'Floatillas': Relaxing on the Water

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Silver Glen Springs is one of the most popular spots along the St. Johns River.

Photo Credit: Michaele Miller

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Tubing at K.P. Hole County Park on the Rainbow River.

Photo Credit: Michaele Miller

Experience Florida’s waterways — without moving an inch.

We’ve got friends who will proudly tell you stories of all the Florida territory they’ve covered by boat – up and down rivers, around lakes and along both coastlines. In our family, bragging rights stem from how much time you can spend on the water without actually going anywhere. And while there are occasions that call for maximum horsepower, more often our crew prefers to slather on the sunscreen, turn up the tunes and go nowhere fast.

River Boating, Just for Floating

Rafting up – dropping anchor and tying boats together in a pod of six or more – is all the fun of tailgating or barbecuing with a much better view.  On any given weekend at Silver Glen Springs (outside the recreation area), the scene rivals a stadium parking lot on game day. Think music, grilling and kids doing cannonballs off the back deck. But with its sweeping cypress trees and schools of striped bass, this is not just a place for fun, but arguably one of most beautiful spots along the St. Johns River.

Hit the Springs by Tube

Those without the need for speed will tell you one of the best ways to enjoy the state’s waterways is completely motor-free: aboard a trusty inner tube or other float with the current doing all the work. Want to try it for yourself? Head to K.P. Hole County Park on the Rainbow River, about an hour and a half north of Tampa. On a hot summer day, up to a thousand tubers hit the river – which is always 72 degrees. With a route that can take up to four hours to complete, consider getting an extra tube, so your cooler will always be nearby (no disposable containers).

Disappearing Island

On the Atlantic Coast near New Smyrna Beach, Disappearing Island is the place to be when the temperature rises. Plan accordingly though, because the “now you see it, now you don’t” island sandbar makes its appearance only during low tide at Ponce Inlet. Boats, tubes, inflatable lounge chairs and a whole crew of people with no place to go dot the scenery of this local hangout. Bring your friends, family – even your dog. Your little ones will especially enjoy the floating pontoon ice cream truck that makes its way through the area on hot afternoons.

On the Dock of the Bay

If Mardi Gras took place on the water, it would look something like the celebration surrounding the annual Columbus Day regatta at Biscayne Bay in South Florida. Marking its 56th year in 2010, this event attracts boaters from all over the globe for the annual sailboat race. From luxury yachts to inflatable rafts, the sideline fêtes stay afloat for three full days every October. Certain portions of the seven-square-mile anchorage have been known to get a little “carefree,” so if you’re looking to stay in a family-friendly spot, the area around Elliott Key, Sands Key and Boca Chita are all great places to anchor.

Whether your vessel of choice packs a 250-horsepower motor or is inflated by your lung-power alone, our waterways are just the right place to raft up, kick back and enjoy.