Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Rainbow River Kayaking
DunnellonPaddle 6.5 miles of spring-fed river through a lush subtropical corridor. The Rainbow River's exceptional clarity makes it feel like floating over an aquarium teeming with fish, turtles, and native birds.
Rainbow Springs State Park
DunnellonFlorida's fourth-largest spring feeds the Rainbow River with 72-degree water so clear you can see your shadow on the sandy bottom. Perfect for tubing, kayaking, and swimming in a pristine natural setting.
River Adventure Tours
Crystal RiverLocated at the headsprings of the Homosassa River, River Adventure Tours offers airboat tours, kayak rentals, manatee swimming experiences, and fishing guides all from one convenient location. Their diverse tour menu makes it easy to spend a full day on the water, whether you want high-speed thrills on an airboat or a peaceful paddle among the manatees.
River Ventures
Crystal RiverPremier eco-tour company offering manatee swim and snorkel tours, kayak rentals, airboat rides, paddleboard rentals, and seasonal scallop hunts.
Silver Springs State Park Paddling Adventures
OcalaKayak and canoe rentals on the crystal-clear Silver River inside Silver Springs State Park. Paddle through one of Florida's most pristine waterways with chances to spot manatees, turtles, and monkeys.
The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park
OcalaFlorida's only true canopy tour — soar up to 155 feet high on zip lines reaching 1,150 feet long over old limestone quarry canyons and spring-fed lakes. Kayaking and horseback riding too. Tours start at $59.
Tsala Apopka Lake Chain
InvernessA vast interconnected chain of lakes, pools, and marshes covering over 19,000 acres, Tsala Apopka is one of Florida's most unique waterways. The system is divided into three pools — Floral City, Inverness, and Hernando — connected by channels and the Withlacoochee River. Kayaking and canoeing through the cypress-lined channels feels like paddling through old Florida wilderness. The chain is also outstanding for bass fishing and birdwatching.
Weeki Wachee Kayaking
Kayak outfitter offering paddling adventures on the crystal-clear, 72-degree Weeki Wachee River with frequent manatee sightings, plus paddleboard and canoe rentals.