Rock Springs River Tubing & Apopka Wildlife Adventure with Pickup

Discover Florida’s Natural Charm with a Tubing and Wildlife Adventure in Orlando

Imagine a day where you can see Florida’s native wildlife, float lazily down spring-fed waters, and enjoy a picnic in a shaded pavilion—all within a manageable 8.5-hour trip. For $109 per person, this tour offers a balanced blend of wildlife observation and outdoor fun, with the convenience of hotel pickup included. Starting in Orlando, you’ll journey through the Apopka North Shore Wildlife Drive, where the chance to spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds keeps things interesting. Afterward, you’ll head to Kelly Park for a laid-back tubing experience in some of the clearest waters you’ll find, plus time to relax and soak up the Florida sunshine.

What we love most about this tour is its combination of wildlife viewing and refreshing water activities—a perfect escape from the theme park crowds without straying far from Orlando. The scenic drive offers a peaceful glimpse into Florida’s wetlands, while the large swimming area at Kelly Park provides ample space to relax, sunbathe, and cool off. Plus, the small group size—limited to just 13 travelers—means you’re less likely to feel rushed and more likely to enjoy personalized attention.

A notable consideration is the need for moderate physical fitness; while tubing is gentle, travelers should be comfortable with some physical activity. Also, since food and beverages are not included, bringing snacks or purchasing lunch beforehand is advisable, especially if you’re hungry after a morning of wildlife spotting and sightseeing. This tour suits nature lovers, small-group adventurers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, authentic outdoor experience close to Orlando.

Key Points

• Wildlife Drive: Experience a self-paced drive through protected wetlands, with opportunities to see alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
• Crystal-clear waters: Tube in Rock Springs, fed by natural springs, with plenty of space to relax or sunbathe.
• Convenient logistics: Includes pickup, a shaded pavilion for lunch, and all necessary equipment like tubes and floats.
• Small group size: Limited to 13 travelers, ensuring a more intimate, relaxed experience.
• Flexible timing: About 1 hour for the wildlife drive, and 4 hours at Kelly Park for tubing and swimming.
• Cost-effective: For $109, you get transportation, wildlife viewing, tubing, and some downtime—good value for a half-day escape.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in Orlando—a real plus if you prefer not to worry about logistics or parking. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the scenic drive to the wildlife drive and Kelly Park. The driver and guide, whose presence adds insights and local tips, will ferry you through the day’s highlights, making the experience smooth and informal.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

The first stop is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, a self-guided route that winds through protected wetlands. Here, you’ll likely get a good look at Florida’s native wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds. The route takes about an hour, allowing enough time to spot wildlife, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful marsh views. The drive is designed to be leisurely, giving you space to enjoy the scenery and perhaps even some quiet reflection.

One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the drive was slow and easy, with plenty of opportunities to see alligators sunbathing and herons wading in the wetlands.” It’s a true window into Florida’s natural environment and a chance to see these creatures in their habitat, not behind glass.

Lunch and Relaxation at Kelly Park

After the wildlife drive, you’ll stop at Kelly Park, which offers an ideal setting to unwind and refuel. Here, you can purchase picnic-style lunch and snacks—or bring your own—before settling into the shaded pavilion. The park is famous for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters, which provide a refreshing contrast to the morning’s wildlife watching.

The highlight here is the Rock Springs Run, where you can float at your own pace. Tubes are provided, and the waters are gentle enough for most, though the experience isn’t recommended for those who aren’t confident swimmers. The large swimming area with a sandy shoreline offers plenty of space to sunbathe, relax, or just splash around.

One recent participant said, “The tubing was so peaceful, and the water was so clear—I could see all the way to the bottom.” The shaded pavilion allows for a comfortable break, whether you want to eat, read, or just enjoy the scenery.

Small Group Advantage and Flexibility

With a maximum of 13 travelers, this tour ensures a more personalized experience. Our guide, perhaps a friendly local named Tom or Sarah (not specified), is there to answer questions, point out wildlife, and keep the day flowing smoothly. This smaller size also means less waiting and more opportunity to enjoy each stop.

Cost and Value

At $109 per person, the tour provides good value, particularly given the inclusion of transportation, wildlife drive, tubing, and the shaded pavilion. While food isn’t included, the option to purchase snacks and lunch locally allows for tailored choices—whether you’re after a quick sandwich or a picnic spread. The price is competitive for a full day of outdoor activities combined with wildlife observation, especially considering the small-group experience.

Practical Considerations

Travelers should be prepared for the moderate physical activity involved—mainly just floating and walking around the park. The tubing experience is gentle but requires some stamina; not ideal for those who are not comfortable in the water. Since food and beverages aren’t included, bringing along some snacks or drinks is wise, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time relaxing at Kelly Park.

The tour is not recommended for travelers who aren’t strong swimmers, but it’s suitable for anyone in moderate physical shape who wants to enjoy Florida’s outdoors in a relaxed manner. The tour operates with good weather, and cancellations due to bad weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled.

Why This Tour Works

This experience balances wildlife exploration with relaxing water fun—a combination many travelers find appealing. It’s especially suited for small groups wanting a more intimate, less commercial experience. The chance to see Florida’s native animals in their environment, coupled with a gentle tubing adventure in crystal-clear waters, makes this a memorable day trip away from the chaos of Orlando’s theme parks.

The scenic drive is a highlight, offering a peaceful way to connect with nature without strenuous hikes or long walks. The inclusion of lunch and shade at Kelly Park ensures comfort, and the small group size helps foster a more personal, friendly atmosphere.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing outdoor experience. It’s well-suited for families with older children, small groups of friends, or couples who want to enjoy Florida’s natural beauty in a laid-back setting. If you’re interested in wildlife but prefer a low-impact activity, tubing in spring-fed waters is a great choice. Travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic slice of Florida will find this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
How long does the tour last? Approximately 8.5 hours, with time split between wildlife drive, lunch, and tubing.
What should I bring? Snacks or lunch (though you can purchase these at Kelly Park), water, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen.
Is the tubing suitable for children? The tubing is gentle and suitable for most, but travelers should be comfortable in the water and in moderate physical condition.
Are there any age restrictions? While not specifically stated, the need for moderate fitness and swimming ability suggests older children or teenagers might be best.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
What wildlife might I see? Expect to see alligators, turtles, and wading birds along the wildlife drive route.
Is food included? No, but food and snacks are available for purchase at Kelly Park.
What’s the maximum group size? 13 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and relaxed.
Is this tour good for non-swimmers? It’s not recommended for travelers who are not confident swimmers, as tubing involves water activity.

This tour offers a thoughtful blend of wildlife observation and outdoor relaxation, perfect for travelers craving an authentic taste of Florida’s natural environment. It’s a day designed to reconnect you with nature in a peaceful, manageable way—just what you need for a well-balanced getaway.