LONGWOOD, Fla. — Central Florida’s Wekiva River has long been a destination for paddle boarders, kayakers and even those wishing to cool off.

What You Need To Know

  • The only boat tour along the Wekiva River is open to the public every day

  • The hour-long tour takes guest along the pristine waterway to view wildlife like alligators, otters, bobcats and birds

  • Guests will learn about Shell Island, which is owned by Rollins College and was once home to Native Americans

  • Rollins College students have found artifacts on Shell Island like pottery and tools dating back 5,000 years

But for those that really want to relax and even learn the history of the waterway, there is a new way to enjoy the river.

Wekiva Wild River Tour creator Angel Ramos says there are all kinds of creatures living along the waterway.

“We will see otters, snakes, bobcats, bears — there are all sorts of wildlife out here,” said Ramos.

The 16-mile-long river is considered one of the most pristine waterways anywhere near Orlando.

“When you’re out here, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere,” Ramos said. “Currently, on the river we are the only boat tour on the Wekiva River.”

The hour-long ride will take you to a little-known place known as Shell Island.

“So, these mounds were created by the Native Americans,” Ramos said, pointing at mounds of small shells on the island.

The island along the Wekiva River is owned by Rollins College, which purchased the land for less than $100 to allow students to study and even dig for artifacts buried on the island.

In the 1970s, students uncovered pottery, tools, shells and food sources (large snail shells) that the Native Americans once used and are still stored at the school.

“The early occupation at Shell Island was about 5,000 years ago,” said Zack Gilmore, who is the archaeology program coordinator at Rollins College.

Rollins has kept meticulous records in the library of their finds that anyone can come and read.

“We want to preserve the legacy of the Native Americans,” said Wenxian Zhang, head of Archives and Special Collections.

The Wekiva Wild River Tour is $42 per person with trips running seven days a week.

Reservations are made online.