Kayak Shack Review

The Kayak Shack staff are super friendly and welcoming!! Our day was perfect from start to finish. Easy reservations, great prices, easy launch and return. This will now be my new favorite place to rent kayaks!!!

I had the best time!!!! loved that place , highly recommended and will go back again!

Great experience. Great customer service. Clean, well-kept kayaks. Highly recommend to people who love outdoor experiences. Missing one star because of the location on the springs.

Use to be a lot of fun. They would bus you up stream then you could relax and enjoy the floating back down but now you have to paddle up stream against the current, against other kayakers and boaters! So not fun and relaxing anymore :(

EXCELLENT! FUN! BEAUTIFUL! The staff was great, the spring was cool and so beautiful. 5 miles long with plenty of spots to stop and swim, a few had rope swings. Even came across a ice cream boat half way down! Just a wonderful first time experience, even tho my daughter flipped our canoe! I would recommend a visit!

Amazing time! Really great value for kayak. Saw two manatees and the staff was so helpful. Thank you!

Loved our paddle time! The Kayak Shack was perfect for our family adventure day!

Great pricing for full day rentals. Had a great time canoeing and paddle boarding with the kids. Saw a few manatees.

The distance is shortened because of covid, but it's still a nice 90 minute trip down the river.

Best prices best customer service and best River experience!

Best $40 I ever spent. Cruising down was much better than paddling up, but fantastic scenery! Add it to your bucket list!

This place is really awesome. Everyone should try it. Kayak, swimming, lots of people, rope jumping, swimming with manatees, amaising time.

The staff were very friendly and helpful. They launched our kayak for us right at their dock and down the river we went. Crystal clear, cold, beautiful water. Very scenic and tranquil. Loved it.

What a fun adventure! The water is crystal clear and even though we unfortunately only saw two manatees, my girlfriend and I still had a blast!

Nice people in a beautiful location. Check this out when you are in the area.

Very friendly staff, organized, best place to rent your kayak!

What an amazing experience! Helpful, fun, and kind staff! I would be here every day if I could, but alas .. I must return home to MN Thanks for making this a great adventure for our 2nd honeymoon.

Money well spent. Everyone there is super friendly. $75 for a single and a tandem kayack which includes the shuttle service. Be prepared for a workout though. Took about 4 hours as the route down the river is about 5 1/2 miles. The river is absolutely gorgeous, the most beautiful water I've ever seen. These guys are good people though. 100%

I would prefer the SERVICE of these nice people over the rude abrasive ^ entitled and you have no choice " outfitter at the state park. The restaurant right next door was great. Paddle out from kayak shack to Linda Penderson park. Then self shuttle back to kayak shack. If your 5 minutes late for state park outfitter GOTCHA! $50 bucks more.

Nice and easy rental of kayaks !!

Will do every time !

We rented the River ritz this weekend and had a blast! Everything was clean and well stocked! Cannot wait to come back! Easy check in and out!

The lady who works here was extremely rude. When I first got there we asked 3 times for a double kayak. The staff kept saying no we only have single kayaks. We could clearly see that there were double kayaks there. So let me explain their rates and this will make sense. They charge 30 for a single and 35 for a double kayak. I didn't care about the money for a double or single. All I cared about is the fact that my boyfriend cannot swim and for his safety. Not once did I ask for the money back that I ended up paying for two singles.(she did give us back 25) I asked the lady who I paid again and again for a double kayak and finally she gave in and gave us 2 double kayaks which previously 5 minutes before were "reserved!" They try to force you to get a single kayak just so they can make more money. She told us we were being rude and "no more switching" in front of other people waiting and to be honest everyone was looking at her like it's not that serious lady. I loved our trip and we had so much fun. The scenery was beautiful and the loaders were friendly. I would recommend Weeki Wachi Springs in a heartbeat. I will not be returning. I usually go to another spot but they were booked. In the end we had a great time.

Great price, and friendly workers! Definitely the best kayaking rental place in the area, and they're in a good area too.

The river is awesome and we had a great time. The people who run the kayak shack are extremely rude!! The driver of the transport van was a complete a**! I will definitely go back to the river but will use a different outfitter to rent kayaks from.

Booked 2 kayaks on the fly when all the other places in town were fully booked. They were recommended by our hotel when I told them I was having trouble getting kayaks. Conveniently located right next to a neat little restaurant called the Upper Deck so we were able to grab lunch close by as well. The kayaks were great and the service of all the employees made everything easy and smooth. If looking to kayak the Weeki Wachee I would highly recommend these folks. They go out of their way to make your day enjoyable. There is a public beach right across from the kayak rental location as well where our kids spent the remainder of the day swimming, snorkeling and making new friends!

We spent whole day there and had a super relaxing day! We did kayaking with kayak rental from the kayak shack! Super nice and friendly staff! Then we fished tons of sunfish there and finally we played on the small beach. It was a small place but has everything for families with little kids.

