The Ichnetucknee River is crystal clear and you can enjoy 3 different tubing routes according to the time available:
- EXPERIENCE ONE South entrance this will take you up to one and a half hours There is a shuttle to return you or you can walk back and enjoy the surroundings at a more leisurely pace
- EXPERIENCE TWO South entrance this will only take you around an hour from Dampiers Landing and again you can be shuttled back
- EXPERIENCE THREE North entrance takes up to two hours and takes you to Dampiers Landing
The scenery of this very special State Park is stunning with splendid hard hammock and limestone and lots of wildlife, Therefore you are asked to read the safety and conservation information before you tube
Families must stay together and you asked to try not to drag your feet in the vegetation
Since entry is limited to 750 people it is best to avoid weekends and holidays. Also since it is a lengthy drive from Orlando, do check before you go to ensure that all is running (there is a limited access from Oct to April)
You can take your own tubes or hire them and it is advisable for children or poor swimmers to have a flotation aid
The hotel choices in the nearest town (Ft. White) are not the best. What I would suggest is that you stay in Gainesville and do a day trip. Gainesville is only about 30-45 minutes away and also has some nice areas to visit as well(so turn it into a side trip as a contrast to your wonderful Orlando holiday) You might consider High Springs as well. It's very close to the springs and is a small town with antique shops, etc.
The full address is Ichnetucknee Springs State Park Route 2 Box 5355 Fort White Florida 32038 and it is app 4 miles North West of Fort White off the State Route 47 and the 238
Open 365 days of the year from 8 am to sundown with limited access from Oct to April
I bet you can't wait to try this one ITCHY as it is known to the locals if you want to sound in the know!