The attractive area of Ocala, Florida, has many nice sights and adventurous actions. However the area’s pure springs are undoubtedly one of many prime sights.
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There are a lot of methods to expertise the springs in Ocala, however one of the vital in style experiences is to go kayaking. However not simply any kayaking, crystal clear kayaking!
However what does that imply, and what does it entail? Learn on to seek out out extra about this distinctive Ocala exercise and to listen to extra about our expertise.
Is it value experiencing Rainbow River kayaking on a crystal clear tour? We hope this text helps you make this choice.
Touring Quickly? Here’s a checklist of our favorite journey suppliers and equipment to assist get you prepared on your upcoming journey!
About Ocala Springs
Ocala, Florida, is famend for its stunning pure springs, providing leisure and ecological significance. The springs are a distinctive phenomenon ensuing from the underground aquifer system, which pumps crystal-clear water to the floor, creating picturesque our bodies of water that entice locals and vacationers alike.
Ocala springs are characterised by their transparency, vibrant blue hues, and fixed temperature, making them best for numerous actions reminiscent of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and having fun with the pure environment.
There are a lot of pure springs in Ocala, and plenty of provide an opportunity to get out on a kayak, however just a few provide an opportunity to expertise the springs in a crystal clear kayak.
Rainbow Springs is certainly one of these areas.
About Rainbow Springs
Positioned in Dunnellon, Florida, throughout the Rainbow Springs State Park, Rainbow Springs is certainly one of Ocala’s prime pure springs locations.
With its strikingly clear and vibrant blue waters, Rainbow Springs is a favorite playground for locals and guests alike.
The most important spring, additionally known as the primary magnitude spring, gushes forth hundreds of thousands of gallons of pristine water every day. The springs themselves, together with the encircling park, provide a mess of actions and alternatives to attach with nature. The translucent waters create a surprising backdrop for actions reminiscent of swimming, snorkeling, and tubing.
Past the water, Rainbow Springs State Park options strolling trails that wind via lush landscapes, showcasing the native natural world of the area. It’s a haven for wildlife lovers and a serene escape for these in search of tranquillity amidst the pure great thing about Florida.
One of the best half about visiting Rainbow Springs is which you can carry your individual kayak, tube, or canoe and expertise the springs and the Rainbow River in your individual time. However for those who don’t have your individual water toys – we definitely didn’t – some suppliers provide leases for Rainbow River Kayaking.
Considered one of them is a well-liked clothing store, Get Up and Go Kayaking.
About Get Up and Go Kayaking
Get Up And Go Kayaking is a kayaking clothing store famend for its distinctive and immersive clear kayak excursions.
The corporate originated in Florida in 2016 (however now has workplaces and launch factors in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee) from the revolutionary thought of providing guests the prospect to expertise pure springs and waterways from the distinctive vantage level of clear kayaks.
At the moment, their crystal clear kayak tour is taken into account certainly one of this area’s hottest water actions. A lot in order that different Ocala springs and operators have additionally launched clear kayaks to their roster of leases. Imitation is one of the best type of flattery, proper?
We’ll admit, we had been hooked on the thought of Rainbow River kayaking with clear kayaks – it seemed like the proper vessel to discover the river (and an Insta-worthy one, too!) We couldn’t resist the prospect to expertise this tour firsthand.
Our Crystal Clear Kayak Tour Expertise
Our Rainbow River kayaking journey started at KP Gap Park, a personal park with a launching level for kayaks, tubes, and different water toys alongside the Rainbow River.
Upon arrival, we checked in on the KP Gap Park administration workplace and paid our $7/individual park charge (it’s not included within the price of the tour).
Ou clear kayaks awaited us by the water together with our information and different tour contributors. Solely 4 of us had been on the tour that day, which made for a pleasant and intimate expertise.
It wasn’t lengthy earlier than we loaded the kayaks with our gear (dry luggage, life jackets, water bottles, and cameras) and set off on our tour. We opted to journey collectively, because the kayaks (really, they had been extra just like a canoe) had been absolutely geared up for tandem operation and designed for 2 paddlers.
Our tour started at 9am – early, by Rainbow River’s requirements, so the river was nonetheless comparatively quiet and calm. It was a scorching summer season day, and a gorgeous fog hovered over the river.
The tour started upriver and referred to as for a little bit of a paddle, excellent for our early enthusiasm and power. Fastidiously chosen stops punctuated our route, inviting us to absorb the environment and decelerate for wildlife sightings. We noticed quite a lot of birds, a couple of crocs, and a few turtles lazying on the branches of the fallen timber or swimming within the water proper beneath our kayaks.
