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

The pure, spring-fed Rainbow River flows through Ocala/Marion County and is a perfect place to try tubing. The smooth, slow current effortlessly pushes you downstream (at approximately 1 mile per hour), giving you plenty of time to enjoy the area’s breathtaking natural surroundings while viewing Florida’s colorful wildlife in the water and on the shore.

If you’re planning a Rainbow River tubing adventure, remember to pack the following items:

towels
swimsuits
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

Note that disposable containers are prohibited on the Rainbow River, and having them is a finable offense. Children must be over the age of 5. You’ll also be asked to sign a safety waiver and release of liability agreement prior to renting and using tubes.

Here are two of the best places in Ocala/Marion County to launch your Rainbow River tubing adventure!

Entrance sign to KP Hole Park — 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. Tubing rentals and shuttle services back to the KP Hole parking lot are available daily from May 1 - September 30.

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.

A sunny day at Rainbow River State Park with clear water and trees along the coastline — 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.

Location

10830 S.W. 180th Ave Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

Cost

entry to Rainbow Springs State Park costs $2 per person
tube rental and tram access costs $20/person

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