Nestled in the heart of Apopka, Florida, Kings Landing is a hidden gem. It made the list of top excursions for our family and it will for yours too! Kayaking the Emerald Cut in a pristine spring-fed river you can paddle board, kayak or canoe. The Emerald Cut with its crystal-clear water and towering trees overhead gives Island vibes right in central Florida. It feels like you are in another world.
Planning and Reservations
Our daughter, Alyssa, really wanted to kayak while on vacation in Florida. So I did a little research and spoke to a friend who is a local. She recommended we try out King’s Landing and it did not disappoint.
It’s the #1 paddling destination in central Florida. It’s located 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, FL 32712. You can make reservations, pay, and fill out the waivers online. We chose the Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure 2 1/2 hour guided tour but they have paddle board tours also. Bringing your own paddle boards, kayaks or canoes? Be sure to make a reservation and pay for launch fees and you’re all set too. Especially during Spring Break and Summer when reservations sell out.
Getting There!!!
Our family started our adventure early in the morning. Since King’s Landing is located,in Apopka, about an hour from Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. We set out at 7:00 am and traffic was light. Our arrival time was 8:15 for our 8:30 kayak time. There is a small parking lot or you can park on the grass lining the road. Walk to the end of the road and enter King’s Landing. After arrival, you’ll check in at their general store just a short walk from the entrance. *Jeneice’s tip*- fill out your waivers online to save time and make check in a breeze. You can shop around this quaint store while waiting for your tour and find an assortment of shirts, phone covers, snacks and even sunglasses. Then you’ll wait for your guide!
Our guide, Owen, went over the basics of kayaking, safety and how to use our paddle to steer and gave us the required life jacket. However, they make a great back rest since we’re good swimmers and the water is shallow.
They set up the kayaks for you to get into and will assist in entrance and exit from the water too. Next, you’ll paddle to the end of the canal before you enter the actual springs.
Packing for the Springs:
- Sun Screen and sun glasses
- Waterproof floating Cell phone pouch
- Go Pro or other waterproof camera
- Waterproof Dry Bag for anything you want to keep dry (Use free lockers)
- Snacks and bottle of water
- Wear bathing suits
Let’s go on a Kayaking Adventure
We loaded into our kayaks and navigated through the canal and to the right, into the Emerald Cut section of Rock Springs Run. If you go left you’ll enter The Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Once we turned right into Rock Springs Run, the Emerald Cut, we paddled upstream against the current. This morning it was so quiet and serene paddling and the water was crystal clear. The trees stretched tall overhead with peaks of sunlight streaming through, this is the perfect escape. Just Wow, no wonder they call this Natures Theme Park.
As we paddled the Emerald Cut, Owen, our tour guide was explaining about the animals that inhabit this area and the history of the Springs. It’s really fascinating to think that we’d find this gem when we ventured outside the “Disney Bubble”.
We saw a gorgeous heavily leaning oak tree that was stretching across the water. Our daughter, Alyssa, is seen hugging it in the photo above. The water was glimmering with the sun shining through the trees and reflecting on the water.
As we approached the end of the Emerald Cut (turn around point) that’s roped off at Kelly Park, we pulled the kayaks onto the grass. After paddling for 1.5 miles it felt so good to get out and stretch our legs in the water here. This little spring-fed white sand oasis felt like being in a jungle it was so quiet and serene! Surrounded by only the trees, we enjoyed our early morning solitude in the Emerald Cut. Alyssa jumped right in and swam and enjoyed the turquoise water. The cool water was so clear we could see fish swimming around us!
kayaking back to King’s Landing
We loaded into our kayaks for the trip back and let the current gently guide us. The way back is the easy part, all you need to do is steer! As we coasted we could hear something on the banks of the springs rustling in the bushes. Eventually we saw the playful otters who entered the water around us. An Egret on the shore in the bushes and a turtle beneath us. These were just some of the wildlife we encountered on our trip.
On our way back the Emerald Cut became a bit more crowded. My husband who had originally balked at leaving so early this morning, now understood and was happy we were headed back just in time to beat the crowd. We were navigating around other kayakers and paddlers as we made our way back. It was fun and people would call out left or right side so you knew they were coming. Although there were a few tight squeezes, I felt the crowd level was still comfortable. We made our way back to King’s Landing through the canal.
Final Thoughts
Thrilled that we all enjoyed our adventure in the Springs and honestly we’re sad it was over! I would 10/10 recommend booking this tour! I was overjoyed that our guide, Owen, took some photos for us during the tour and after would be emailing them to us. This was such a nice bonus! We gathered our belongings and said farewell to King’s Landing as others were just starting their adventures. We venomed a tip to our guide (cash is also accepted) for a job well done!
- Make reservations for King’s Landing to kayak or paddle board or bring your own
- Fill out the waivers online to save time
- Remember to bring items you’ll need (list above)
- Pets are not allowed
- Life Vests are required
- If you plan on visiting in the summer or over spring break you’ll definitely want to go early as the crowds would be heavier.
If you loved this adventure you may love this unique tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
