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!

Rainbow River Tubing Experience
Tubing Locations
What to Pack

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 $30/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

Website

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:
    • $5 per vehicle (2-8 people)
    • $4 per single vehicle or motorcycle
    • $2 per walk up or bicycle
  • Tube rental and tram ticket: $24/person*

*Tube fare is good for one trip down the river.

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

Website

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

​Dip a toe into the fun.​

Our natural parks and springs are the perfect way to keep cool this summer. Whether you want to paddle a canoe downstream, float lazily in a tube, or swim and snorkel in…

Rainbow Springs State Park

Discover the natural wonders and exciting adventures awaiting you at Rainbow Springs State Park.

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