Florida is known for its crystal clear springs and Rock Springs Run at King’s Landing in Florida is one of the most beautiful natural springs in the state.
Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour to kayak along the crystalline waters, under tunnels of trees, and around the stunning Emerald Cut.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about kayaking at King’s Landing Florida!
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Tips for Kayaking at King’s Landing Florida and the Emerald Cut
Table of Contents
- Where is King’s Landing in Florida?
- King’s Landing Florida visitor information
- Launching at King’s Landing
- Paddle to the Emerald Cut
- Turn around at the Kelly Park Bridge
- Optional Shuttle Run Tour
- FAQ
Where is King’s Landing in Florida?
King’s Landing is located in Apopka, Florida, about 25 miles northwest of Orlando. While you’re in Orlando, see our guide 7 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks for recommendations.
King’s Landing is a private launch site along Rock Springs Run, the most well-known tributary that feeds into the Wekiva River.
Rock Springs Run begins at the neighboring Kelly Park and follows all the way to the Wekiva River and Wekiva Springs.
It is one of only two rivers in Florida that has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. Rock Springs Run is also often rated as the top paddle run in Central Florida.
And while you’re near Orlando, check out our guide 10 Magic Kingdom Tips & Tricks and Wizarding World of Harry Potter Photos and Tips!
King’s Landing Florida visitor information
The launch ramp at Kings Landing is open year-round 7 days a week from 8 am-5 pm. The Emerald Cut tour runs three times a day at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, and 2:30 pm.
A full refund will be given if a tour is canceled due to inclement weather. They do not cancel tours for light rain.
King’s Landing is located at 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, FL 32712.
There is no parking lot, parking is only available along Baptist Camp Road. If you are launching your own water vessel, you can drive up and unload before parking.
If you have a tour booked, be sure to arrive early enough to find parking.
Please note, food, drinks (except water), alcohol, fishing, disposable items, and pets are prohibited on the water. This is the case for most all of Florida’s natural springs.
I would also recommend a dry bag to store your phone, wallet, keys, etc.
Launching at King’s Landing
King’s Landing is the best place to access Rock Springs Run if you want to visit the Emerald Cut. Here you will find a tour operator, restrooms, and a small gift shop.
Visitors can take a guided tour, rent a kayak, or bring their own vessel and pay a launch fee. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards are welcome, but no tubes.
A separate tour operator also offers clear kayak tours that launch at King’s Landing.
The rentals and tours get booked up quickly, especially during peak season and holidays, so be sure to make reservations in advance.
We booked the Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure and loved it! The guided tour lasts about 2 hours and takes you one mile upstream before turning around and coming back.
It takes about 40 minutes to paddle one-mile upstream and about 30 minutes to paddle back down. There will also be several stops along the way to swim, climb trees, and take photos.
It is completely doable to kayak the river on your own without a guide. The river is easy to follow and you can’t really get lost.
However, we loved our guide (Nigel from the UK!). He was entertaining, shared some interesting facts, and took lots of pictures for us.
Whether you take a guided tour or launch on your own, you’ll start by launching your kayak at the King’s Landing ramp into a narrow canal.
The water in the canal is a bit muddy, but once you reach the end of the canal you’ll be greeted with the crystalline water that Rock Springs Run is known for.
Just note, if there has been heavy rain then the water along Rock Springs Run might not be quite as clear. Call ahead for conditions.
It had been raining all morning before our tour so unfortunately, the water wasn’t quite as blue when we visited.
Paddle to the Emerald Cut
Once you exit the canal, you’ll head to the right along Rock Springs Run to reach the Emerald Cut.
The river moves about 4 mph and is only about 2-4 feet deep the entire way, so it’s not too difficult to paddle upstream. After about 3/4 mile, you’ll reach the famed Emerald Cut.
The Emerald Cut is the most picturesque spot along Rock Springs Run. The clear emerald water cuts around a small sand bar with palm trees. It is a pristine oasis in the middle of a tropical jungle.
