Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
5
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About
We have kayaks for rent and provide shuttle transportation to and from the beautiful Rainbow River. Come experience the 72 degree refreshing crystal clear water of the Rainbow and take a paddle trip for yourself in one of our many kayaks for your next adventure.
Dunnellon, Florida
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Rainbow River Kayak Adventures
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
792 reviews
Excellent
689
Very good
59
Average
23
Poor
12
Terrible
9
Kate C
Kissimmee, FL14 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
The information ahead of time was helpful . I am a little confused about the timing, because the reservation said 9:30, and I don’t know if that meant to arrive at 9:30, or they wanted to leave for the put-in spot at 9:30 or what, but they met us at our van and seemed to be rushing us when we arrived at 9:15. We were leaving the parking lot in the shuttle bus by 9:25. The man who put us in was helpful and patient. He adjusted the seat for my son. The double kayak has adjustable cloth seats with back support , that even fit my 8 year old (4’5”). They picked us up very promptly when we were done. The shuttle buses were air conditioned. Please be aware you must pay $7 additional per person to the county park at which RRKA launches you. At check in, I recommend taking a photo of the River map they have displayed, as well as the pint of view photo they have posted that show you what you are looking for when you’re looking for the pick up spot. Just because when you are on an unfamiliar river, you start to doubt yourself when you’re getting tired and you’re not sure where you are. Also, they tell you to bring a change of dry clothes, but I’m not sure why, because there’s no place to change at the place they pick you up or at their facility. Finally, bring money for tips for the drivers who drop you off and pick you up, as they make it very clear they would appreciate tips. Overall I would definitely use them again. The Rianbow River is very beautiful, and I have already referred my dad to RRKA for a kayak trip. My number one tip:stay to the right on the River after Swampy’s Bar and Grill. Even if it looks like it’s just a channel with houses, it’s not. It’s the River.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy
St. Petersburg, FL17 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The crew was great from start to finish! From checking in, shuttling to and from the springs... the process was easy. Everyone was very friendly. Highly recommend going to the top of Rainbow Springs then kayak back down. We rented 2 single kayaks for the entire day, spent 5 hours kayaking. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and SPF lip balm and also put any drinks in water bottles and absolutely NO ALCOHOL. They scan your drinks at the park. Also, no bagged chips, be sure to put them in a Tupperware container (we learned the hard way) Beautiful, serene spring from top to bottom. Very peaceful ✌️
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oceantomtn
Bushnell, FL1 contribution
Jun 2020
I met a friend a Rainbow River Kayak for a half day of kayaking and it was a wonderful reprieve in the midst of the pandemic. We went on a weekday to avoid crowds for that very reason. We both rented kayaks and found the kayaks and the service to be excellent. They shuttle you up river and you call to be picked up, when you are done. The wait was about 10 minutes. The kayaking was about 4 hours - we took our time and even paddled back up river a bit to make it last. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a mask requirement for staff and guests while checking in, in the enclosed hallway, and on the shuttle. We wore ours, some other guests were respectful enough to wear theirs. Thanks Rainbow River Kayaks for an otherwise delightful day.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth P
3 contributions
Jun 2022
We kayaked down the Rainbow River. It was a last minute decision and we did not realize it was a 5 mile trip. The young man who checked us in was quite rude . His directions were very quick...he rattled off a bunch of things, very quickly, which boiled down to "pass Swampy's, go under 3 bridges, and call us when you get there".
We were dropped off at a concession stand where we had to cough up an additional $7 per person. We were also told we could not take our bottled water with us as it was against state law and if we were caught it would cost us a $50 per bottle fine. Therefore we needed to buy other plastic bottles to pour that water into at a cost of $5 each.
We were not all locals, who might have known Swampy's. Two of our party knew of it, but none of us had ever seen it from the river. Of course there was no sign to identify it.
We actually saw 4 bridges on the trip. We considered taking the first one we saw, but there were some tubers who passed that one up, so we followed them.
The last two bridges were quite a distance from the first, the tubers had all disappeared, and we were sure we were lost.
We FINALLY came to a boat launch area and decided to stop. Luckily we had enough battery in the only cell phone (5 people and 3 kayaks) to call RRKA. There was no sign to identify the boat launch as the place to be picked up. No signs along the way to allow us some reassurance that we were on the right path.
We made the trip in plenty of time, which seemed to be their main concern. We were warned several times that 5pm was the last chance to be picked up. The guy who picked us up was pleasant. No doubt he was glad he'd be able to go home on time.
I would not recommend this company. I would, however, highly recommend they have some printed directions to give to their customers if signage along the trip is not possible. My other recommendation?...be pleasant to your customers or don't take their money.
We were dropped off at a concession stand where we had to cough up an additional $7 per person. We were also told we could not take our bottled water with us as it was against state law and if we were caught it would cost us a $50 per bottle fine. Therefore we needed to buy other plastic bottles to pour that water into at a cost of $5 each.
We were not all locals, who might have known Swampy's. Two of our party knew of it, but none of us had ever seen it from the river. Of course there was no sign to identify it.
We actually saw 4 bridges on the trip. We considered taking the first one we saw, but there were some tubers who passed that one up, so we followed them.
The last two bridges were quite a distance from the first, the tubers had all disappeared, and we were sure we were lost.
We FINALLY came to a boat launch area and decided to stop. Luckily we had enough battery in the only cell phone (5 people and 3 kayaks) to call RRKA. There was no sign to identify the boat launch as the place to be picked up. No signs along the way to allow us some reassurance that we were on the right path.
We made the trip in plenty of time, which seemed to be their main concern. We were warned several times that 5pm was the last chance to be picked up. The guy who picked us up was pleasant. No doubt he was glad he'd be able to go home on time.
I would not recommend this company. I would, however, highly recommend they have some printed directions to give to their customers if signage along the trip is not possible. My other recommendation?...be pleasant to your customers or don't take their money.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy H
Central Florida, FL14 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We rented kayaks to paddle down the Rainbow River. The young men at checkin and drop off/ pick up were very professional and friendly. They made sure we knew how to reach them at the end of the day. The river was beautiful. This river is better than Crystal and Homosassa any day.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LocalEveryDay
Vancouver, WA93 contributions
Mar 2021
Our first time in this town, so we were really relieved that the operation appeared professional and organized when we arrived. We loaded in to their van and arrived at the drop off location right on time. The 2 person kayak was in great shape. Our trip on the river was excellent. We called when we reached the pickup point and had a very short wait for the return to the business and our car. My only uncomfortable moments were being on the bus in the time of Covid with a half dozen strangers who were speaking loudly and sitting all around us without masks. Probably enough airflow on the bus, but since I haven't been vaccinated yet, I work on the assumption everyone else is a carrier.
Written March 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie_Fay
2 contributions
Jun 2020
Overall not a great experience with the company initially, however the river was beautiful.
1. We went on a weekend so we knew it would be busy. We filled out all our forms online and paid so we thought things would be faster. Unfortunately we waited in the same line which took over an hour.
2. There was no directions/instructions when we got there so we sought out some help. Unfortunately the first guy I came across was a complete jerk. I asked him a question and not only did he not answer the question, he continued to repeat the same answer and talk over me then just walked away.
3. We paid for a kayak transport. The cost was $20 (which I felt was very pricey since its more than half of if you rent your own). I was very upset to find that all they did was throw our very expensive kayaks into a caged trailer. Furthermore, my significant other and father had to help load and unload them. Not really sure why we paid that money.
4. We were told COVID protocols were in effect (disinfecting kayaks and the bus seats between groups, however I never seen that happen. In addition, there was no attempt to space people out in line.
Must give credit where it is due! There was a gentleman who seemed to be in charge who was very nice. 2 of the kids began not feeling well in the sun so the parents decided to take them home. I did not expect a refund (as listed on their website), however he offered one. Unfortunately when I initially called, the woman in the billing department was very rude and said that they don't do that. She said she would check with managers and call me back but never did. When I called back today, Jasmine helped me and was amazing. I really appreciated her.
1. We went on a weekend so we knew it would be busy. We filled out all our forms online and paid so we thought things would be faster. Unfortunately we waited in the same line which took over an hour.
