<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Florida has one of the largest concentrations of natural springs in the world. In fact, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection says the Sunshine State boasts more than 900 natural springs. About 40 are open to the public and, yes, a tube can make for a great exploration vessel. Explore Florida’s waterways by hopping into a tube to drift alongside your partner. Here are our picks for the best places to go tubing in Florida:
Updated April 2024 by Brie Gorecki.
Tubing in Florida in Springs and Rivers
Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill
Buccaneer Bay is Florida’s only natural springs water park! In addition to the water slides and real mermaids there’s also a short natural lazy river that hugs the water park. Tubes are available for rent on site for an extra fee. Plan to arrive early because the park often fills to capacity, especially on weekends.
Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park in Apopka
400 E. Kelly Park Rd., Apopka
Wekiwa Springs converges with Rock Springs, a crater-edged creek within Kelly Park, to form the headwaters of the 17-mile-long Wekiva River leading to the St. Johns River. Rock Springs Run is a brisk 68°F stream adored by tubers and kayakers. Be sure to bring your own float or rent one at the roadside concession before entering the park (around $7 each). It’s okay to use a pool noodle or float less than 5 feet in length.
This is a shorter tube run that can easily be enjoyed multiple times throughout your visit. Pack a picnic to enjoy during a break from the water. Plan for a drive of about 1 1/2 hours from Tampa.
You can also launch a canoe or kayak from Kings Landing to twist your way amongst alligators, birds, turtles, otters and rarely-seen monkeys. Like Orlando-area theme parks, Kelly Park can get packed, so arrive early before park capacity is met. You can also check their website or call 407-254-1906 to see if the park is full.
Park entry: $3-$5 per vehicle (depending on how many people are in the car).
Ginnie Springs in High Springs
7300 NE Ginnie Springs Rd, High Springs
Tube across the Santa Fe River at Ginnie Springs. Not far from Gainesville, it’s a prime spot for relaxing in a tube down the river or swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. Their crystal clear water is 72 degrees year round and on certain days (typically summer through early fall). you can spot gar, bass, mullet, catfish, turtles, and many other critters.
You can bring your own gear or rent directly from Ginnie Springs Outdoors. Note: because the Santa Fe is a navigable waterway, state law requires you to have a flag and float at all times. Tube rentals start at $8 for a single tube and $16 for a double, and snorkeling equipment starts at $8. There are also canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards for rent.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Fort White
12087 SW US Highway 27, Fort White
Considered the crown jewel of tubing destinations, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is located about 2.5 hours north of Tampa, just beyond Alachua. Ichetucknee is actually a cluster of nine springs that collectively gush well over 200 million gallons of brisk water every day. Named as a National Natural Landmark, archaeologists discovered two Indian mounds and a village site on the grounds.
The 72-degree spring-fed water is crystal clear so you can see all the way down to the white sandy bottom. You’ll discover fish, turtles and more. Ichetucknee Springs is described as a peaceful place where stress simply drifts away. To experience it, bring your own tube or rent one from either the park stand or an outside vendor. Tubing is accessible from the south entrance.
Bring your mask and snorkel for an unforgettable experience snorkeling in the Blue Hole, the biggest natural spring in the park that feeds the Ichetucknee River.
FYI: the park limits the number of daily visitors (so arrive early) and imported items, i.e. potential trash such as food and disposables.
Park entry: $6 per car. $5.50 tram service or $7.50 shuttle service
Rainbow Springs State Park Dunnellon
19158 SW 81st Place Rd., Dunnellon
Archaeologists believe that people have been using Rainbow Spring, Florida’s fourth largest spring with a pool 250 feet wide, for nearly 10,000 years! For about 30 years starting in the 1930s, the site was a privately-owned family amusement park with gardens, waterfalls, a zoo and even a rodeo space. Eventually, the land was restored and preserved, earning a National Natural Landmark designation.
Situated about 1.5 hours north of Tampa, visitors are often amazed by this spring’s unusual sand boils, lush aquatic plants and brilliant white limestone, paired with remaining man-made park elements including waterfalls and azalea gardens.
