Florida is filled with hidden gems, and one of the best-kept secrets is Wekiva Island, located just outside of Orlando in Longwood.
This beautiful eco-friendly destination offers a mix of nature, relaxation, and adventure for all ages. Whether you're a family looking for a peaceful weekend, an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, or simply in need of a quiet getaway, Wekiva Island is the perfect spot. But before you pack up and head over, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your visit.
And if you are looking for more activities to do in or around Orlando besides just theme parks, check out this blog with an array with acitivities that I am sure you will love!
What to Expect at Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island is a natural escape offering activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and more. Surrounded by lush greenery and the scenic Wekiva River, the island feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hours of Operation: Wekiva Island is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM Sunday through Thursday and 8am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. It's a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the island can reach capacity.
Admission Fees: There is a $5 entry fee per person, which is a small price to pay for the paradise you're about to enjoy. Parking is free, but it’s first-come, first-served, so if you’re planning on visiting during peak times, early arrival is key.
Food & Drinks: Outside food or alcohol beverages are not allowed inside the park and all bags are searched so don't try to sneak in anything because you will be asked to return to your car and leave those items there.
Now, there is a bar and a restaurant on premises. The tooting otter bar provides indoor and outdoor seating and offers an ample selection of beer and if you happen to visit on a Friday and/or Saturday you can also enjoy live music from 7pm to 10pm.
And if you’re trying to grab a bite, Without a Paddle Café has a wide selection of entrees that includes burgers, pizza, tacos and more and the price is surprisingly affordable too. You can check out their menu right here so you can plan your meals ahead of time.
We brought a cooler and packed it with sandwiches and juice for the kids and when it was time to eat we just headed to the parking lot and enjoyed a trunk picnic.
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Things to Do on Wekiva Island
There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, whether you're looking to relax or get active. Here are some ideas on how you can enjoy your time.
1. Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Wekiva Island is most famous for its water activities. If you love exploring nature on the water, renting a kayak or paddleboard is a must.
The island offers rental services, or you can bring your own equipment. Don’t miss paddling down the Wekiva River where you might spot turtles, manatees, and other wildlife.
We saw snapping turtles and lots of gators sun bathing.
Tip: If you’re new to kayaking or paddleboarding, book a rental for the morning when the water is calmer, making it easier to paddle.
As a family of six, the best option for us was to rent two canoes and I am so glad we did it for a couple of reasons. The first one is because it felt much safer for the kids and number two because there are a lot of gators in the water and I would be freaking out thinking about a gator biting and deflating the paddleboard.
For prices and different types of vessels that you can rent, go here and if you are sure that you'll be renting one, fill out the waiver online prior to arriving and save yourself some time.
2. Swimming in the Wekiva River
The crystal-clear waters of the Wekiva River make it a great spot to cool off. The water temperature is always 72ºF year round, and in my opinion ( I hate cold water) unlike other springs we’ve visited, where the water was freezing, this was pleasantly warm.
There’s a designated swimming area for those looking to take a dip.
Tip: Water shoes are highly recommended as the riverbed can be rocky.
3. Relax by the Water
If you're more in the mood to relax, there are plenty of spots to sit back and enjoy the view. Wekiva Island has cabanas for rent, providing shaded areas perfect for lounging by the water. These cabanas are great for families or groups looking to make the most of their day.
Tip: Reserve your cabana ahead of time online, especially on weekends and holidays.
4. Bars and Dining
Wekiva Island isn’t just about nature; it’s also a place to enjoy good food and drinks. The Tooting Otter Bar offers a variety of drinks, including local beers and refreshing cocktails. The Without a Paddle Café serves up delicious bites like sandwiches, burgers, and tacos.
Tip: If you're visiting during the weekend, food trucks often make appearances, offering even more tasty options.
5. Eco-Tours and Educational Programs
For those wanting to learn more about Florida's ecosystems, Wekiva Island hosts eco-tours and educational programs. These tours give you insight into the local flora and fauna, as well as conservation efforts to protect the Wekiva River.
6- Fishing
While fishing is not allowed on the shores of the Wekiva Island, you can certainly rent a vessel and fish from the vessel as you go up or down the river. Just keep in in mind that you will need a fishing license and one can be obtained here.
7- Take a trip to Wekiwa Spring State Park or Rock Springs
If you got some time in hand and you are ready for the paddling, you can visit Wekiwa Spring State park or Rock Springs.