2. There was no directions/instructions when we got there so we sought out some help. Unfortunately the first guy I came across was a complete jerk. I asked him a question and not only did he not answer the question, he continued to repeat the same answer and talk over me then just walked away.
3. We paid for a kayak transport. The cost was $20 (which I felt was very pricey since its more than half of if you rent your own). I was very upset to find that all they did was throw our very expensive kayaks into a caged trailer. Furthermore, my significant other and father had to help load and unload them. Not really sure why we paid that money.
4. We were told COVID protocols were in effect (disinfecting kayaks and the bus seats between groups, however I never seen that happen. In addition, there was no attempt to space people out in line.
Must give credit where it is due! There was a gentleman who seemed to be in charge who was very nice. 2 of the kids began not feeling well in the sun so the parents decided to take them home. I did not expect a refund (as listed on their website), however he offered one. Unfortunately when I initially called, the woman in the billing department was very rude and said that they don't do that. She said she would check with managers and call me back but never did. When I called back today, Jasmine helped me and was amazing. I really appreciated her.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Layballet
Fort Lauderdale, FL30 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We went with a recommendation from Kathy at the Comfort Suites. It’s very simple to book online & convenient.
You book what you want whether it’s kayaks or tubes, you drive to the place bring what you need they load the kayaks and tubes for you. You are driven to the KP whole park, they tell you where you need to pay for the park entrance and then meet them down at the dock where your kayaks and tubes are ready to go. You’re given very simple instructions like...enjoy the river, follow it down for approximately 4 miles 2-3 hours for kayaks, approx 4 hours for tubers). When you see Swampy’s on the right (btw a must to stop in & eat awesome restaurant!), go under the bridge and make an immediate left to get out! Call the phone number on your wristband and they’ll pick you up.
They were great, organized & pretty punctual. We’ll definitely use them again whenever we are back in town.
You book what you want whether it’s kayaks or tubes, you drive to the place bring what you need they load the kayaks and tubes for you. You are driven to the KP whole park, they tell you where you need to pay for the park entrance and then meet them down at the dock where your kayaks and tubes are ready to go. You’re given very simple instructions like...enjoy the river, follow it down for approximately 4 miles 2-3 hours for kayaks, approx 4 hours for tubers). When you see Swampy’s on the right (btw a must to stop in & eat awesome restaurant!), go under the bridge and make an immediate left to get out! Call the phone number on your wristband and they’ll pick you up.
They were great, organized & pretty punctual. We’ll definitely use them again whenever we are back in town.
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lovepipe
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
This was an excellent outdoors adventure with the staff being very helpful and friendly. The check in was fast. The drive to the starting point was quick and the pickup time was surprisingly quick too. My family had a great time and I recommend this activity to anyone that enjoys kayaking. A great time for a small amount of money. The transparency of the river is incredible and if you are lucky you will get to see some river otters like we did. Overall it was great.
Written January 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PB
3 contributions
May 2021
We are in our late '60's/early 70's and not experienced kayakers but this trip was perfect for us. From our arrival where we were welcomed warmly and given instructions, to the bus trip and drivers, from beginning to end it was a 10 (or on this scale a 5.) We saw plenty of birds and turtles but thankfully no gators. We floated and paddled in our 2 person kayak on the crystal clear water under a perfect cloudless sky. We will do it again.
Written May 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher A
Dunnellon, Florida
A single kayak rental with shuttle transportation and parking included is $35 plus tax.
Written February 19, 2020
Do u have a 2 hour trip on the tubes and kayaks
Written July 5, 2017
Christopher A
Dunnellon, Florida
Our kayak trip on average takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours and the tubing trip we offer is the 4+hr float. You could tie a tube to the kayak which would speed up the tubing trip if you wanted to do both activities together.
Written July 6, 2017
Christopher A
Dunnellon, Florida
Yes, we do have air available to accommodate.
Written August 27, 2016
Haven't kayak before do you need a lesson. What are the rates thanks
Written March 4, 2016
Where is the campground on rainbow river
Written January 25, 2016
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