Visiting Wekiva Island: Everything You Need To Know
As a water lover, Wekiva Island is hands down one of my favorite spots in Central Florida!
While being so far from the ocean is the worst part of living in Orlando, Wekiva Island helps soften the blow as a riverfront paradise!
I’ve been visiting Wekiva Island as an Orlando local for years and know the logistics of this local watering hole like the back of my hand.
However, I know it can be confusing to understand what Wekiva Island is and what it has to offer, especially when you factor in all the surrounding areas like King’s Landing, Wekiva Springs, and more.
This is my ultimate guide to visiting Wekiva Island for first-timers, so you know exactly what to expect before you visit!
Wekiva Island Quick Facts
- Location: Longwood, FL (30 minutes north of Orlando)
- Hours: Sun to Thu 8:00am to 7:00pm; Fri and Sat 8:00am to 11:00pm
- Entry Costs: $5 per person (only during busy times)
- Extras: Cabana, kayak, paddleboard, & canoe rentals available for a fee
- Outside Food and Bev: Not allowed unless renting a cabana or taking on a vessel
What is Wekiva Island?
Wekiva Island is a privately owned riverfront property on the Wekiva River in Longwood, Florida.
Thanks to the popularity of the Wekiva River, there are many places named after it, including Wekiva Island, Wekiva Springs, Wekiva Falls, and more!
Wekiva Island is its own entity, separate from all of these places (though you can get to Wekiva Springs from Wekiva Island… more on that later).
Wekiva Island is a laid-back hangout spot where you can swim, eat, play games, and chill along the river. There’s a large grassy area, free chairs and picnic tables, or paid cabanas you can reserve!
There’s also a full bar, a food truck, a volleyball court, and a gallery on-site!
Wekiva also has paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes that you can rent if you want to explore the river further (more on this below).
Overall, Wekiva Island is a great place to spend a warm day in Central Florida, and it’s a very fun vibe!
When visiting during busy times (weekends, holidays, etc.), you can expect to pay $5 for entry. Other times, it’s completely free!
Is Wekiva Island the same as Wekiva Springs?
No, Wekiva Island is a different place than Wekiva Springs.
Wekiva Springs is a state park, located just 5 minutes down the road from Wekiva Island. They are also connected via water, as the spring head at Wekiva Springs feeds the Wekiva River, which is what Wekiva Island sits on!
When visiting Wekiva Island, you can kayak/canoe/paddle upriver (west) about 30 minutes, and you’ll reach the state park! (Check out the map below for a full visual of the area).
Or, if you head downriver (east), the Wekiva keeps winding east and then north toward the St. Johns River. We don’t typically go this way because it’s less scenic!
Wekiva Island and Wekiva Springs also have very different vibes: Wekiva Island is more adult-oriented, whereas Wekiva Springs is more family-friendly.
For more details on the differences and help choosing, make sure to check out my Wekiva Island vs Wekiva Springs blog post (coming soon!).
Kayaking at Wekiva Island
Prices and Important Info
Paddling is my family’s preferred thing to do at Wekiva Island, as there is so much beauty to see along the river!!
Depending on your preference, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. We always opt for the double kayaks, since it’s a better deal than 2 singles.
Rentals are priced per day, with a discount if you start later in the afternoon:
| Rental | Before 4:00pm | After 4:00pm |
|---|---|---|
| Single kayak | $47 | $35 |
| Double kayak | $57 | $45 |
| Canoe (2 to 3 people) | $53 | $40 |
| Paddleboard | $53 | $40 |
A few things to know before you go:
- No reservations. Rentals are first come, first served, so arrive early on weekends and holidays.
- Everything is due back by 6 PM
- Go early for the best chance of seeing wildlife (and fewer people)
- You can fill out the waiver online before you arrive to save time (optional).
- Renters must be 18 or older (kids allowed with an adult)
- Life jackets are included in your rental (but aren’t mandatory to wear for adults)
If you happen to have your own kayak (or other vessel), you can launch it at Wekiva for a fee of $10 per weekdays and $20 on weekends.
On the east side of Wekiva Island, you’ll find the launch dock, where you will get your vessel, life jacket, and paddles, and the staff will help you get on the river!
Paddling upriver to Wekiva Springs
When you exit the canal of the launch dock, you can either go left (upstream) or right (downstream) along the Wekiva River.
We personally always go left, as there is much more to see this way. After passing by Wekiva Island and under the small bridge, you’ll enter untouched, Central Florida paradise!
As you get away from the island, the river is extremely quiet and peaceful. After about 5-10 minutes, you’ll pass by the entrance to Rock Springs Run, which you can read more about in my guide to Kayaking from King’s Landing! (Coming Soon).
The width of the river varies along the run, but you’ll be surrounded by palm trees, lily pads, eelgrass, and other Florida brush the whole time.
We try to go early in the morning for the best chance at seeing wildlife! I’ve seen everything from gators to turtles to wood ducks to blue herons, and more!
