You can float for hours down one of Florida’s best springs starting today

​As the weather starts to warm up across the Sunshine State, you may be itching to sink your toes into the white sands of your favorite beach. But with a recent re-emergence of ride tide, where else will you soak your woes if not the salty shoreline? Maybe floating down a stream of crystal clear blue waters will do the trick — especially with tubing season at Rainbow River Springs State Park reopening TODAY!

"It's the comeback we've all been waiting for!" an Instagram post made by Rainbow Spring Adventures reads, "Tubing officially resumes on Saturday, April 1st, and we can’t wait to see you here!"
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The announcement is accompanied by a photo of their brightly colored inner-tubes stacked and ready to be rented, though you are allowed to bring your own so long as it doesn't exceed 60 inches in diameter.

​Your scenic float down river will go for a cool $22 per trip, which includes the tube, as well as the tram ride to get back. Keep in mind if you bring your own tube that it will have to come on the tram with you and everyone else; a smaller tube may be a little easier to lug around.

If you're looking for a little more exercise though, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards can also be rented from within Rainbow Springs State Park — whether you need them by the hour at a $17 rate, or for a whole day for a flat $54.

If you've finished your float and you're still looking to cool off, bring an extra $2 to enter the headspring and swim to your heart's content between 8 am and sunset, year-round. Children under 6 get into the springs for free.

While there are no parking fees, there is a $2 state-park admission fee per person that helps keep Rainbow Springs beautiful. A small price to pay to keep one of Florida's best springs a place that's worth being enjoyed for many years to come, as far as we're concerned.

Consider this your official reminder before your float — don't forget the sunscreen!

Rainbow River Tubing

Where: 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Tubing Hours:

• Memorial Day – Labor Day: 8 am – 3:30 pm, 7 days per week
• First Saturday in April – Memorial Day: 8 am – 3:30 pm, weekends only
• Labor Day to End of September: 8 am – 3:30 pm, weekends only; they recommend calling prior to visiting, as the facility may need to close early due to inclement weather.
• October – March: Closed
  • Headspring Swimming: 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year.

How Much: No parking fee, but a $2 state park admission fee per person. Tubing is $22 each, per trip down-river. Tubing fare includes the tram ride back. Swimming in the headspring is only $2 per person.

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Article by Rachael Volpe