Florida's theme parks are packed with magic, but some of the state's most beautiful sights were made by nature. Just north of Orlando, Kelly Park Rock Springs bubbles up crystal-clear water into a tropical spring run that's perfect for floating, swimming and soaking up the sunshine.
The new Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure from AttractionTickets.com rolls it all into one easy day trip. You'll spot wildlife on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, relax at your own reserved pavilion in Kelly Park, then tube down Rock Springs Run as many times as you like, with round-trip transport and inner tubes included.
It's the perfect chill-out day in the middle of a busy Orlando holiday. Here's how it works!
Key details:
- What it is: A full-day guided trip from Orlando to Kelly Park Rock Springs, with a scenic drive along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive on the way.
- How long: Around 8 hours, including pickup and drop-off.
- When it runs: Fridays, March to September.
- What's included: Round-trip air-conditioned coach transport, the wildlife drive, guaranteed entry to Kelly Park, a reserved covered pavilion and unlimited tubing with inner tubes provided.
- The float: Around 30 minutes per run through lush, tropical scenery, with a sandy swimming area halfway down.
- The water: Spring-fed and crystal clear, at around 20°C (68°F) all year round.
- Good to plan for: All tubers need to be able to swim and sign a liability waiver.
- Early bird offer: Save 10% on all 2027 travel dates when you book by 30 November 2026.
What is the Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure?
The Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure is a guided day trip from Orlando that combines wildlife spotting on the Lake Apopka North Shore with a relaxed afternoon of tubing at Kelly Park. It's designed as a stress-free escape into natural Florida, with all the driving, park entry and tubes taken care of for you.
Kelly Park is a 355-acre Orange County park in Apopka, built around one of Central Florida's best-loved natural springs. Rock Springs is a second-magnitude spring that pushes around 26,000 gallons of clear water every minute into a winding spring run, creating a natural lazy river surrounded by palms, ferns and limestone.
What's included with your Rock Springs day trip?
Your Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure ticket from AttractionTickets.com includes:
- Round-trip transport from major Orlando resort areas in an air-conditioned coach
- A scenic drive along the Lake Apopka North Shore Wildlife Trail, where you can keep watch for wild alligators
- Guaranteed entry to Kelly Park, home of Rock Springs
- A reserved covered pavilion to use as your shady base for the day
- Unlimited tubing down Rock Springs Run, with inner tubes provided
What to expect on your Rock Springs River Tubing day
Here's how your day unfolds, step by step:
Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
1. Hotel pickup | Meet your guide at your designated pickup point and board your air-conditioned coach |
2. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive | Travel through Florida's wetlands, spotting birds, turtles and maybe alligators |
3. Lunch stop | Pick up lunch, snacks and drinks on the way (at your own expense) |
4. Kelly Park | Settle in at your reserved covered pavilion |
5. Rock Springs Run | Float the spring run as many times as you like |
6. Swim and unwind | Take a dip at the sandy swimming area halfway down the run |
7. Return to Orlando | Relax on the drive back to your resort area |
All timings are approximate, so the order and length of each stage can vary slightly on the day.
Spot wildlife on the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
After your hotel pickup, your day begins along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, an 11-mile, one-way route through the restored wetlands of the Lake Apopka North Shore. Once farmland, the area has been transformed into a haven for wildlife, with canals, marshes and levees teeming with life.
Keep your camera ready! Herons, egrets and other wading birds are regular visitors, turtles bask along the water's edge and wild alligators are often spotted sunning themselves on the banks. More than 370 bird species have been recorded across the area, making it one of the top inland birding spots in the USA, so every trip brings something different.
Our tip: Window seats are perfect for wildlife spotting, and a pair of binoculars or a phone with a good zoom makes it even more fun.
Relax at your reserved pavilion in Kelly Park
Before you arrive at Kelly Park, there's a stop to pick up lunch, snacks and drinks. Once you're there, your reserved covered pavilion is your home base for the day, a shady spot to tuck into lunch, leave your towels and refuel between floats.
Float down Rock Springs Run
Now for the main event! Grab your included inner tube and drift along Rock Springs Run, a gentle, spring-fed river that winds through lush tropical scenery. The water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom, fish and swaying grasses as you float.
Each float takes around 30 minutes, and you can enjoy the run as many times as you like. Some guests love a few laps back-to-back, while others mix floats with long lunches in the shade.
Swim and soak up the sunshine
Halfway down the run, a sandy swimming area is the perfect place to hop off your tube, cool off with a dip or simply sit back and enjoy the sunshine by the water.
How cold is the water at Rock Springs?
The water at Rock Springs stays at around 20°C (68°F) all year round, warming slightly as it flows further down the run. It feels wonderfully refreshing on a hot Florida day, especially in the height of summer when the air temperature is well above 30°C.
The first splash can feel brisk, so most people find it easiest to ease in gently. A sunny spot at your pavilion is perfect for warming up between floats!