After about 30 minutes of paddling, the river will open up into a large, circular area, and at the end is Wekiva Springs! You’ll notice the water gets much clearer and colder here, thanks to the spring head bubbling around 72ºF year-round.
You’ll reach a narrow, clear portion of the river with a small bridge. This marks the river entrance to the state park.
On the left, there is a small bank and boardwalk where you can park your kayak and get out if you want to! We bring a bungee cord to secure our kayak to the rope on the bank.
From here, the footbridge will take you into Wekiva Springs State Park, where you can enjoy the swimming hole at the spring head or explore the trails!
Note: Wekiva Springs now requires a reservation to visit the state park. However, I don’t think this is enforced if you are visiting from Wekiva Island, since no one is there monitoring the water entry point!
Paddle Tours at Wekiva Island
If you want to get out on the river but don’t want to paddle alone, you’re in luck! Wekiva Island offers paddling tours with a guide named Ned through Paddleboard Orlando.
Tours run at 9:00am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and last around 2-2.5 hours. You can book the tour on a kayak or paddle board, depending on your preference! You’ll pay $75 for a paddleboard or single kayak or $85 for a tandem kayak on the tour.
The tour starts at Wekiva Island and will take you up to Wekiva Springs and back, with an optional swim stop at the springs too.
Exploring the river with a guide is a great way to learn more about the area, see more wildlife, and not stress about the logistics!
P.S. If you want to learn more about all the different kayaking options along the Wekiva River, you can check out my full Wekiva Kayaking guide here! (Coming Soon)
Other Things to Do at Wekiva Island
Cabanas at Wekiva Island
While there are plenty of free areas to sit and lounge at Wekiva Island, the cabana rentals are a great option if you have a large group, small children, or just want guaranteed shade while still being on the river.
There are 8 cabanas and 3 lounge areas on property available to rent! The smallest area is for 4 people, and the largest (The Beach Club) can hold up to 40, so there really is an option for all group sizes.
Most of the standard cabanas hold around 10-25 people and cost between $175-$425 depending on whether you’re visiting on a weekday or weekend.
Each cabana also includes a gas grill (except a handful), a cooler or mini fridge, six bottles of water, and reserved parking. You can bring in outside food but nothing catered or delivered.
Cabana rentals run 8:00am to 5:00pm and should definitely be reserved in advance to guarantee your spot! If you are visiting in the summer on a weekend, I recommend booking several weeks or more in advance.
The best part of the cabanas is having a dedicated spot right along the river to hang out. Only your party is allowed in the cabana area, which makes it feel very private.
We personally haven’t rented a cabana before but definitely want to soon, as they look awesome!
Food & Drink at Wekiva Island
Whether you’re kayaking the river or just there to hang out, Wekiva Island has food and drink covered for you! (This is why you are not allowed to bring in any food or drink of your own, unless you are renting a cabana).
On site, you can grab food from the Without A Paddle food truck and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from the Tooting Otter bar.
The food at Without A Paddle is typical food truck fare with a Florida twist, including tacos, coconut shrimp, fish sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more. I highly recommend the pesto fries if they have them – they’re sooo yummy!
The bar has local beer and wine on tap, plus canned seltzers, soda, and more! There’s a nice deck around the bar, but you can also take your drinks around the property, which is a lovely perk!
Both are conveniently located right in the middle of the island, and the prices are extremely reasonable (especially the alcohol).
Games and Activities
Besides enjoying the river, eating, and drinking, Wekiva Island has a few other things to keep you busy.
Lots of people hang out around the river and on the grassy lawn. You’ll find people throwing a football or a frisbee, or playing yard games like cornhole, KanJam, etc.
There’s also a sand volleyball court on property, which gets very packed in the summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wekiva Island free?
Sometimes! Entry is $5 per person on weekends, holidays, and busy days, and kayak rentals start at $35. Check the website for the latest pricing!
Can you bring alcohol to Wekiva Island?
No. Outside alcohol isn’t allowed on the island or the Wekiva River, but you can buy alcoholic drinks at the on-site bar.
How long does it take to kayak from Wekiva Island to Wekiva Springs?
About 30 to 40 minutes upriver. The paddle back is faster since you’re going with the current.
Are dogs allowed at Wekiva Island?
No. Dogs aren’t allowed on the property or in rental kayaks. Leashed service animals are the only exception.
Do you need a reservation to rent a kayak at Wekiva Island?
No. Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are first come, first served. Cabanas and tours are booked in advance.
Can you swim at Wekiva Island?
Yes, in designated swimming areas. The water stays around 72 degrees year-round!
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident before visiting Wekiva Island in Longwood, Florida.
Whether you’re going to kayak down the river or just hang out at the bar, Wekiva Island should be on every central Floridian’s bucket list, especially in the summer!
There’s a reason this spot is one of my favorite places to visit as an Orlando local, and I hope it becomes one of yours, too!
If you’re looking for other places to kayak in Central Florida, check out my Winter Park Canals Kayaking Guide here!
