Local Directory — The Villages, Ocala & Central Florida
Restaurants, bars, venues, and more across the region
Blue Rainbow River Rat Rentals
DunnellonWeekend kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals operating from Rainbow Springs Country Club for Rainbow River trips.
Blue Run of Dunnellon Park
DunnellonWaterfront park on the Rainbow River with kayak and paddleboard access, walking trails, and a 3-acre pond. Water temps stay a consistent 72 degrees year-round, and there's no entrance fee. Get there early on weekends — parking fills fast.
Bourlay Historic Nature Park
Leesburg88-acre nature park on the shores of Lake Griffin with 2.5 miles of trails through hardwoods and pine flatwoods, a kayak launch, exercise stations, and a century-old cracker house welcome center. Great for birding — look for ospreys and bald eagles.
Castaways Bar & Grill
Crystal RiverCasual waterfront bar and grill in Crystal River with cold drinks, pub food, and a laid-back outdoor vibe. A popular post-dive or post-kayak hangout.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
BrooksvilleSet on 24,243 acres, this scenic area boasts hiking trails, kayaking, a gun range & wildlife views.
Crystal River Clear Kayak Tours
Crystal RiverPaddle transparent kayaks over Crystal River's impossibly clear springs, watching fish and manatees glide beneath your feet. The see-through hull makes every paddle stroke a window into Florida's underwater world.
Crystal River Kayak Company
Crystal RiverKayak and paddleboard rentals plus guided tours through Crystal River's springs, including routes to Three Sisters Springs. The clear kayak manatee tours are a bucket-list experience. Open year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Dora Canal
TavaresA mile-long natural canal connecting Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, often called the most beautiful waterway in Florida. Lined with ancient cypress trees, ideal for kayaking.
Family Adventure Charters
Crystal RiverCharter company offering manatee tours, fishing charters, sightseeing cruises, and kayak rentals for families and groups.
Get Up and Go Kayaking
Crystal RiverThe original clear kayak tour company in Crystal River, offering guided tours through springs and manatee habitats in transparent kayaks.
Gilbert Park
Mount DoraLakefront park on Lake Dora with a boat launch, fishing pier, and scenic views. A peaceful spot to watch the sunset or launch a kayak for a paddle on the lake.
Hunter Springs Kayaks
Crystal RiverPremier kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter in downtown Crystal River offering single and tandem kayaks, SUPs, clear bottom crafts, and guided manatee eco-tours during season (November through March).
Hunter Springs Park
Crystal RiverThis wooded park is named for its natural springs & popular for a cozy beach with a kayak launch.
Kaceys Custom Adventures Kayak Rentals and Tours
Crystal RiverClear kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter at Pete's Pier Marina, the closest shop to Three Sisters and Hunter Springs, offering manatee kayak tours including sunset and glow tours.
King's Bay Riverwalk
Crystal RiverWaterfront walkway along Kings Bay in Crystal River connecting to the downtown area, offering scenic views and access to kayak launches and manatee viewing areas.
Kings Bay Park
Crystal RiverDowntown Crystal River park and primary paddlecraft launch point on Kings Bay, featuring kayak rentals, a fishing dock, playground, picnic shelters, BBQ grills, and views of wintering manatees.
Lake Griffin State Park
LeesburgThis 620-acre park has canoe/kayak rentals, hiking trails, 40 campsites & a mammoth live oak tree.
Lake Louisa State Park
ClermontHiking, swimming, kayaking, camping, and guided eco-tours across 4,300 acres of pristine Florida landscape. Lake Louisa proves that Central Florida isn't all flat -- the rolling terrain here is genuinely surprising and beautiful.
Lost Spring Lake
OcalaSpring-fed emerald lake inside Big Cliff Canyon at The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park in Ocala, offering kayak tours through towering limestone cliffs and a 1,100-foot zip line over the water.
Mission Inn Marina
Howey-in-the-HillsFull-service marina on Lake Harris offering boat rentals, fishing guides, pontoon cruises, and kayak rentals.
Paddles Outdoor Rentals
Crystal RiverKayak and paddleboard rental company offering clear kayak manatee viewing tours and guided eco-tours on Crystal River.
Paddletail Waterfront Adventures: Swimming with the Manatees
Crystal RiverCrystal River outfitter offering guided swim-with-manatees tours, kayak rentals, and eco-adventures, with expert guides and all gear included for 3-hour manatee encounters.
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
DunnellonPremier kayak, paddleboard, and tube rental outfitter on the Rainbow River with shuttle service, paddles, and life jackets included.