About quarter-hour into the paddle, we pulled right into a tiny canal the place we jumped out of our kayaks for just a little stroll. The world was lush, overgrown, and felt like a magical hidden gem tucked away from the lots. The palm timber dipped into the water as we waddled in knee-deep water. On the finish of the canal was a gorgeous leaning palm, a well-liked picture op on the tour. The mosquitoes had been ruthless in that a part of the river, however that didn’t cease us from taking a couple of fairly snaps.
From there, it was one other 30-40 minutes of paddling upstream earlier than we circled and let the light present take us again to KP Gap Park.
Our information elevated the tour from a mere journey. He shared tales concerning the Rainbow River and its inhabitants and helped us spot loads of wildlife alongside the best way.
Our 3 hours kayaking on Rainbow River flew by, and earlier than we knew it, we had been again on the launch website. We had a unbelievable time on the tour, however within the spirit of transparency, we wished to take a second to spotlight all the professionals and cons of the expertise.
The Execs and Cons of the Expertise
Execs:
Unveiling Aquatic Life: The crystal clear kayaks provided a unbelievable option to admire the wildlife of Rainbow River up shut. It was actually cool to identify birds, come actually near crocs and see turtles swimming proper beneath our kayaks.
Instructional Part: The tour information shared precious insights into the native ecosystem, making the expertise each adventurous and informative.
Scenic Stops: Common stops alongside the route allowed us to stretch our legs, take a fast dip, and savour the great thing about nature. Not many different kayakers on the river knew concerning the secret canal passage, and that actually felt like a singular expertise.
Cons
Mosquitoes and Bugs: The serene waters got here with a trade-off—mosquitoes and bugs. Whereas they didn’t hassle us an excessive amount of on the principle a part of the river, we had been merely not ready for the onslaught of mosquitos within the canal. The luxurious greenery is certainly their favourite atmosphere, and juicy vacationers with little or no bug spray – are their prey.
Wildlife Variability: Our information tried his finest to guide us to energetic wildlife areas, however our sightings weren’t unbelievable. We did spot a couple of birds and quite a lot of turtles, however we solely noticed one croc, which scurried away means too rapidly for a photograph. Sightings on these excursions are, after all, not assured, nevertheless it’s we did count on a bit extra. Perpahs, it was the time of the yr (we had been there in the summertime) or the warmth of the day, or perhaps we simply obtained a bit unfortunate. In any case, nature is unpredictable.
Kayaks: We discovered the clear kayaks to be a bit, effectively… not so clear. Because of the scorching temperatures outdoors, the within of the kayak stayed at round 30°C, whereas the underside of the kayak, the half submersed into Rainbow River, was nearer to 22°C. (Keep in mind that Rainbow River is fed by Rainbow Spring, which stays at 22°C all yr round). This temperature distinction induced the kayaks to fog up inside, making it laborious to see into the water beneath us.
Pricing Concerns: The clear kayak tour prices $60/individual, in comparison with simply $20-30 for a kayak rental with out a tour. These with price range constraints could discover the value to be a bit excessive. Though we thought the expertise was effectively value it.
FAQs: Ideas & Suggestions for Rainbow River Kayaking
What to Convey: Important objects embody swimwear, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray (please use a non-DEET variety), sun shades, a hat, water-friendly footwear, and a towel. If you wish to carry a digicam, cellphone, or a GoPro, ask the information for a dry bag to maintain your electronics protected whereas within the kayak.
Little one-Pleasant: The tour accommodates kids aged 3 and above, with particular tips to make sure their security. So the exercise is effectively fitted to the entire household.
Cancellations and Security: The corporate’s cancellation coverage displays its dedication to security, with full refunds for cancellations made 48 hours earlier than the tour. The tour does happen rain or shine, however journeys could also be cancelled or postponed within the occasion of lightning within the space.
Weight Limits: To make sure security and luxury for all contributors, kayaks have particular weight limits (250 kilos per individual and 425 kilos for 2).
The Backside Line
Rainbow Springs kayaking tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking gives an ideal immersive expertise within the coronary heart of Rainbow River. The surroundings alongside the river is gorgeous, and mornings provide a really perfect time to get on the kayak to discover.
Whereas a couple of issues, like bugs and fluctuating wildlife, could sway your choice to hitch this clear kayak tour, we extremely suggest it. It’s numerous enjoyable and a singular expertise that has turn into one of many highlights of our time in Ocala!
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Disclaimer: Our go to to Ocala was organized as part of a partnership with Visit Florida, however as at all times, all opinions expressed on this article are our personal.
