By Rocco Maglio: Read More

Buccaneer Bay opened in 1982 on the Weeki Wachee head waters across from the Mermaid Attraction. The sandy beach that they built the water slide on has been a part of Weeki Wachee since at least the 1940s.

The water at Buccaneer Bay is cool all year long. The water flows out of Weeki Wachee Springs at a consistent 74.6 F. The water is constantly being replaced by the spring, putting out over 100 million gallons a day on average.

In addition to the sandy beach, there is a floating dock in the swimming area. The dock is located in a deep part of the swim area and the dock can be used as a base to explore.

Buccaneer Bay originally opened with the twin straight flume water slides that ran to the lagoon. Over time they added the twisting slide next to the straight slides. A while later they added additional slides that have since been removed.

The park originally had a separate entrance fee for Buccaneer Bay from the Mermaid attraction. When Weeki Wachee became a state park 2008 the entrance fee allowed you into both the Mermaid attraction and Buccaneer Bay.

Tubes are available for rent and these can be used to float down the lazy river. You are not allowed to bring your own tubes.

There is the Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove which is a kiddie pool for the young kids to play in. It is shallow and there is a lifeguard on duty. This area is for children 6 years old and under.

Weeki Wachee Springs Park which includes Buccaneer Bay quickly reaches capacity on summer holidays. So if you are planning to go to Buccaneer Bay on a nice summer day you need to get there early.

Buccaneer Bay is on the Weeki Wachee river, so occasionally wildlife will enter the area. This includes alligators, turtles, manatees, and otters. The water is clear so the swimmers tend to see the wildlife from a fair distance. Approaching or feeding the wildlife is not allowed.

There are minimum height requirements for the slides. There is a 42 inch height requirement to ride ‘Pirate’s Revenge’ and ‘Thunderbolt’ flumes. The Cannonball has a 48 inch height requirement. For safety, they do not allow denim shorts/cutoffs, or shirts to be worn on the slides, but the tight swim/skin shirts are acceptable.

The park is open from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It is located at 6131 Commercial Way Spring Hill, FL 34606.

The Ticket prices are as follows: Adults are $13.00, children between 6 and 12 years old are $8.00, and children 5 and under are free. There are also family packs and year passes available.