The shape of Orlando paddling
Orlando kayaking means spring runs — crystal water, jungle banks, wildlife — and the countdown here ranks 10 epic Central Florida paddle runs to prove it. A springs list adds drive times, starting with Rock Springs at Kelly Park in Apopka, 35 minutes away, 'easily my favorite natural lazy river in Florida.' Most of this page's films come from one paddler who has run them all; treat her rankings as the local knowledge they are.
The runs, one by one
- Rock Springs Run (Emerald Cut) — from Kelly Park, crystal-clear emerald water and jungle surroundings; her #1 Florida paddle run, about an hour north of Orlando
- Wekiva River — the beginner-honest guide: launches, rentals and know-before-you-go for the river that made her fall in love with paddling
- Alexander Springs — Ocala National Forest; paddle, swim, snorkel and camp at one of Florida's most accessible springs, about 90 minutes out
- Juniper Springs — the Juniper Run, hailed as one of America's top kayaking destinations, camping and picnicking around the spring
- Silver Springs — glass-clear water over the historic spring vents (this site's Silver Springs page covers the no-swimming rules and glass-bottom boats)
- Weeki Wachee River — the full review: 'so blue it almost looks like Mother Nature cranked up the saturation,' an easy, family-friendly, beginner-friendly paddle, about 90 minutes away
Sources: the eight videos on this page — a top-10 paddle-run ranking, a springs list, and full runs of the Wekiva, Alexander, Juniper, Silver Springs and Weeki Wachee — summarized from their entries in our catalog.