Overview... Waccasassa, Wekiva, and Otter Creek Paddling

All from One Remote Launch

The Waccasassa River and Wekiva River (Levy County, not to be confused with the Wekiva River near Orlando), and Otter Creek present a remote, scenic paddling experience with few paddlers or other boaters encountered. With the area's peaceful beauty and variety of habitats from swamp to forest, cypress (including some old giants), many flowers and birds, taken together we rate these among our top paddling destinations in Florida. Another plus, it's close to Paddling at Cedar Key, and a good option when winds are strong on the open Gulf. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddling Map
Waccasassa and Wekiva Rivers, Otter Creek

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Distance: Waccasassa River, 29 miles (3-4 navigable); Wekiva River, about 8 miles (2-3 navigable); Otter Creek, about 10 miles (2-3 navigable). Much is not navigable paddling upstream.
Location: Levy County (Gulf Hammock, east of Cedar Key)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: Waccasassa River Park boat ramp (CR 326 off US 19) (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Cedar Key, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

N/A

Page Summary:

Waccasassa and Wekiva Rivers and Otter Creek (links)
Launch at Waccasassa River Park
Flora and Fauna
More Information and Resources

Waccasassa and Wekiva Rivers and Otter Creek.... Comments and Photos

Access to all 3 is from the boat ramp at Waccasassa River Park. The best paddling is from Waccasassa River Park upstream, more sheltered, very scenic, with few motorboats (we didn't see any). About 2/3 mile upstream from the launch, the river appears to split - take the left hand fork to continue on the Waccasassa, and the right hand fork for the Wekiva. Downstream from the launch about 1.5 miles is Otter Creek. Due to the remote location, be sure to plan accordingly.

Note: as a rule of thumb, we find that tides run about 2 hours later on upper sections of tidal creeks when compared to locations along the Gulf or others waters where tides are measured.

Go to the links below to see more details on each paddling destination: