Wekiva River, Protected river north of Orlando, Florida
The Wekiva River is a spring-fed waterway in central Florida, flowing north of Orlando through swamp forests and past sandy banks before joining the St. Johns River. The water stays cool and clear year-round, fed by underground springs that maintain a steady flow even in dry seasons.
The name Wekiva comes from the Timucua language, spoken by indigenous people who lived in this part of Florida before European contact. The area was later used for logging and citrus farming in the 1800s, and it shifted toward conservation in the 20th century as development spread around Orlando.
The river draws people who come by canoe or kayak to watch turtles sunning on logs and birds wading along the banks. The spring-fed water stays clear enough to see the sandy bottom, which adds to the experience of moving through a natural corridor.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available near the main access points, making it easy to get on the water without your own gear. The heat and insects can be intense, especially in summer, so wear light long sleeves and bring plenty of drinking water.
The springs that feed the river keep the water at a nearly constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, which is noticeably cooler than the surrounding air in summer. This steady temperature draws manatees into the river during winter, when they seek warmer spring water to escape the colder ocean.
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