Exploring & Snorkeling the Rainbow River with a Tiny Boat

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[@jt36048]

Wonderful video..! We discovered that spot and Swampy's thanks to you Kevin. Keep up the good videos..!

[@OverlandFlorida]

I’m glad you found this video helpful. Thanks I’ll I’ll be posting more boating videos soon.

[@klass7814]

My husband and I really enjoy your videos. I hope you keep making them. Very relaxing. Thank you.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thank you! We are actually headed back out to Rainbow river right now!

[@SALTxTHExWOUND]

Awesome video! We’re doing a trip here in October and I was debating taking my highsider, thanks!

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks, I try to take the Gheenoe/Riverhawk everywhere. It's a fun boat for exploring.

[@henryi9738]

Love the Rainbow River. I used to float down it on an inner tube back in the 80s with my youth group. Thanks for this video !

[@OverlandFlorida]

You're welcome, it's a real treat everything I go!

[@Whalermansteve84]

I took my whaler there this summer. Got several people turning their heads wondering why I had a 50 hp motor on a small whaler lol. Once my Suzuki 25 arrives I’ll be back on the river. Swampys has ok food

[@OverlandFlorida]

Leave the 50 on there lol

[@chronicawareness9986]

just a little bit up from that creek is a place called devils elbow where its like 20-25 feet deep..... im lucky my parents live in a community that has river access so ive been going in the river every day that i can when the weathers nice... i love it... great place to practice freediving

[@OverlandFlorida]

I've snorkeled there many years ago. It's a really cool spot.

[@johnnycramer5841]

Love the boat. The simple life is the best life!! Timmy C Arizona

[@OverlandFlorida]

Where are you at now Timmy?

[@johnnycramer5841]

@@OverlandFlorida Back in Phoenix. Golfed today. Head back to San Diego on the 27th! 😎

[@Cyfi71]

Another nice day on the river! I have a ten foot portabote with a 5hp Nissan out board. Glad you got a Bimini top, my wife really loves the shade.

[@OverlandFlorida]

The shade really comes in handy!

[@20truck]

Can you scuba dive in the Rain Bow river now? I went diving there in 1993, we started at head spring and got out at the public boat landing.

[@OverlandFlorida]

You can suba dive there.

[@beboboymann3823]

Go on down river on the Withlacoochee to Blue Gator’s at the bridge in Dunnellin. You’ll like the food there. Across the street is a boat ramp. Thumbs up all the way.

[@OverlandFlorida]

That’s the boat ramp that I used. I’ve eaten at the blue gator before.

[@blockaid]

Looks fun and like the new top. We want to hear more from Katie!

[@OverlandFlorida]

We love the new top too! Maybe she will warm up to the camera soon.

[@eddiemortontapman7252]

Taking us snorkeling and riding the canal waters and lakes seem to get your biggest views

[@OverlandFlorida]

Sometimes. It's hit and miss.

[@mattclark5480]

I've been down that little creek many times thanks for the video 👍

[@caravandanadventures]

Looks like a need an inflatable paddle board. Some of the Panhandle Springs are closed. Due to too much rain. But Vortex Springs & Ponce De Leon State Park are open. Headed to Bonifay to camp. Then 2 days of snorkeling (beginner) at springs. Run down to PCB, do e-bike ride on beach. Catch a sunset. Really enjoyed this video. Rainbow Springs, a must do for me to see

[@OverlandFlorida]

Yeah, the Santa Fe River is flooded. Sounds like you have your adventures all planned out.

[@eradgr8]

Awesome video. The water clarity was beautiful.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thank you!

[@kencarnley7101]

I miss Florida. This part. I grew up in Jacksonville. My Great Grandmother lived in Dunnellon. We always had a big Family Reunion the 4th of July. We picnicked at the KP Hole. Back then there were picnic shelters but you just swam in the River. No docks etc. like now. I live in NC now. We do have the Mountains.

