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The Weeki Wachee Spring in Hernando County, west-central Florida, is 55 miles north of St. Petersburg. One of the state's most popular attractions, the spring, with a depth of more than 140 feet , produces a crystal clear water flow of more than 168 million gallons (638 million litres) daily at a temperature of 70º-72º F (21º-22º C). With the development of underwater breathing techniques consisting of occasional trips by the underwater performers to free-floating air hoses, the spring (once a swimming and boating hole) was engineered and promoted as a showcase for an underwater ballet of "mermaids"--i.e., female underwater swimmers. A large auditorium was built 16 feet (5 m) below the water's surface with thick plate-glass windows for viewing, and the first underwater show was presented in 1947. The spring, whose name derives from the Creek Indian words wekiwa ("spring") and chee ("little"), forms a river which meanders through the Weeki Wachee Swamp for 12 miles (19 km) to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the home of many endangered manatees and has abundant wildlife such as otters, raccoons, owls and a multitude of other birds and animals. The crystal clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling and tubing down the river. Canoeing and kayaking is very popular on weekends and can be rented at the spring. |
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Rental Address 6490 West Richard Drive Weeki Wachee, Florida Phone 352-596-6676 |
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Contact Us Bob and Jan Knowles 26287 Soult Road Brooksville, Florida 34601 Phone 352-796-4811 Fax 352-796-6766 Email bobknowles@earthlink.net |