Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The springs are about 45 miles north of Clearwater via US 19. It's about 45 minutes
from Tampa; take I-75 north to Hwy 50 then head west.
Paddling Adventures
KAYAKING
( 352-597-8484;
www.paddlingadventures.com
; kayaks $30-35; 8am-2pm)
Kayaking or canoeing the Weeki Wachee River is one of the region's best paddles. Weeki
Wachee's spring - a 100ft hole that pumps about 170 million gallons of water daily - is ac-
tually the headwater of the crystal-clear river. The 7-mile route includes beach areas with
good swimming and rope swings, plus you'll see lots of fish and even manatees in winter
and spring. Trips take three to four hours, and include pickup service. Reserve a week
ahead, especially for weekends.
Follow the signs to Paddling Adventures from the back of the Weeki Wachee parking
lot.
Homosassa Springs
As any fly fisherman will tell you, the Homosassa River is a popular feeding ground for
the Silver King of the sea world, Atlantic tarpon. On any given day you'll see the river
dotted with 20 to 30 flat boats as anglers sit in hushed concentration hoping to see one roll
to the surface. The tarpon begin to run in the last weeks of April and fade out in July;
dozens of outlets offer half- and full-day trips. If the cut and thrust of landing a giant tar-
pon isn't for you, the warm waters of the river are also a favorite hangout for slow-moving
West Indian manatees between October and March. To view them visit the Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park, signed along US 19. The park is quieter than Crystal River.
To reach the center of Homosassa leave US 19 along Hwy 490/W Yulee Rd (just south
of the park) and enter an Old Florida time warp, where live oaks dripping in Spanish moss
curtain a roadway dotted with local eateries and funky galleries.
Sights & Activities
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
PARK
