Each day, more than 170 million gallons of clear, fresh 72-degree water bubbles up out of the subterranean caverns called Weeki Wachee Springs. The basin of the spring is 100 feet wide with limestone sides. Sixteen to 20 feet below the surface, the current runs a strong five miles an hour. Here, the Weeki Wachee River surfaces and winds its way 12 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.

Dave runs the Weeki Wachee Canoe Rental store. He's been outfitting amateur canoe and kayak paddlers for years. His secret to success? Don't make the customer work. I'm serious. You don't even have to paddle.

First, Dave will get you set-up with the right kayak or canoe, and provide all the safety equipment. Then you walk out into the backyard and down to the launch ramp. There, some strapping young lads will help you into your boat, and slip you into the crystal clear waters of the Weeki Wachee river.

The river's current takes you gently downstream past some beautifully unspoiled nature. Every now and then you may find your self sticking a paddle in the water to keep your kayak or canoe on course.

I've taken this trip a half-dozen times, and each one seems completely different. The wildlife is amazing. I've seen alligators sunning on sandbanks, egrets, turtles, cranes and otter. I've even had manatee play with my kayak!

A nice surprise awaits at the end of the trip. When you beach your canoe near the river's end, Dave is waiting there for you with a crew to load your kayak on a trailer, and give you an air-conditioned van ride back to your car!

This trip is easily accomplished by even the novice.

Give Dave a call at Weeki Wachee Canoe Rental to reserve a kayak or canoe.

Here are some more Weeki Wachee pictures you might enjoy...