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Can you tube down Rainbow Springs?

Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience but is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. Instead, visit our tubing entrance located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road, Dunnellon.



Yes, you can absolutely go tubing down the Rainbow River, though it requires visiting a specific entrance of Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida. The tubing facility is located at 10830 SW 180th Ave Rd, which is separate from the main headsprings entrance. In 2026, the experience typically costs about $24 per person, which includes your tube rental and a tram ride that transports you upstream to the launch point. From there, you enjoy a leisurely, crystal-clear two-hour float back down to the park’s exit point. The water maintains a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round, making it a refreshing escape even in the height of the Florida summer. It is important to note that the tubing run has seasonal hours—often operating daily in the summer but only on weekends in the spring and fall—so checking the park's official schedule before you arrive is essential. Additionally, disposable items like plastic water bottles and wrappers are strictly prohibited on the river to protect the aquatic preserve.

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Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience but is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. Instead, visit our tubing entrance located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road, Dunnellon.

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Tubing the Rainbow River is a wonderful experience but is not allowed within the headsprings area of the park. Instead, visit our tubing entrance located on S.W. 180th Avenue Road, Dunnellon.

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*Tube fare is good for one trip down the river. Tubers who are under the age of 5 years old must wear and fasten a lifejacket while tubing. Visitors must agree to and follow our policies in order to participate. Visitors must sign our waiver and release of liability agreement.

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There is no parking fee however there is a $2.00 State Park Admission Fee per person.

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Welcome to Rainbow Springs State Park When swimmers take their first dip in the sapphire-blue waters of Rainbow Springs, they become characters in a story that stretches back over 10,000 years, when humans first visited this place.

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With our new kayak and tube package you can experience the beautiful Rainbow River year round for tubing. The trip we offer, you will float 4 1/2 miles down river to our new private kayak/tube exit ramp at the confluence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee River.

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The tourist attraction has been forced to close its doors as high maintenance costs and an uncertain future meant it was not financially viable, according to Ngai Tahu Holdings chief operating officer Craig Ellison.

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The water that bubbles up from the spring comes from a 770 square-mile area. Rainwater travels down through layers of soil and rock. This process filters the water before it travels through underground caves and surfaces at the spring. The spring flows into the spring run, which is the Rainbow River.

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Rainbow Springs is a State Park that has a $2 entry fee and offers a two hour float rental for $26. Personal tubes and coolers are allowed and coolers are available for rent on site also.

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The Following is Prohibited on the River Possession of food and beverages in disposable containers. Possession of disposable items such as paper sacks, boxes, breakable plastic utensils, etc. Possession of Tubes over 60 Inches in diameter.

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Tip: Rainbow Springs State Park has very high visitation on weekends and holidays, and will close once it reaches capacity. If you are planning a visit during these times be sure to arrive right at 8AM to get in.

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Rainbow Springs has the fourth largest flow of all Florida's springs and provides fresh water to the Rainbow and Withlacoochee rivers.

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During the five-year period, 37 different species of fish were collected from the Rainbow River System. The study helps biologists tell how any impact, whether natural or man-made, is affecting the spring's ecosystem and ecology.

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The most significant natural feature is the first-magnitude headspring basin which produces between 400 - 600 million gallons (1.5 to 2.3 million m?) of fresh water per day, forming the Rainbow River. The looking-glass waters of Rainbow Springs come from several vents, not one large bubbling spring.

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Taking any type of alcohol or disposables on the Rainbow River is prohibited by law. Acceptable containers include Tupperware, Rubbermaid or a thermos. Unlawful containers include: paper sacks, boxes, plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, breakable plastic utensils, paper napkins and towels.

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Canoe & Kayak Launch Visitors may launch privately owned canoes and kayaks from the headsprings launch area; but should be prepared to port their vessel 1,800 feet from the parking area to the launch area, due to no vehicle access to the river within the park.

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Guest Services Inc. provides rental equipment for canoes and kayaks from the Rainbow Springs launch site for guests to enjoy on the Rainbow River.

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