunscreen when you are in Florida, no matter the season, as our sun is sneaky and will even burn you when it’s overcast.

Water-shoes may be helpful when walking in shallow waters that may have rock, or for walking on docks and other potentially slippery areas after being in the water.

Spring, (Jan-April-ish), may have chilly mornings and evenings but hot afternoons.

You will want both shorts and pants, bathing suits and sweaters. Layer in the mornings and remove as the day progresses. If you stay out all day into the evening, you will likely revisit that morning sweater.

Summer, (Mid-April really until September), it will be more humid than anything and may rain.

Summer is beautiful in Florida, but is also humid, which is basically a “Wet hot”. Pack plenty of shirts as you may sweat through some. Our humidity can make you break a sweat at 6am. Lots of sunscreen, preferably SPF 50 or higher. The 50 refers to minutes of protection. So, SPF 50 will provide 50 minutes of sun protection. It can last longer, but with the humidity and water, you will want to reapply. SPF 100 is even better. For kids, cream is more effective than the spray sunscreens.

Summer months bring mosquitos, especially near water and after a rain. Bug spray with Deet/deep woods protection is recommended. Citronella candles outside are helpful but they do not keep them away completely.

Florida thunderstorms can be dangerous. If you see any lightning at all, make sure you are not in or near the water. It can lightning in clear skies as well. Just be mindful of nature and it will be mindful of you. Bring an umbrella to keep handy when you are out and about.

If you are staying at the beach or one of our properties, you will likely live in the water. If possible, bring multiple bathing suits.

A “beach bag” is helpful for day trips to carry the essentials- sunscreen, bottled water, water-shoes, towels.

Fall, (October/November), these are perfect days to us natives. A little less humid, a little crisper air.

You will pack similar to Spring packing. Both Shorts and pants, bathing suits and sweaters. You will want to prepare to layer. Florida is sometimes unpredictable. So, it may still be hot all day. But the next day could be wildly different.

Some extras you may want to consider:

Waterproof phone case. These will allow you to take pictures under water and also keep your phone safe if it gets wet and/or dropped in the water.

Hats- baseball hats, straw hats, bucket hats. All a good idea to help keep the sun off your face and neck.

Quick Dry towels- helpful when you sweat so you can wipe sweat off your face and out of your eyes. Especially if you sweat with sunscreen on your face.

We hope this is helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions that may arise with packing and preparing.

Enjoy experiencing Weeki!!

Planning Your Perfect Trip to Weeki

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:38:08 GMT

Whether you plan to hang out at the house relaxing or explore the river or neighborhood, we have some tips for planning your perfect experience in Weeki Wachee.

As you can probably already see, Weeki Wachee is all about the River Life. We love our river, and we care deeply about its inhabitants. Touring the river is also a great activity to learn about Weeki Wachee and experience the sights and sounds that bring life to this area every day.

Speaking of touring the river, we also recently started offering our customers the option of taking a Jon boat ride for a tour up river . Why a Jon Boat you ask? Because in order to appreciate this rivers beauty, you must go several miles up river and be able to navigate extremely tight and shallow waters. Our 6 person Jon boat is fully equipped to give you an amazing experience. Dave is a USCG licensed Captain so rest assured, you're in good hands.

We offer private boat tours Monday thru Friday with tours typically lasting a couple of hours. You can expect to go several miles up river on this tour for some unbelieve picture opportunities of this magical river. The cost is $295 and includes the boat, fuel, bottled water, and Captain Dave will personally pick you up and drop you off at your dock (or a river destination of your choice).

If you're looking for other tour options don't hesitate reaching out to us. We can customize a day on the river just for you.

With all the nearby attractions and so much to see, it may be a good idea to plan ahead. Some attractions may require tickets, reservations, or charge for parking. You will find links to many of them below, where you can check out each park or attraction and all there is to do there.

Roger’s Park (beaches, swimming, volleyball, canoes & kayaks launch, boat launch, and kids playground)

https://www.hernandocounty.us/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/34/103

Marina & Boat Rentals (kayaks, canoes, boats)

https://www.weekiwacheemarina.com/

Linda Pedersen Park (Nature, Wildlife, Bird Watching)

https://www.hernandocounty.us/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/26/103

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (waterslides, snorkeling, tubing, floating, boat tours and more)

https://www.floridastateparks.org/weekiwachee

Pine Island Beach Park (beaches, swimming, volleyball, canoes & kayaks, concessions and more)
(Currently Closed due to Hurricane Damage)

https://www.hernandocounty.us/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/103

Sun West Park (fresh water aqua park, beach volleyball, and zip line wakeboarding)

https://sunwestpark.com/

Light Lines and Good Times - Airboat Tours

https://lightlinesgoodtimes.com/

Oak Hills Golf Club (18-hole course)

https://www.facebook.com/OakHillsGolfClub

Buccaneer Bay (waterslides, tubing, refreshments and world famous live mermaid shows)

https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/splish-n-splash-buccaneer-bay

Don’t forget, there are local bait and tackle shops as well for when you want to fish off one of our docks or go out on the water. Dixie Lee Bait is nearby https://goo.gl/maps/bwuRFTwVS5JbGx43A .

Enjoy your stay with Experience Weeki!