I love coming to this place. The staff is always super friendly and we re able to basically have the kayaks all day (until 5) we usually spend about two hours here and it s always lovely. The water is always clear and we see manatees every time we pass through. No regrets visiting this place.

I wanted to launch my own kayak from their area but they told me that due to politics they were only allowed to let so many ppl on the river at a time and I would have to wait 2 hours. Idk if it's true or not but this entire area has been ruined because u can't get out at a decent area.

lots of fun plenty of water canals to explore seen several manatees and cool houses gets a little crowded at times but everyone is having fun restaurant there is awesome good food and atmosphere great time

Cool place, very cool river. Paddle with the Manatees!

Experienced kayakers should choose this great location as a starting point rather than the state park. Be aware, going against the current is not for newbies, but it was great exercise. Takes about 4 hours to paddle up river, then enjoy the easy ride back down. Ability to pack a cooler was a plus. Highly recommend this place.

This was our first time here. Getting the kayaks was fast and we were on the water. The parking is tight, if traveling with friends, it's best to minimize the number of vehicles driven. It was very busy today, as school had just released for the summer. Great location.

BEST PLACE TO KAYAK ON THE WEEKI WACHEE RIVER! HANDS DOWN! I HAVE LIVED IN BROOKSVILLE SINCE 96 AND THIS IS THE BEST SPOT. THE BEST STAFF AND MOST CONVIENENT LOCATION! CALL AMBER, SHE IS THE FRIENDLIEST AND COOLEST LADY ON THE RIVER! THANKS GUYS FOR AN AMAZING DAY!

Myself and a large group of friends rented from them. They made us start downriver instead of up river because of "construction". So we had to row 5 miles upstream to where we thought the pickup point was, only to find out that they weren't going to pick us up, and we had to return the kayaks where we started, 5 miles back downstream. They never thought to inform us of this until we had gone the 5 miles and called to ask where they were

The employees are always very friendly and helpful. We wanted to try SUPs but they warned us that the wind would make that challenging and advised kayaks instead. We we're glad we took the advice! I've been coming here for years and have never had a bad experience.

Terrific staff and a small shop. The rentals prices are good and the shop prices are reasonable. There is a restaurant right next door (didn't stop there this trip) and a beach right across the river. The only downside is you have to paddle upstream going out, and ride with the current coming back. I talked with one of the ladies (and personable and friendly), and she said the currents are partly dependent on the tides. I would recommend calling a week or two before you plan to visit, and see when the tides are best for paddling upstream.
Today was the first time I visited, but it certainly wouldn't be the last! If you have never been in a kayak before, you may want to use one of the other rental shops (that are downstream only), but otherwise, I would completely recommend this one.

Perfect location, free parking, and Crystal clear water!

Great prices and extremely friendly staff. We were there on a very busy weekend, and they were running their operation like clockwork. If anything, they are really tight on parking, but they handled the lack of space well. I got there early (highly recommended if you don't reserve) and ended up getting blocked in - I told them and they had the car moved in less than two minutes. Highly recommended for a fun weekend day trip.

We loved renting the canoe from this place. Everyone was super nice and helpful. Very relaxing and so much fun.

It was an incredible experience. Beautiful water. People were awesome and caring.

Great customer service. Good equipment. Everything you need and more. Can not recommend them enough. 6 out of 5 stars.

Great place to rent from. Very helpful getting in and out of Kayaks.

1 thing I strongly suggest!!!
Put bug spray on. The bug is a "noseeum"
You cant see them, but they BIT.
I wish I would have.
But great float.

They let you rent kayaks for the whole day. They have a bathroom there in case if you need to use it before you spend the day kayaking through the Weeki Wachee river. Definitely a reasonable price. The staff are nice and will guide you to the right direction of the river! 10/10 would rent from them again.

I love coming here! The staff is so nice and helpful. My boyfriend and I rented a kayak for a great price and had the best time on the river. Definitely a beautiful, inexpensive day trip that will be made again.

Amazing staff who go beyond the call of duty for their customers! We have tried other places for kayaking but after going here, this is the only place we want to use again. Location is great but parking can be a bit complicated.

THE BEST PRICES AND ATMOSPHERE. YOU ALL MADE MY FIRST KAYAKING EXPERIENCE AMAZING. EVENTHOUGH I FELL OVER TWICE!

Showed up without a reservation and they had plenty of kayaks still available. We were able to park right next to their building and they made loading and unloading a breeze! They didn t just expect us to jump in alone, they do assist you in getting in and gave directions to the best places for sights. And their rates are really great! We will be visiting as often as possible and always using their kayaks

this place is beautiful but there are too many UNTRAINED IDIOTS on the water ABSOLUTELY NO COMMON SENSE OR COURTESY TO AND OTHERS OR BOATERS CRISSCROSSING IN FRONT OF A BOAT ALL DAY LONG CANT WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS KILLED PS THIS RANT IS NOT INTENDED TOWARDS BUSINESS

Ate at the Upper deck and went paddle boarding at the Kayak Shack.