What to bring for Rock Springs tubing
A little packing goes a long way towards a comfy, carefree day. Here's our checklist:
- Swimwear - wear it under your clothes to save time
- Towels - one per person, plus a spare if you'll float several times
- Sunscreen - Florida sunshine is strong, even on cloudier days
- A change of clothes - for a cosy, dry journey back to Orlando
- Money for lunch and snacks - your lunch stop is at your own expense
- Water shoes - highly recommended, as the spring run has a rocky bottom in places, especially at the launch area
- A waterproof phone pouch - for photos of the crystal-clear water
- A refillable water bottle - staying hydrated keeps everyone feeling great
- Cash for gratuities - tips for your guide and driver aren't included, and they're always appreciated for great service
Swimming, safety and waiver information
Rock Springs is a natural spring, so a few simple rules help everyone enjoy it safely:
- Tubers need to be able to swim. The spring run has varying depths, currents and water conditions.
- Everyone signs a liability waiver. Every participant completes a waiver to join the swimming and tubing part of the day.
- It's a natural environment. Fish, insects, reptiles and other native wildlife call the springs home, so stay aware of your surroundings.
- Follow the park rules. Guests look after their own safety in the water and follow posted park rules and staff instructions.
- It's an active day. You'll walk to the river entry point, carry your own tube and may repeat the run several times.
Where does the Rock Springs tour pick up from?
The Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure picks up from major Orlando resort areas.
Pickups don't run from Downtown Orlando, the Florida Mall, Orlando International Airport, Davenport or private residences. If you're staying in one of these areas or in a villa, simply head to your nearest pickup point in the main resort areas.
Getting ready for pickup:
- Arrive at your designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
- Meet your guide outside the meeting point, as guides can't enter hotel lobbies or stores to look for guests.
When can you go tubing at Rock Springs?
The Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure runs on Fridays from March to September, covering Florida's warmest months.
Month | Why it's great |
|---|---|
March and April | Warm sunshine, comfortable air temperatures and fresh spring greenery |
May and June | Hotter days that make the cool spring water extra refreshing |
July and August | Peak summer heat, when a float through 20°C water feels like pure bliss |
September | Warm days to round off the season |
Friday trips also fit perfectly with the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, which opens to vehicles on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.
Our tip: Florida summers often bring afternoon storms. Pack a light layer and keep an eye on the forecast the day before, and remember to keep your plans flexible.
Kelly Park Rock Springs vs Wekiwa Springs - which is right for you?
Kelly Park Rock Springs and Wekiwa Springs State Park are two of the most popular springs near Orlando, and both sit in Apopka. They're connected too, as Rock Springs Run flows on to join the Wekiva River. Each one offers a different way to enjoy Florida's springs.
Kelly Park Rock Springs | Wekiwa Springs State Park | |
|---|---|---|
Run by | Orange County | Florida State Parks |
Best for | Tubing down a natural spring run | Swimming in the spring basin and paddling the Wekiva River |
Water temperature | Around 20°C (68°F) | Around 20-22°C (68-72°F) |
Tubing | Yes, the park's star attraction | Floats and pool noodles are welcome in the main spring swimming area, with canoeing and kayaking on the river |
Visiting | Guaranteed entry and a reserved pavilion with our day trip | Day-use reservations needed for entry, bookable up to 60 days ahead |
Getting there | Round-trip transport included with our day trip | Independent visit |
Kelly Park Rock Springs is the place to go if floating down a lazy river made by nature is top of your list. Our day trip includes your tube, entry and transport, so you can simply turn up and float.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is a lovely choice for swimming in a large, clear spring pool and exploring the Wekiva River by canoe or kayak.
Who will love the Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure?
This day trip is ideal for:
- Nature lovers who'd like to see a wilder side of Florida
- Confident swimmers looking for a relaxed, active day outdoors
- Repeat Orlando visitors searching for something new beyond the parks
- Groups of friends and couples after a laid-back day in the sunshine
- Families with older children who are comfortable in the water
- Anyone needing a rest day between big theme park days
More ways to enjoy natural Florida from Orlando
Loved the idea of spotting gators in the wild? Get even closer at Gatorland, the "Alligator Capital of the World", where thousands of alligators and crocodiles live alongside an aviary, a breeding marsh and the thrilling Screamin' Gator Zip Line.
Fancy more time away from the parks? Our Orlando excursions and day trips make it easy to explore more of the Sunshine State, with hassle-free days out to the beaches, Kennedy Space Center and beyond.
Ready to float your way through natural Florida?
The Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure is a wonderful way to slow down, cool off and discover a magical side of Florida that many visitors never see. Crystal-clear water, wild gators and a sunny day of floating make for holiday memories you'll treasure for years to come!
Book your Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure with AttractionTickets.com today, with free cancellation up to your holiday departure date!
