Kings Landing Florida: Kayaking Crystal Clear Emerald Cut

Looking to explore some of Florida’s most stunning landscapes? Then look no further than Kings Landing, Florida! This location should be at the TOP of your must see list. Visiting here would allow you to experience things such as kayaking Emerald Cut, which is a must do for anything involved in Central Florida.

While we all associate things like Universal and Disney with Central Florida, Kings Landing, Florida is something we must see when visiting this area! Giving authentic and true Florida vibes, this destination is a natural spring perfect for those seeking adventure as well as those seeking relaxation.

This overview picture of Kings Landing Florida shows a bright blue river cutting through the geens of the landscape around it.

What is Emerald Cut at Kings Landing Florida?

Kings Landing Florida is located in Apopka. It is one of the most picturesque springs in the state! In fact, it is home to the iconic “Emerald Cut.” Kayaking Emerald Cut is consistently rated as one of the number one paddle runs in Central Florida, and here is why!

First, it is important to note that the waterway of Kings Landing Florida is known as Rock Springs Run. This river runs from Kelly Park to Wekiva River and also Wekiva Springs. There is tons to do here!

The Emerald Cut is 3/4 of a mile from the launch at Kings Landing. It is the number one spot to kayak in Kings Landing, Florida, so make sure to add kayaking Emerald Cut to a bucket list! The spring runs down from Rock Springs and is known for its varying depth, changing currents, trees, sand bars, and more!

A woman wades through the clear water at Kings Landing Florida, trees and foliage surrounding the river.

Brown Water vs. Crystal Clear Water at Emerald Cut

While kayaking Emerald Cut is known for its crystal clear waters, don’t be afraid if they turn brown a time or two! When paddling through the lush jungle-like nature, you’ll see the sandy bottom beneath your paddle board or kayak.

This is truly a tropical oasis! However, the water isn’t always super clear. If it rains, for example, the tannis in the rain makes the water brown. If you’re worried about this, just call ahead! That’s what we did, and Kings Landing Florida communicated with us effectively to make sure our water was clear!

A long palm tree stretches over some brackish water at Kings Landing Florida.

How much Does it Cost to Kayak Emerald Cut From Kings Landing

You can self launch for a small fee ($10!)! Or you can rent a canoe or kayak on their website. When you participate in self launch kayaking Emerald Cut, it is for a 4 hour rental and the return shuttle is not included.

For a double kayak it is $79, and a single kayak rental is $59. Every single kayak can seat one person with a max weight of 330 pounds. For the double kayaks, you can seat two people with a max weight of 450 pounds. Rental rates are per vessel and all equipment and safety gear are included!

A woman's feet sit in the tip of a canoe as it heads down the river: you can see the sandy bottom of the river through the clear water as the boat moves.

What Time does Kings Landing Open and Close?

Kings Landing Florida is open 7 days a week. Their hours are 8 am until 5 pm. Just make sure to review the rules and regulations before you go, and check weather: tours will be refunded if canceled by tour guides and staff members. But they do not cancel for light rain, overcast skies, or cooler temperatures.

The kayak launch at Kings Landings Florida is easy to maneuver: blue tarp hangs above the launch for protection, the ramp eases into the water, and tons of yellow kayaks are stacked at the side for rental.

Map of Emerald Cut From Kings Landing

First it is important to know how to get to Kings Landing Florida. Its exact location is 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, FL 32712. Once you arrive, park in a drive way and unload! Then move your car to the outside gates.

All kayak routes are accessed through a narrow canal– you can go either left or right to exit the canal. Going left will take you to Wekiva Island. This is a 8.5 mile route with a current, so be prepared! If you turn right, you’ll end up kayaking Emerald Cut! This will have you paddling against the current, but the pace is leisurely and the journey is so amazing that you’ll want to stop, splash around and just enjoy!

A picture of the map of Kings Landing Park shows each route as you turn off the narrow canal and go explore: you can see campsites, swimming holes and more.

Are There Alligators When Kayaking at Kings Landing?

Kings Landing Apopka, like any natural spring in Florida, always runs the risk of gators. Despite if you can see them or not, just assume they are there! Kayaking from Kings Landing involves us stepping into an environment that is full of wildlife, so just be cautious, but also have fun! Keep your eyes open! You may even see otters, deer, turtles, black bears, eagles and more.

An overhead show shows a couple walking in the blue water at Kings Landing Florida. She wears a red suit, and he wears a blue suite as they hold hands and stare in awe at the greens around them.