Those looking to tube should access the tube-specific entrance. It’s about nine miles from the main headsprings entrance. (Tubing is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park.) Once inside, rent a tube ($22) and catch the shuttle service. You’ll then embark on a two-hour leisurely drift. For a longer float, start outside the park at KP Hole.
FYI: Tubing is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., seven days a week, and after that on weekends only through the end of September. Tubing is not available October-March.
Park entry: $2 per person
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City
2100 W. French Ave, Orange City
Just over 2 hours from Tampa, Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. John’s River, spewing 104 million gallons of water every day. The stunning 73°F waterway is famous for its record-population of manatees (724 counted in 2022!), which migrate south during the winter.
Outdoor enthusiasts can rent tubes and launch off of a gravel bank. Florida State Parks suggests you “enter the water at the upper entry, swim to the spring boil and float back down to the main swim dock.” The float run is just an eighth of a mile.
You may also want to dive within the circular spring to explore the vertical cave; take a boat cruise on the St. John’s River; and enjoy a plethora of park amenities, such as birding and hiking. Rest up overnight in a cabin or tent.
Park entry: $6 per vehicle
BLACKWATER RIVER STATE PARK in Milton
7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Milton
Float under the pines down the Blackwater River. Most of the stream flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater State Forest and Blackwater River State Park, which are core areas of the largest contiguous longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world. In addition to tubing, you can canoe or kayak or take a hike through one of the trails. To stretch out your trip, you can even book a spot at one of their 30 campsites (RV and tent accessible).
Park entry: $4 per vehicle. Campsite fees vary.
Spring Creek in Marianna
4841 Highway 90, Marianna
Head north to Marianna for the pristine waters of Spring Creek, one of Jackson County’s most well-known ecotourism spots. Tube down 4 miles of springs from one of three starting locations: Spring Creek Park, Turner’s Landing, or Bear Paw Adventures (where you can also rent canoes and kayaks).
Tubing in Florida at a Water Park
Adventure Island in Tampa
Grab a tube and float along Adventure Island‘s Rambling Bayou – a half mile long lazy river that takes you through the water slides and beautiful landscapes of the park. With tube rides and water slides, a 17,000 square foot wave pool, cliff jumping, and even a giant aquatic treehouse to explore, there are plenty of ways to make a splash at the sister park to Busch Gardens.
Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay
From raft rides to drop slides, chilling on the beach to catching thrills on an aqua coaster, Volcano Bay has a ton of water fun to choose from. Their Kopiko Wai Winding River provides a relaxing respite in between rides and even takes you beneath the volcano’s lava rocks for a magical night sky cavern tubing experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the tube for a lifejacket to feel the rush of The Fearless River’s whitewater rapids.
The best part is Virtual Lines. You won’t have to wait in any long lines at Volcano Bay, which uses waterproof bracelets to hold your place in line (one attraction at a time).
DISCOVER: The Perfect Day at Volcano Bay – Tips for Couples
Aquatica
Take a leisurely raft ride through Loggerhead Lane, an underwater world colored by exotic tropical fish at Aquatica. With a huge variety of tube and raft rides, slides, and giant wave pools, their brand-new water slide Reef Plunge lets you wave Hello to the fishes (and leopard sharks and dolphins!) after twisting and turning through their underwater habitat.
Tubing in Florida at a Resort Lazy River
For tubing in Florida adventure complete with resort amenities, hop in a tube and float down a man-made marvel with an overnight getaway or day pass to a nearby Orlando resort.
Surrounded by 1,200 acres of wetlands, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers several dining spots, two golf courses, a full-service spa and two pools with an 850-foot lazy river stocked with tubes. You can purchase a day pass through ResortPass, or book an overnight stay to enjoy all of the resort amenities.
Hilton Orlando also offers day passes through ResortPass and has two pools and an 892-foot long lazy river with waterfalls, fountains and water cannons. You’ll also be granted access to the hotel’s epic pools with a spa appointment at Eforea Spa.
For something more exclusive, book an overnight getaway to access the epic waterpark and lazy river at Reunion Resort. Grande Lakes Orlando, home to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, also boasts a winding lazy river and three unique pools, including an adults-only lap pool at The Spa.
Feature image credit: @jaylorenzo814
Note: This post was originally published on our sibling site, Orlando Date Night Guide.