Located about an hour north of Tampa Bay, Weeki Wachee is known as the City of Mermaids. While we were not in the area to visit any “finned-friends,” Weeki Wachee is also known for its many beautiful fresh water springs. We made a stop at Buccaneer Bay in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It is a waterpark built on a freshwater spring.

Watch Buccaneer Bay experience video here.

The park was cool. It kind of felt like we took a step back in time upon entering. The park was very affordable – only $13 for adults, $8 for children 6 – 12, and free for children 5 and below!

Entering Weeki Wachee Springs State Park gives you access to many things; mermaid shows, trails, river boat rides, and refreshments. But we spent our entire stay at Buccaneer Bay, the waterpark.

At Buccaneer Bay, there are waterslides, a kiddie area, “lazy river”, man-made beach area, bar and confession areas, and my favorite spot where we spent most of our time was just the open fresh water spring/pool area. It felt good to swim around, and act like a kid again. Since it is a spring, the water if shockingly cold but refreshing. One thing to note is that if you plan on going on the “lazy river” or the waterslides that require tubes, you must pay $7 to rent tubes in addition to the park admission. We ended up not renting tubes, but instead went down one of the body slides… and it was quite abrupt!

If you’re already in the area, I’d recommend swinging by and checking Buccaneer Bay & Weeki Wachee Springs State Park out. It made for a short little Florida day trip!

Read more about Buccaneer Bay here.
Read more about the history of Weeki Wachee here.

On the way back from Weeki Wachee to Tampa Bay, we ate at a delicious restaurant called Capt’n Jack’s Waterfront Grille in Tarpon Springs in which I also recommend if your swinging by from the Tampa Bay area!

Thanks for reading/watching – Stay adventurous!