[@OverlandFlorida]

I love North Carolina. I ued to live there a few months out of the year. It's a beautiful place. KP isn't what it used to be. They pack as many people in there as possible.

[@kencarnley7101]

@@OverlandFlorida Times have changed

[@fbanda20]

Haha I’ve been following the channel and never realized your from Lakeland too. South Lakeland here 👋.

[@OverlandFlorida]

South Lakeland here too. Born and raised.

[@joerockme7485]

COOL VIDEO !!!! TOP LOOKS COOL ON YOUR BOAT TOO !!! LOOKING FOR THE NEXT !

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks! I love the top!

[@Soladaddy]

Was there 2 weeks ago. No smell issues, but that's before the storm so maybe too much rain causing issues... We plan on returning mid August.

[@OverlandFlorida]

The Blue Gator is a great restaurant on the water as well.

[@Soladaddy]

@@OverlandFlorida Thanks, may try them out.

[@darksideemt]

Looked like a great day and the water was beautiful.

[@OverlandFlorida]

It sure was! Going out again all weekend.

[@UrbanOverlanding]

Love that fuel efficiency! Looked like a great day

[@OverlandFlorida]

Even with 4 people and gear we were cruising on that thing. I love it.

[@jellygum100]

Loved that fuel efficiency?? I bet everybody tubing and kayaking loved the noise and smell as you motored by.

[@Jackalopestravels]

Nice to see Josh out and about. Good video.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks!

[@richkeylor787]

There is a place across the river from Swampy's on San Jose Blvd. that looks like a water treatment plant. Maybe you were just downwind that day. Anyway, thanks for another great video, and it has been fun seeing the evolution of the boat.

[@OverlandFlorida]

It was definitely the restaurant smelling. Thanks, I love how the boat has turned out.

[@stephenwollard1976]

The last time I walked up that creek it was during a cold front one March. Freezing outside and warm in the water....

[@waynerumambi3024]

Thank you for the video! It’s beautiful 👍🏼

[@OverlandFlorida]

You're welcome!

[@GatorLife57]

Nice trip yall ! Thumbs up !

[@Knifeinyolife]

Nice video Kevin. Ill be getting a jon boat in the very near future. Maybe I'll see you outthere one day.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Of course, we'll have to get together.

[@jeannieedgeman1531]

Ron and I stopped and ate at that restaurant when I took him to the Rainbow River when he was little. Yes, he was little once.

[@OverlandFlorida]

You mean he wasn't always 6ft tall?

[@ReelFloridaOutdoors]

Always enjoy watching your videos. Hopefully joining the Gheenoe family soon.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks for watching! Gheenoe makes one heck of a boat!

[@magaisacult2023]

You can go under that gate! I was involved in a in-depth study to determine what is owned by the landowner (Mr Gissy) owns. He owns from 7 feet ABOVE the high water mark, not the run, not the spring. That is the reason the gate does not block the water, it is at the 7ft mark. If Gissy could, he'd block the entire run to below water surface. Had a well known lawyer who specializes in water/dock rights and permits help in the sturdy. It is yet to be litigated as they have not arrested anyone in our group, but will be if they do! Oh, and no Gissy still owns it, and had petitioned the county for a permit to build condos, camping grounds, etc even an amphitheater for concerts. There was so much local resistance, he withdrew his petition.

[@tilapia101]

So the gate is a joke? You can go past it?

[@OverlandFlorida]

That's what I thought. But its been a while since I'd been there. I thought the black gate was new. Thank you for this information, I'll have to swim under next time.

[@magaisacult2023]

@@tilapia101 Absolutely, but when you do quite possibly a "security guard" will come out and tell you if you do not leave he will call Marion County sheriff. Tell them go ahead, you will stay in the water and will not trespass.

[@magaisacult2023]

@@OverlandFlorida Gissy knows he can't stop you, but in most cases people see a gate and stop. Notice how the fence does not go down to the water? That;s because he knows he can't, or he surely would! BTW, Gissy earned his $Tens of Millions $ off the backs of hardworking people conned into buying timeshares.

