From Tampa, it took an hour and 30 minutes to get to the river. We first wanted to take a swim in…read morethe swimming area so we went there first before it got really crazy. The area is a bit small and there isn't really a lot of sun spots for you to chill at. It is cool to experience once but I think if you tube, you still will be able to get a swim in because parts of the river are pretty deep. After the swim area, we headed to the tubing section. It is a 15 minute drive from the main park entrance. The fee was 54 for two people that had an annual pass. Highly recommend bringing a small cooler with snacks and drinks and an extra tube for it. It took us about 2 hours to float back to our car and the river is very calm and relaxing. I've floated a river in San Antonio but wasn't as nice as Rainbow springs. Very clean and the water is sooo clear. Overall, really enjoyed our day visit to this state park!

Our tubing trip down the river was pretty, but it was quite boring. It took us two hours to float…read morefrom the entrance to exit, and it was extremely slow. We kept getting stuck in trees and bushes. The fun part was getting to swim in the clear water and passing off our tubes to a floating friend to hold onto. We also saw an otter. The lady at the rental station was very generous and let us borrow multiple pairs of goggles and masks. There were a bunch of motorboats passing by and blasting their music. They disturbed us with their waves and noise. It was around $27 per person in addition to $5 for one vehicle, and we paid all the fees upon entrance to the parking lot. They take you on a safari-like tram to get to the tubing entrance. I strongly recommend water shoes because my friends were suffering while barefoot on the hot ground. The walk was unexpectedly long and painful for my barefoot friends. They don't have showers or any sort of water spout/hose, so it was kind of gross to not be able to rinse the river gunk off then drive hours back to a major city. They have restrooms, but they were already closed when we walked from the river exit back to the tube station, even though the actual park wasn't closed yet, and there were still employees there. This was very inconvenient, and I wish they had at least told us in advance because we didn't have a place to change. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the restrooms to stay open while the park is open. Also, they have you sign a waiver that says you must wear a lifejacket at all times. They didn't even offer us one, so I was baffled why they made us sign a waiver that said that. Can't they get into legal trouble if they don't actually provide lifejackets? I was troubled by the fact that we had to sign something that wasn't in the slightest bit enforced.

We arrived right when they opened and rented kayaks at the KP Hole so we could travel up river to…read morethe Indian Creek and then we floated back down and exited at Blue Run. There should be more signage along the river telling you how many minutes it is until you reach Blue Run. It took us longer than four hours from the KP Hole to Blue Run and we were paddling for part of the way. If you're floating on tubes, I'd give yourself a minimum of five hours. Make sure you bring non disposable goods! We brought a lunchbox with Tervis water bottles instead of plastic water bottles and Stasher silicone bags instead of Ziploc bags. Would highly recommend doing it on a weekday instead of weekend/holiday to avoid crowds.

Great adventure!…read more Was invited to visit with some friends. We purchased VIP parking (world recommend as it gets packed pretty quick) Never been to a springs before so wasn't really sure what to expect. KP Hole & Rainbow River is a beautiful springs. They do check bags to make sure food is stored in Tupperware and bottles for any alcohol as it is not permitted. We rented kayaks it was around $50 for the whole day and included a shuttle to bring the Kayak back & a life jacket. They also have tubing & lockers you can rent as well. Beautiful scenery. Saw fish & a baby alligator and a few beautiful birds. It was a hot day but was made up with the cool water. Really great experience to do with friends & family. Staff was really great in directing where to go & helping with any questions we had.

Had a great experience ~ would highly highly recommend. McCoy was extremely knowledgeable and…read morefreely shares his knowledge! You know you have a great guide when he is as excited about the fish you catch as you are!! Caught lots of fish and the whole experience was extremely professional beginning to end! Had a super time ~ well worth the cost!

Spent a foggy morning with Capt McCoy on the lake fishing for bass. Despite the weather, Captain…read moreMcCoy was able to guide us to the fish and we pulled in several bass and a couple of pickerels. A very personable and knowledgeable guide, Capt McCoy had several tips and tricks of the trade he shared with us that made our experience fun and interesting. Highly recommend him!

This place is 10/10 amazing! There are so many options along the river and I'm so glad we chose the…read moreright one. From the second we parked, we were welcomed and ready to go! Derrick took the time to tell our kiddos about "oh shoot" the alligator and explain the directions to the coolest waterfront swing along the path. They also took the time to make sure our littles had the perfect size life vests and loaded us into the comfy shuttle van. At KP hole we were unloaded and given time to pay the park entrance and receive our wristbands, then loaded into our kayak at the bottom of the boat ramp. We paddled upriver to visit the headwater then paddled back down to where we parked at RRCK. A few things I wish I had known: be sure to pack plenty of snack in reusable containers, it seems easy to dock and get concessions at the headwater park or Swampy's, but it is not. Also, be sure to bring a rope to tie off while you explore the streams or deeper areas. Overall, it's a perfect day in old Florida! We loved seeing otters, alligators and turtles...and being welcomed by Derrick who loaded up our kayak and asked about our paddle. Nothing better than all the adventures, with none of the clean up or pack up!

My family took a Kayaking tour down the river. Our guide Darian was kind, knowledgeable and…read morefriendly. He also shared some personal experiences with us. The water, wildlife and atmosphere was vibrant and awesome! We also went swimming and snorkeling in the swimming area. Tip: bring water noodles as it is too deep to stand.

Garrett was a blast! We are just coming into the warm season and most manatees are back in the…read moregulf, he still got us to 7 manatees, 2 gators, and we caught a dolphin in kings bay towards the end. He gave us plenty of time to look for things to come up out of the water which was great for my 2 year old. Boat was shaded and was enjoyable even with a small child. Other tours wouldn't let me book because she was under 3- we brought our own lifevest but they did also have some on board that were her size.

Thank you Piper and Wade (best guide and captain combo ever!) for an experience my wife and I will…read morenever forget! Amazing! We learned so much and got to go face to face with a big old male. Piper's encouragement and direction kept us calm when things got exciting! Would recommend to everyone who loves nature. Also the office staff were gracious and made great recommendation for lunch at a local deli. 100% glad we chose these guys.