Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

What to expect

Weeki Wachee is the most theatrical spring in Florida. Stunt swimmer Newt Perry opened the mermaid attraction in 1947, and in 2008 the state took it over as a state park. The shows still run every day in a 400-seat theater built into the side of the spring, where you sit behind glass below the surface and watch performers in tails hold their breath between pulls on an air hose.

It is worth being clear about the water. This is not a hot spring. Florida’s springs are cool groundwater, and the park’s own site gives Weeki Wachee at about 72°F to 74°F22°C to 23°C. In summer that is a relief from the heat. In winter it feels cold.

The park splits into two halves. The mermaid side has the theater, gardens, animal programs, the riverboat dock and restaurants. Buccaneer Bay, opened in 1982, is the swimming side: a white sand beach on the spring, a spring-fed swimming area with lifeguards, a lazy river for rented tubes, a wading area for children 6 and under, and slides. Two of the slides, Cannonball (48 inches minimum height) and Pirate’s Revenge (42 inches), drop riders straight into the spring.

The mermaid shows

The park lists two shows, “The Little Mermaid” and “Wonders of Weeki.” The park says parts of the Little Mermaid show may scare very young children. Show times are not fixed on the official page; a 2025 post on the park’s site gave 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. on most days, and the park advises calling ahead. Lightning in the area or air below 50°F10°C at showtime delays or cancels a performance.

Buccaneer Bay and swimming

Buccaneer Bay is where you swim, and it is seasonal. The park’s site describes summer as the main season and says it runs through Labor Day, with the slides and lazy river working only in warmer months. It does not publish exact 2026 dates, so if you are visiting in spring or fall, call 352-610-5660 to check what is open that day. In late October, expect the mermaid side to be running and Buccaneer Bay to be limited or closed.

What to know before you go in:

• Lifeguards are posted around the swimming area.
• Tubes can be rented for the lazy river.
• Tents are limited to 10 by 10 feet. No grilling, and no tables, pots of food or chafing dishes.
• Food is sold at the Sea Dog Cafe, the Tiki Bar and the snack bar; cabanas can be reserved for shade.
• A shower station is on site to rinse off.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

Kayaking the spring run is one of the most popular trips on Florida’s Gulf coast, and it is managed tightly to protect the river. Rentals are through the park concession (352-597-8484). Prices on the 2026 booking page:

• Single kayak: $35
• Tandem kayak: $51
• Paddleboard: $35
• Private launch: $8 per boat

Rentals include the boat, a life jacket and a shuttle back. The trip is 2.8 miles, and you must finish within 2 hours of your reservation time; a late fee of $50 per boat per hour applies. Arrive 15 minutes early, because if you are more than 10 minutes late the reservation is cancelled without a refund. The state caps launches at 70 boats an hour, so summer weekend slots sell out.

River rules are strict:

• No disposable containers of any kind and no alcohol.
• No coolers larger than 10 by 10 by 10 inches.
• No pets except service animals, no inflatable tubes or rafts, no motors.
• Stay in your boat. Do not land on banks or private docks and yards; getting out erodes the riverbank.
• Leave manatees alone. Do not touch or chase them.
• At least one person in each group must be over 18, and children under 6 must wear a life jacket.

Getting there

The park is at 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, at the junction of US-19 and SR 50 in Hernando County. From Tampa it is about an hour north via US-19 or the Suncoast Parkway (exit at SR 50 and head west). From Orlando, take SR 50 west all the way to US-19. Parking is on site. Once the park reaches capacity, staff stop admitting people for the rest of the day, so on summer weekends arrive near the 9 a.m. opening.

When to go

Summer is the full experience: Buccaneer Bay open, every show running, river trips on sale. It is also the most crowded, with heat, storms and capacity closures at the gate. Fall, winter and spring are calmer for the mermaid shows and paddling, but swimming may be limited and the water feels cold.

Watch the park alerts. Since Dec. 12, 2025, low water has paused the Wilderness River Cruise during daytime hours, and visitor reports from mid-2026 mentioned drought affecting some activities. The park does not refund tickets when weather cancels a show.

Prices and booking

• Admission: $13 adults, $8 children 6 to 12, free for 5 and under.
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 365 days a year.
• Kayaks: book online through the park concession; walk-ins are taken when slots remain.
• Refunds: none for weather cancellations.

Where to stay nearby

There is no camping or lodging in the park. Spring Hill, just south along US-19, has the nearest chain hotels and restaurants, and Brooksville is east on SR 50. For a second spring the same weekend, Homosassa Springs and Crystal River are a short drive north; see Homosassa Springs and Three Sisters Springs.

Safety notes

• Cold water: at 72-74°F22-23°C, small children chill quickly. Take warm-up breaks on the beach.
• Slides: follow the height limits and the lifeguards’ calls.
• Lightning: Florida summer storms close shows and water areas. Leave the water at the first thunder.
• On the river: expect heavy paddle traffic in summer. Keep the life jacket on and stay with your group.