[@shaneyox4736]

Mr Gissy was actually awarded rights to that water way from the state of Florida. One of the few cases where navigable waterways are actually owned. Reason being the waterway was not navigable until it was dug out allowing access to the river which he somehow proved. The sheriffs office will absolutely 100 percent arrest you and they have. I am a local law enforcement officer in Dunnellon and spent 5 years on marine patrol. The sheriffs office wouldn’t waste there time putting that sign up if they weren’t serious

[@ryanmichael5330]

Love these videos. I like the bimini top you put on your riverhawk. I've been looking around to pick one up for myself (boat). I'm in Tampa, so have access to all the stuff I see you do, and it makes me want to get out there lol

[@OverlandFlorida]

They are hard to find, but they are out there! Thanks for watching!

[@mikeclassing5263]

Another great video , keep em comin .

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thank you Mike!

[@centralbears3010]

gets you outside - cheap fun! All that matters. I'm touring Florida March 2025. hope to meet your gang sometime.

[@OverlandFlorida]

It was cheap fun while it lasted. Now the boats are going for triple the cost.

[@ProjectNineOaks]

Cool to see that you could get 4 adults in that boat!

[@OverlandFlorida]

The boat handles perfectly with that much weight too.

[@JamesRobertSmith]

Is that the boat you bought and restored? We like the Rainbow and have kayaked it. We knew nothing about a secret spring, but I guess it doesn't matter if it has been gated. Chassahowitzka is another of our faves. Lots of cool springs up and down the river.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Yes, Katie and I gave this whole boat a make over.

[@michaelgarrity6090]

I love the Rainbow River. What kind of boat is this? Who sells them? It is a perfect rig for running our Central and North Florida rivers. I really like that Tohatsu OB. Wow, a 20 HP with tilt and trim and electric start.

[@OverlandFlorida]

It's a great set up for sure. That 20hp will scoot.

[@docUSSNeverSail]

Gheenoe boat Tohatsu Motor

[@scotts2927]

4 people and gear on that boat!? Awesome!

[@OverlandFlorida]

And we still managed to get some good speed!

[@FrankLadd]

I can understand them fencing it off. It turns out just walking in certain springs changes the bacteria in the sand and that affect the plants and so on. There are some springs in state parks you can paddle but will be fined if you walk or swim. I guess these special places get so much human traffic that it is had to preserve them.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Unfortunately it's about greed.

[@cdfornal]

@@OverlandFlorida so a private owner closed off submerged land ?

[@landonbuck253]

Have you done any reviews on your inflatable SUPs? If not that might make a great short video or addition to one where you are using them. I am in the market for another and would like some honest opinions. Enjoy your content- Thanks for taking us along on your advenyures!

[@OverlandFlorida]

I will have some reviews coming soon.

[@manglermedia9730]

That’s a little sketchy walkin in that creek!

[@OverlandFlorida]

It’s not bad, I do it every time I go to the rainbow river.

[@kennethhardin3790]

Really enjoyed the video!

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thank you!

[@DogwoodRacing]

Where did you find your Bimini? We will be shopping for one soon. Thanks, enjoy your adventures!

[@OverlandFlorida]

amzn.to/3qYzRUr

[@johnwayne6501]

I flew in to JAX last thurs and stayed afew days and then on to Boyington for a day. Then head on over to Clearwater beach and Anna Marie Island and left Tampa Tues. The whole time I was there I was looking for a boat like yours but didn't see any especially in the inner coastal waters. I like to buy something like yours when we move there next year. Are they easy to get or rare? Also are they intercoastal friendly? Nice video....drove through Orlando Sunday and didn't like the toll thingy. We don't have tolls here in Oregon.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Gheenoe LT25 is rather easy to find in Florida. They are ok in the inner coastal, but more for calmer water. If it's choppy it can be a wet ride.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Toll roads suck and Anna Maria Island is my favorite beach in the state.

[@davidwelty9763]

Swampy’s has a great atmosphere.

