Your Guide to Rainbow River Tubing in Ocala/Marion County
There’s no better or more relaxing way to experience Florida’s wondrous waterways than by tubing! Floats, rafts and tubes are all very easy to use – simply lay back and float away!
Looking for the ultimate family-friendly outdoor adventure in Florida? Go tubing down the pristine Rainbow River! This spring-fed waterway invites you to hop aboard a tube and let the gentle current guide you through the lush landscapes of Ocala/Marion County. Bask in the warm sunshine as you drift by wildlife and breathtaking scenery. With no paddling required, Rainbow River tubing combines kid-approved thrills with relaxing floats. So pack your sunscreen, grab your swimsuits, and prepare for a day of carefree fun on Rainbow River!
Rainbow River Tubing Experience
The pure, spring-fed Rainbow River flows through Ocala/Marion County and is a perfect place to try tubing. As you drift along the river's glassy surface, the gentle current – flowing at around 1 mile per hour – provides the perfect pace to soak in the breathtaking natural surroundings. This slow pace gives you plenty of time to enjoy the area's abundant wildlife. You're likely to see plenty of fish, turtles, river otters, and frogs in the water. Keep an eye out for osprey, hawks and other birds. The Rainbow River is home to many different species, making it a bird watcher's paradise. You may even see an alligator on your float!
Here are two of the best places in Ocala/Marion County to launch your Rainbow River tubing adventure.
Rainbow River Tubing Locations
1. KP Hole
KP Hole is a great starting point for your Rainbow River tubing adventure. The average float time from the KP Hole to the Tuber’s Exit (i.e., the Blue Run of Dunnellon Park) is approximately four hours, but float time may vary based on the weather and water levels.
Note: Children must be at least three years old to tube. It is recommended that all tubers are able to swim. Life jackets for tubers are available upon request. You’ll be asked to sign a safety waiver and release of liability agreement prior to renting and using tubes.
Location
KP Hole Park, 9435 SW 190th Avenue Road, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Cost
The tubing package at KP Hole Park costs $25/person, which includes the following: entry fee, tube rental, return shuttle service.
Tubing Season Hours
Tubing rentals and shuttle services back to the KP Hole parking lot are available daily from April 1 - September 30. Tube rentals are available from 8 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. or until the park reaches capacity.
Amenities
- Concessions
- Picnic Pavilion
- Restrooms
2. Rainbow Springs State Park
If you’re looking for a shorter tubing experience, access the Rainbow River via the State Park Tubing Facility. From here, you can rent tubes, ride a complimentary tram up-river, and drift back to the State Park Tubing exit on an approximately 1.5 hour float trip.
Note: Life jackets are optional for guests older than 6 years of age. Children 5 years and under must wear and fasten a life jacket while tubing. You’ll be asked to sign a safety waiver and release of liability agreement prior to renting and using tubes.
Location
10830 S.W. 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Cost
- Entry to Rainbow Springs State Park: $2/person
- Tube rental and tram access: $20/person
Tubing Season Hours
- Memorial Day – Labor Day: 8:00am – 4:00pm (last tram leaves at 4:30pm), 7 days per week
- First Saturday in April – Memorial Day: 8:00am – 4:00pm (last tram leaves at 4:30pm), Weekends only
- Labor Day – First two weekends of October: 8:00am – 4:00pm, (last tram leaves at 4:30pm) Weekends only (Please call to confirm opening, facility may close early due to weather.)
- Mid October – March: Closed
Amenities
- Concession stand
- Interpretive Exhibit
- Pavilions
- Restrooms
- Shower station
- Uncovered picnic tables and grills
- Visitor Center
What to Pack
If you’re planning a Rainbow River tubing adventure, remember to pack the following items:
- towels
- swimsuits
- water shoes
- sunscreen (a must!)
- sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare
- goggles (perfect for spotting fish and turtles hidden in the swaying eelgrass)
- reusable containers for any food or drink
- waterproof bag for carrying your items
Note that disposable containers are prohibited on the Rainbow River, and having them is a finable offense.
Other Aquatic Adventures
After tubing along the crystal clear waters of the Rainbow River, you might be hooked! For other aquatic adventures in Ocala/Marion County’s countless rivers and springs, you might try canoeing and kayaking as popular alternatives to tubing. In addition, the county’s swimming and snorkeling spots are some of the best Florida has to offer.
Sources:
*The Rainbow River - Tubing
Related Content:
KP Hole Park9435 SW 190th Avenue Road
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
United States
Rainbow River Kayak Adventures11463 N Williams St
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
United States