We chose to canoe to Wekiwa Springs because the trip was much shorter compared to Rock Springs. Wekiwa Springs took us about 40 minutes and the trip is about a mile long versus Rock springs that takes about four hours and it's an eight mile long trajectory.
I would only recommend paddling to Rock Springs from Wekiwa Island if you are an avid and very experienced paddler as the journey can get pretty tired some and you will need to be able to paddle back to the island. That's 8 hours and 16 miles of paddleling, so keep that in mind!
8 - Enjoy the boardwalk
The boardwalk runs from the Sanctuary to the boat launch area and you can relax on one of the chairs available or simply take a walk and enjoy the view.
9 - Volleyball Court
Take advantage of their volleyball court and challenge your friends and family to a fun game of volleyball.
10 - Fire pit
Florida can get a little chilly at night too, especially during winter time so when that does happen and you want to enjoy a cozy time by the fire, grab a chair and sit by the fire pit.
11 - Winter Wonderland
If you happen to be visiting the area during the month of December, you will be so excited to know that the Wekiwa Island Winter Wonderland offers magical experiences all month long. From photos with Santa to ornament decoration with elves, there's something for the entire family.
12 - Wine & Paint
Want to wine and paint overlooking the beautiful scenery of Wekiva island? For $40 you can get all the supplies, plus two glasses of wine and a gourmet charcuterie. Reservations are required and you can find out when the next class will happen right here.
13 - Throw a party
Rent out one of the many event spaces at Wekiwa Island to celebrate a birthday, wedding anniversary or to simply gather your friends and family. The beach club, for example, is located right on the shore of the river and it offers tables, chairs, shade, a grill/summer kitchen, and even a fire pit.
14 - Visit the art gallery
Take a break from nature and indulge in beautiful art at the Gallery Cero where you can admire and even purchase paintings and other forms of art from a diverse group of artists.
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Essential Tips for Your First Visit
Before you go, here are some must-know tips to ensure a smooth visit:
1 - Arrive Early
On weekends and holidays, Wekiva Island can reach capacity quickly. To guarantee your spot, try to arrive by mid-morning, especially if you want to rent a kayak or secure a parking spot.
2 - Pack Smart
Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and water to stay hydrated throughout the day. If you plan on kayaking or swimming, a dry bag is helpful to keep your belongings safe.
You may even want to bring a change of clothes in case you decide to stay until late and enjoy the night events.
3 - Water Shoes
The riverbed can be rocky in places, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes to make your swim more comfortable.
4 - Check for Special Events
Wekiva Island often hosts live music, art shows, and special events, so check their calendar before planning your visit. These events can add an extra layer of fun to your trip.
5 - Respect Nature
Remember, Wekiva Island is an eco-conscious destination. Be mindful of the wildlife, keep the area clean, and follow any posted guidelines to ensure this natural haven stays beautiful for future visitors.
6 - Bring floats and tubes
You can bring your own floats and/tubes but if for some reason you need to purchase one, the gift store sells them for $20 and up and there is an inflating station so you don't have to worry about wasting your breath blowing them up.
7 - No pets allowed
No animals are allowed on the premises so be sure to leave your pup, your cat or your guinea pig at home or at the hotel you are staying at. Last thing you want is to have to leave because your furry best friend can't tag along.
8 - Small cooler allowed on vessels
I know I mentioned earlier that outside food and coolers aren't allowed, but if you rent a vessel or a cabana, you are allowed to bring a small cooler.
9 - No speakers
Don't even bother bringing your waterproof bluetooth speaker as those are not allowed on the premises. I was really happy about this one because people can get really wild with their music and next thing you know there's several people blasting their own music and they're all different tunes and makes it difficult to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
10 - Cabana rentals
Want to secure a shady spot? Cabana rentals are available for either day or weekend rentals, ranging from $150 to $600.
Final Thoughts: Plan Your Trip to Wekiva Island
Whether you’re paddling down the river, relaxing in a cabana, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Wekiva Island offers a little something for everyone.
It’s the perfect destination for a family outing, a peaceful solo retreat, or a fun day with friends. With a little planning and these tips in mind, your first visit to Wekiva Island is sure to be unforgettable.
It's a family friendly destination near Orlando but away from hustle and bustle and a great way to explore Florida's eco tourism.
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