[@OverlandFlorida]

It does, but sometimes is smells like raw sewage

[@davidwelty9763]

@@OverlandFlorida right, isn’t the atmosphere sewage treatment plant?

[@91Bronco]

What boat ramp did you launch at?

[@OverlandFlorida]

The one by blue gator.

[@Kevinw4040]

I’ve never seen 4 adults in a Gheenoe before. Which model is that?

[@OverlandFlorida]

It’s a riverhawk B60.

[@margoporter7222]

Nice video! I love Rainbow river! Where are you walking? How did you get there?

[@OverlandFlorida]

It's a creek going to another spring. It's across from KP hole.

[@davidwelty9763]

My favorite river in Florida

[@OverlandFlorida]

It’s a nice river for sure!

[@BaldJesusActual]

When we went by swampys a couple weeks ago on the river, the septic smell was there then. Im not sure where its coming from.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Ok, I guess I'll have to look for a new river side restaurant or sit inside.

[@shaneyox4736]

Blue gator is always good

[@Outboard1boats]

What boat ramp did you use

[@OverlandFlorida]

I can’t remember the name. Busy it’s basically the only boat ramp.

[@ynech]

Beautiful nature, nice video.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thank you!

[@Dsquaredwoodworking]

Try the blue gator next time we love the rainbow thanks

[@OverlandFlorida]

We are definitely trying that next time!

[@akabigdaddydawg]

I'm just curious............I have land in Rainbow Lakes Estates that I'm going to build on in a couple of years. How do you know where it is safe to do these things?

[@OverlandFlorida]

You don’t, just just have fun and know to look out for danger.

[@eddygoldman8811]

Can you post a link which sun sade you put on the river hawk please

[@OverlandFlorida]

amzn.to/36zhpbF Choose the correct width, they are $139.

[@eddygoldman8811]

@@OverlandFlorida thank you

[@jeffc6268]

Is the bimini top new ? It looks good.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Yes, I just put it on a few days ago.

[@johnapple2650]

Where’d you get the top

[@jerrycollins9076]

Where did you get the Bimini top for your RIVERHAWK? I would love to have one.

[@OverlandFlorida]

What model do you have?

[@jerrycollins9076]

@@OverlandFlorida B52

[@OverlandFlorida]

@@jerrycollins9076 measure how wide it is at its widest point. They make a bimini top thats 51-59 inches wide.

[@jerrycollins9076]

@@OverlandFlorida Who makes it? Where did you order yours?

[@OverlandFlorida]

amzn.to/3qYzRUr

[@oktreedude]

Young Sir, what model and make is your little boat? I need something like that for the wife and I. She needs a canopy.

[@OverlandFlorida]

2008 Riverhawk B60 2019 Tohatsu 20hp

[@caravandanadventures]

Just starting snorkeling 🤿. It's time to start going to Florida Springs. Your channel looks like my cup of tea ☕. New subscriber!

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks for watching!

[@Veetribe.]

We just spent 3months in Florida..and we thought their springs were nicer than the keys for snorkeling..just saying

[@Tea-Transport]

What a amazing place to live

[@OverlandFlorida]

Don't tell everyone! Lol

[@paigeattheboatramp]

What boat ramp is this?

[@OverlandFlorida]

12196 S Williams St, Dunnellon, FL 34432

[@OverlandFlorida]

I'm actually going there tomorrow!

[@paigeattheboatramp]

Thanks! Funny story. We've been watching your videos and we drove down to Florida a couple weeks ago. We thought we had gone to Silver GLEN Springs until today when we realized we went to Silver Springs instead. 🤣 My husband put me in charge of the gps. We couldn't figure out why it looked so different and no one was there. We decided it was because it was a Thursday. 🙈 I can't stop laughing about it now. 😂

[@OverlandFlorida]

Now that's something you will always remember! There's many places and springs around Florida with similar names.

[@paigeattheboatramp]

My husband said he'll be putting in the directions next time. Lol!

