Wekiva Springs Tutors Tutors Come To You

Tired parents and cranky kids who have overdosed on Orlando’s theme parks will love Wekiva Island, just a couple of miles north of Wekiva Springs, Florida. Visitors are sometimes surprised to find this lush oasis in the middle of central Florida, but it is well worth the twenty-five-minute jaunt from Orlando. The environmentally friendly, indoor/outdoor recreation center located on the Wekiva River has something to offer everyone, whether pursuing relaxation or exercise.

For Water Lovers
Wekiva Island shows off best to water-sports enthusiasts. From the water, wildlife—deer, bears, otters, and an occasional monkey—can be seen along the shores. Herons, turtles, and other birds are plentiful, and alligators can be spotted along the marshy banks. Wekiva Island is a launch point for the sixteen-mile Wekiva Paddling Trail, and canoers and kayakers have a great vantage point to observe nature at its finest.

The facility has over a hundred canoes and twenty-five kayaks available for renting. Stand-up paddleboards are also available and are rented on a first-come-first-served basis; those who own their own may launch for a small fee (same for personally owned kayaks and canoes). Visitors can bring their up-to-25HP boats for launching. And, of course, plain old swimming is always popular. Luckily for swimmers, the Wekiva River remains a refreshing 72 degrees year-round.

Land Activities
There’s plenty to do ashore as well. Wekiva Island has sand volleyball courts, complete with bleachers. Guests can also bring their own bait and tackle and fish from boats, canoes, or bridges (fishing is not allowed from the shore, however).

For the ultimate in relaxation, guests can rent river “banas”: covered cabanas that come equipped with a couch, a rocking chair, and Adirondack chairs. Cabinets and ice chests are also available. There is also a whole row of Adirondack chairs along the boardwalk, a wood sidewalk that follows the river and Sweetwater Canal.

Wekiva Island has a large event tent, the perfect shelter for eating lunch or just taking a break from the sun. Live bands play here, mostly on weekends. Guests can come for special events like “wine and paint” nights. In fact, the owners love art so much that they are adding an art gallery, a way to share their love of creativity with their guests.

Another escape from the sun is inside the Tooting Otter, Wekiva Island’s indoor/outdoor beer and wine bar (there’s A/C inside!). For quieter respite, “The Sanctuary” is a river marina that provides covered boat slips away from the more social spots, such as the boardwalk, and some visitors may prefer the peace and quiet here.

Wekiva Springs-area families are lucky to have access to Wekiva Island—a virtual oasis in the middle of Florida. Students who work with a Wekiva Springs tutor will have more time for recreation at this great attraction. And hardworking Wekiva Springs tutors and teachers can visit Wekiva Island for an up-close view of central Florida riparian habitat, as well as a well-deserved day off.