Classified as a “first magnitude spring”, Wakulla Springs is a world-class liquid resource which is expelling water from the Floridan aquifer on to the surface of north Florida’s coastal plain. Within the confines of the Edward Ball State Park, the spring and the first few miles of the resulting river are protected in a tightly controlled environment.
No privately owned boats of any kind and no tubers, only the park’s sightseeing boats. Short trips are available on a regular schedule and a tour-guide will recite the spring’s statistics along with humorous anecdotes about the people, animals and history of this unique site.
Beyond the park’s boundaries, the river is an exceedingly popular aquatic playground. Locals and out-of-towners flock to access points, especially during holidays and long weekends.
Additionally, many homes line the river’s banks. A majority are full-time residences and have docks with recreational boats.
Despite the heavy use, the Wakulla River is an excellent place to experience Florida’s natural aquatic environment. A range of birds, animals and plants have used the river since long before the first human encroachment.
Depending on the time of year, manatees are present and leisurely dining on the river’s submerged plants. It may be difficult to believe but the river is warmer than open waters during winter months.
It is not unusual to see a manatee cow with a calf. Boating in the proximity of these slow-moving marine mammals requires a slow speed and constant awareness. Swimming close to the surface, these animals can be easily injured with power-boat props.
Many birds, both residents and migratory fowl, use the river for its many natural amenities. The river is used by numerous ducks on their way to winter quarters. Shelter and food are the attractive features which draw these fowl.
Reptiles and amphibians use the river as home territory 12 months a year. Aquatic turtles commonly sun themselves on the fallen logs and shoreline stumps.
Alligators patrol the waters in search of an easy meal. Many are of an impressive and intimidating size but tend to avoid human contact. Never attempt to feed as it reduces their wariness of humans.
Early in the day these large and toothy lizards often warm themselves on open shoreline spots and large logs as the sun rises in the sky. Their coldblooded systems are much less active in the depths (relatively speaking) of north Florida’s winter.
Plants and flowers change with the season. Several varieties of duckweed, water lilies and many others bloom through the spring and summer. Cardinal flower with it striking red blooms appear in the late summer and early autumn.
Unfortunately, exotic invasive plants have pushed out many native species. Hydrilla and water hyacinth are two of the problematic invaders.
What to Expect:
Only about eight miles of the Wakulla River is open to public use. There is a public boat ramp on County Road 365 east of Crawfordville, Florida, with limited pave parking on the north and south side of the two-lane road.
North of the CR 365 boat ramp is the state park boundary that is identified by a chain-link fence across the river. The south end of the Wakulla River empties into the St. Marks river near the town of St. Marks where another public boat ramp is located.
There are no retail establishments within a mile of either boat ramp. Wakulla Station has several gas station/convenience stores and a restaurant. The town of St. Marks has similar accommodations.
The river’s current is typically slow to moderate but can be challenging for paddlers after heavy rains. It may take several days for the acceleration to occur if the torrents occur well upstream of the springs. During holiday weekends and much of summer expect heavy use with the potential for crowds. Sometimes the noise and activity will make experiencing the native environment somewhat difficult.
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