How Cold is the Water at Kings Landing/Emerald Cut?

What we love most about natural springs is the constant water temperatures! Of course there is some vacation, but when you are looking at Kings Landing canoe rentals and more, you may want to consider water temperature. Thankfully, the water stays at about 70 degrees Fahrenheit! This will cool everyone off in the summer heat.

A woman in a red one piece bathing suit stands against a tree that is in the middle of the blue water and shallow sands at Kings Landing Florida.

Crowds at Kings Landing

What are the crowds at Kings Landing Florida like? Well, honestly, it depends when you go! Of course if you try to make reservations or book Kings Landing kayak rentals last minute, it may sell out. Especially if it is peak season!

Bookings sell out in advance during the high season. We went on a Monday, and were required to get a canoe rather than a kayak due to high demands. This was in March! So book online and in advance if you can– kayaking Emerald Cut and enjoying Kings Landing Apopka is a popular place. Don’t wait!

From a birds eye view, this photo shows groups of kayakers stopping and continuing to paddle down the river at Kings Landings Florida.

Can you Paddle Board from Kings Landing?

Yes, yes you can! In addition to being able to kayak and canoe down these wonderful paths, you can also paddle board! But if you are in Emerald Cut, you cannot tube. Just be aware of the length of some of these runs.

For example, from the launch at Kings Landing to the dock located at Wekiva, it is a 8.5 mile run! Pace yourself and know your own strengths when considering the intensity of some of these activities.

Another overhead photo of Kings Landing Florida shows the route you can take when kayaking Emerald Cut: the blue water literally cuts through the green of the land.

Kings Landing Kayak Tours

When considering kayaking Emerald Cut or even just visiting Kings Landing Florida, look at all your options! You can either venture out on your own, or take a tour! A tour may be a great option if you are not a Florida native. Or maybe you are visiting with a local and want to do something interesting or different.

The cool part is that these clear kayaks make tours more fun! You can book tours online at Kings Landing’s website. Some of the tours include things like the Emerald-Cut Kayak Adventure, the VIP Wild Florida Kayak Adventure, the Hike + Kayak Adventure and the Summer Nites Kayak Adventure.

Ranging in time from 2 hours to upward of four hours, these tours let you learn more from guides and relax more! All tours range in price, but all of them are under $100 as well, so it really is the perfect day adventure!

Two people navigate a clear kayak on the waters of Kings Landing Florida. They paddle together in the clear water, with trees and foliage surrounding them.

How to Find Emerald Cut when Kayaking Kings Landing

As mentioned earlier, all routes lead from a narrow canal. If you go right– and this is a hard, sharp right– you will find yourself paddling upstream. This will take you to Emerald Cut! It is a lot less scary than we thought it was going to be, and really not confusing at all! Follow the currents and crowds when unsure!

A woman in a red bathing suit walks away from the camera and stares down the winding pathway of the route at Kings Landing Florida: the river continues down into the greens of the land.

Tips for Kayaking Kings Landing Florida

We want to make sure you have the best time at Kings Landing Florida and while kayaking Emerald Cut. So here are some tips for your visit (which can also be applied to many of the natural springs in Florida):

No food, drinks, fishing, alcohol or disposable items are allowed on the water
Bring water shoes! Especially if you are tubing at the springs!
Book your reservations ahead of time.
Water proof phone cases and small bags for your keys and valuables will save your life
Bring sunscreen!
Arrive early to give yourself as much time as you can get on the river!
Bring your own gear if you want to save money
Pack a lunch for a great picnic
Look at special events on the river– Halloween events are popular!
No food, drinks, fishing, alcohol or disposable items are allowed on the water
Bring water shoes! Especially if you are tubing at the springs!
Book your reservations ahead of time.
Water proof phone cases and small bags for your keys and valuables will save your life
Bring sunscreen!
Arrive early to give yourself as much time as you can get on the river!
Bring your own gear if you want to save money
Pack a lunch for a great picnic
Look at special events on the river– Halloween events are popular!

A woman in a red bathing suit sits on a tree branch that juts out into the clear, blue waters of Kings Landing Florida.

And there you have it, folks! All you need to know about Kings Landing Florida and the experience of kayaking Emerald Cut. This adventure is totally worth it. So pack a bag, take a hike, and find yourself floating down one of the most majestic rivers in the state of Florida!