We made a reservation for 4 single kayaks. We arrived 25 minutes prior to the reservation time. We asked the staff if they have the bus shuttle. He said no. So we went to check the other company if they have some openings. Since we still had about 20 minutes till the reservation time. When we came back ,still 10 minutes till reservation time, the staff told us they canceled our reservation and gave our kayaks to somebody else.

Love this place. Great customer service.and great Deals on kayak rental.P.S The parking lot attendant is awesome too

Staff is super friendly, helpful and laid back! Highly recommend!!

This place is a really nice kayak place the workers are very helpful and caring they do everything you bathroom included and some snacks very clean well kept boat

We love the Kayak Shack!!! We had been going to the kayak launching spot up the river at the state park for years. The new owners of that place were unbelievably rude and drove us away...right to the Kayak Shack! The people here are very friendly and helpful, no 4 hour limit/$50 late fee, they'll let you take water bottles, they won't inspect your bags. The only downside is having to launch at the end of the river and kayak against the current. I would rather kayak 100 miles against the river than ever give my money/business to the state park again. Thank you for being awesome kayak shack, glad somebody in the area is still upholding the tradition of friendliness in the weeki wachee area. We will only be renting here from now on.

This is the only place I will rent from on the river. They completely embody the Weeki Watchee experience. The staff are completely knowledgable, and will point out manatees as the swim upstream. We have been going here for 8 years, and the relaxed vibe gets you started on your day of discovering peace through nature's beauty.

This was our first time starting down stream. It was a tougher paddle but you can rent from 8am to 5pm so you have all day to enjoy the river. We made it 5.5 miles up, just a half mile short of the spring head. We had plenty of time to stop and observe the wildlife and make it the 5.5 miles back. I just wish people were more respectful of the river and wildlife.

We rented with the kayak shack on Thursday while waiting to check into our rental home. I ve paddled with them a number of times previously but this is the first time in 5-6 years. Still a fantastic value. Beautiful river. Super friendly and helpful folks.

The Kyack Shack is family friendly and reasonably priced. The owners, Amber & Jon provide excellent service and go out of their way to meet all your needs. I recommend making reservations ahead of time so you can spend the maximum amount of time on the river. When you leave, you'll already be planning your next trip. I know I am.

What an adventure today! Mom and I had a blast, we started out at the Kayak Shack and went up river. The River was all sand bottom and clear the whole 2hr trek. Up river was only slightly challenging at times then the way back was like a lazy river #easymode.

We saw lots of fish and birds along the way, so relaxing just beautiful out there. We even hopped out and walked on the sandy bottom for a bit. The staff there were wonderful to work with. We will be back next year, no question.

Rented a double kayak. Very easy, not crowded. We went on a tuesday at 8:30 am. You have to paddle upstream toward bluer waters. Not crowded, we saw maybe 7 other kayaks after paddling 3.5 miles upstream. That took about 3 hrs and then turned around and floated back downstream in an hour. Saw many fish, birds but did not see any manatee.

The staff was great! Totally recommend reservations and get there when they tell you to get there. Went on a weekend and will never do that again. River was WAY TOO BUSY, I did not enjoy the hundreds of people you had to steer around. Large fishing boats were there too. They should have a size restriction on those.

Excellent adventure. We had 4 grandchildren with us and rented 3 double seat kayaks. 4 hours later we returned and all were happy with our choice. The folks were great (and patient). Equipment was good (one kayak needed a new plug but that was a super quick fix). The river was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend!!

Hands down best experience paddling the Weeki Wachee river through an outfitter that is available. Jon, Amber, Tim and Morgan are a great crew of people that treat their customers like family!

Great place to rent a kayak..very nice and affordable..say hi to the dog inside too

It was just ok. The kayak rental was quick and easy and parking was right there. However the overall river experience was rather disappointing. It was very crowded, we saw zero wildlife, other than some uninteresting fish and you have to paddle upstream for a couple hours before enjoying the cruise back downstream.

Super fun, we do this every year when we come down. Today we saw 3 manitees. We pack lunches and spend about 5 hours going down the river and stop at every rope swing and tree with a ladder to jump. 3 elementary aged kids LOVE it. So worth it.

This place is our go-to kayak rental. We love the courteous owners and staff.

Had a great time here paddling. Rented a SUP and a single kayak. The full day rental here will run you the same price as the state park- only difference? The state park only gives you 2 hours with the rental! We are not experienced at paddling but we ended up paddling almost 5 miles upriver (towards the state park) before heading back. A little over 4 hours total and a great time.

Tip- bring bug spray and sunscreen. Tops of feet got obliterated by the sun when on the SUP.

Animal lovers for sure. Very chill and laid back. They take you to the top of the spring and they'll be waiting for you on the way down.