Weeki Wachee is a freshwater river with a natural spring. It is about 10 minutes drive from Hernando Beach. In the winter, when the water in the Gulf is below 72 degrees, manatees come here seeking warm water. Chance to see manatees in the winter is very high!

Yes, you can swim in this river with the manatee. You can’t touch them, but they can touch you!

Here you will see many types of water activities – swimming, kayaking, stand up paddleboards, as well as speed boats and pontoons

What is it like at Weeki Wachee

This video says it best. Our recommendation to get here would be at Rogers Park – free parking with a kayak launch right into the river. Roger Park is located right across from the famous Upper Deck Restaurant. You can come here in a boat, rent kayaks right on site, or bring your own paddleboard or kayaks!

Whatever you do, you definitely should visit Hospital Hole (more about that below). Here’s what it’s like to kayak or drive a boat on Weeki Wachee.

Hospital Hole – the World’s Largest Underwater Cave

Hospital Hole is a popular location on the Weeki Wachee River in Florida. The area is known for its warm water, which attracts a large population of manatees. These gentle giants congregate at Hospital Hole, particularly during the colder months, as they prefer water temperatures of at least 76 degrees. As a result, manatee sightings are frequent at this location (especially between December through February)

Hospital Hole is also a popular spot for swimming and other water activities, thanks to its warm water and beautiful surroundings.

How Do You Get to Hospital Hole?

Here’s a quick 3 minute boat tour of Weeki Wachee. The last 20 seconds show you what Hospital Hole looks like, so you’ll know when you’re there! When it’s crowded, it’s easy to tell – a bunch of kayaks will be here hanging out. When its’ not crowded, here’s how you know you’re there.

@hernandobeachweekiwachee

Short tour of Weeki Wachee – ends at Hospital Hole

♬ original sound – Hernandobeachandweekiwachee

If you start at the kayak rental place, or launched your kayak from Roger’s Park, start kayaking away from the bridge near Upper Deck restaurant. It’s about 10 minutes from there. When it’s busy during holidays, weekends and the summer, you’ll know you’re there when you see 10-15 kayaks stopped and just hanging out together. The river is narrow most of the way here – once you’re at Hospital Hole it’s much wider. If you’re not sure, look for this structure – once you see it on your left, Hospital Hole is on your right.

Am I Guaranteed to see a Manatee at Weeki Wachee River?

The short answer is no. But the long answer is…. if you go here when the Gulf of Mexico is really cold, chances are pretty good the manatees will be here as the water is much warmer. If you are in this area in December through February, you have a pretty good chance of seeing a manatee in Weeki Wachee River, especially at Hospital Hole. There’s not water coming up from the cavernous structure underneath, so the manatees like it here.

Besides Manatees, The River is Very Beautiful

The river is lined with lots and lots of homes who decorate their backyard with all things outdoors. It’s really nice to see all the different ways people make their outdoor area a living space. The view is also spectacular, and the water is in the mid 70s year-round.