This is a great spot to park your kayak on the sandy bank and go for a swim. The Emerald Cut is a popular swimming spot, so it’s best to come during the week if you want fewer crowds.
The spring water is a refreshing 72 degrees year-round and feels fabulous on a hot muggy summer day. The clear water only gets about waist deep with a white sandy river bottom and little fish swimming around.
Anytime you enter fresh water in Florida, there is always the risk of encountering alligators.
However, our guide informed us that alligators prefer the murky water located several miles downstream and rarely venture upstream to the clear water.
He has only seen one baby alligator in this part of the river in all the years that he has been a guide.
While the risk is still there, the clear shallow water does make it easier to spot an alligator and we felt safe swimming here.
Turn around at the Kelly Park Bridge
After you’re done taking a dip, kayak back upstream for another quarter mile before ending at a bridge. The bridge separates Kelly Park-Rock Springs from the rest of Rock Springs Run.
Kelly Park-Rock Springs is at the mouth of Rock Spring and is known for being a “natural lazy river”. Visitors can rent tubes and lazily float down the clear spring water.
It is such a fun activity, but also an extremely popular place to visit.
You’ll find cars lined up before it opens at 8 am and it is often filled to capacity by 8:30 am. Once the capacity has been reached, the parking lot is closed for the day.
It is important to note that the bridge is a barricade and you can not access the Emerald Cut from Kelly Park, and you can not access Kelly Park from King’s Landing.
If you can get there early enough, I would recommend spending a few hours tubing at Kelly Park and then heading next door to King’s Landing where you can kayak to the Emerald Cut.
The water near the bridge is the prettiest color blue and it’s a great spot to get out and swim a little before heading back.
You’ll follow the river back the same way you came. It’s an easy and peaceful float downstream. You’ll pass quaint little private cabins lining the bank and possibly spot some white-tailed deer hiding in the trees.
If you are paddling without a guide, be sure to keep your eye out for the canal leading back to the launch ramp. The turnoff on your left can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
Optional Shuttle Run Tour
If you go past the canal, the river continues downstream for 8.5 miles before entering the Wekiva River and ending at Wekiva Island.
The water gets murkier, the current gets stronger, and the trees thin out the further downriver you go. You’ll also spot a lot more wildlife, including alligators, otters, deer, bald eagles, and possibly even a black bear.
If you are interested in exploring downstream, you can book a guided 6-hour Shuttle Run Tour. On the tour, you’ll paddle the 8.5 miles to Wekiva Island where a shuttle will then drive you back to King’s Landing.
It is also possible to do this kayak trip without a guide, but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation back.
And if you’re looking for another great Florida Springs kayak trip, check out this Clear Kayak tour on the Gulf Coast.
FAQ
- Are there alligators at King’s Landing? Alligators are present in the Rock Springs Run River, however, they usually stay in the murky water that is downstream from King’s Landing. It is not too common to see alligators in the clear water near King’s Landing and the Emerald Cut.
- Can you swim at King’s Landing? Yes, the water at King’s Landing and Rock Springs Run is shallow and clear making it the perfect spot to take a swim! The spring water also stays a constant 72 degrees year-round.
- How much does it cost to kayak at King’s Landing and the Emerald Cut? The Emerald Cut guided tour is $59 per person. Rental rates are $49 for a single kayak, $69 for a double kayak, and $59 for a canoe for 4 hours. If you bring your own vessel, there is a $10 launch fee per adult and $5 per child.
- How deep is the water at King’s Landing? The Rock Springs Run River by King’s Landing is between 2-4 feet deep.
- Can you get to the Emerald Cut from Kelly Park? No. While Kelly Park and the Emerald Cut are both located on the Rock Springs Run River, there is a bridge that barricades access to the Emerald Cut from Kelly Park. The only way to get to the Emerald Cut is via King’s Landing.
- Can I bring my own kayak to King’s Landing? Yes, you can bring your own kayak at King’s Landing and pay the $10 launch fee.
I hope this guide will help you to know what to expect when kayaking at King’s Landing Florida to the Emerald Cut! Feel free to leave any questions in the comments below.
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