[@GulfCoastRuss]

Where did you launch ?

[@OverlandFlorida]

Next to the blue gator is a public ramp. It’s free as well.

[@ronsonmarsh]

Where did you pick up the Bimini top?

[@OverlandFlorida]

amzn.to/36zhpbF

[@H2OTOYS-90]

Hey Kevin. You plan any meetups?

[@OverlandFlorida]

There's one April 24th.

[@OverlandFlorida]

fb.me/e/1JsR0QY2x

[@bradydanielson9268]

I didn't realize you can inflate the SUP right on the water! We've often thought how to bring ours on our boat and now we know

[@--JohnDoe]

I used to live in clearwater I understand low pay and high cost of living.

[@GATORADDAM]

Great video.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks Tom!

[@GATORADDAM]

@@OverlandFlorida BTW. I did Nemo tunnel back in May. Camped just below it on the river. Very cool. I'm in Colorado as we speak running shelf roads and mountain passes. Did Black Bear pass in my Tacoma. Coolest thing ever!

[@OverlandFlorida]

@@GATORADDAM how cool! Enjoy colorful Colorado! I haven't been in years!

[@bradrupp5589]

I'll have the Swampy's Sampler please!

[@jacobstilwell4173]

What boat ramp is this

[@OverlandFlorida]

The one by blue gator.

[@BoandBeceadventures]

I just realized I’m not getting notifications from your channel for some reason. I was wondering where you guys have been. Humph

[@OverlandFlorida]

That's youtube for you. Thanks for checking back in.

[@JimBerthiaume]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks for watching!

[@rexabrams2694]

Hey, thought you had a bigger boat that you were working on. Still have it and working on it, sell it? Just wondering.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Unfortunately I had to already get rid of that boat.

[@rexabrams2694]

@@OverlandFlorida Bummer on that

[@br5495]

It’s crazy that from that boat ramp you go upstream a ways, turn the corner where the little park is on the river and it goes from Blackwater to clear 🤯.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Yeah, that's where the 2 rivers meet. It's really cool to see in person.

[@UrbanOverlanding]

@@OverlandFlorida didn't even think about being loaded down.

[@br5495]

I used To swim at that park when I was a kid. Snorkeled that river a ton from the kp hole to the bridge where you get off. Absolutely a blast.

[@carolynrometo1630]

Should be a no wake zone

[@OverlandFlorida]

It is a no wake zone.

[@dauntewimbush1939]

What exact boat is this?

[@OverlandFlorida]

2008 Riverhawk B60

[@robertgore8911]

Used to fish that and the withlacoochie back in the 60's and 70's when it was pristine and full of fish.It is a mere shadow of it's former self now.Starting to look like Disney world crap now.That smell at swampys is humanity taking a dump on that once pristine ecosystem.

[@OverlandFlorida]

You are 100% right.

[@nunyabiz8708]

Is there a horsepower limit on the river..

[@OverlandFlorida]

No.

[@jellygum100]

I don't want to sound overly judgemental, but I've enjoyed so many of Florida's beautiful crystal clear spring rivers, and from the perspective of all of us on tubes and canoes and kayaks, you selfish people with your power boats (noise, fumes, wakes), the antithesis of "natural and tranquil", I just think you should recognize that for your own singular convenience, you infringe on the tranquility and natural beauty of hundreds of others. Maybe you just don't realize it; but maybe you should. You don't need a powerboat to enjoy natural beauty and you diminish it with your presence.

[@OverlandFlorida]

I’m sorry, I thought this was America. 🇺🇸

[@jellygum100]

@@OverlandFlorida It is america, and people are free to be pricks

[@cdfornal]

Do you have bulge pump in your Gheenoe?

[@OverlandFlorida]

I sure do.

[@OverlandFlorida]

I also have a bilge pump too 🤣

[@irondave103]

Bimini 😎👍

[@timoconnell9627]

Dude The entire rainbow is Idle/speed No Wake and posted everywhere

[@jamesyers1975]

Sooo swampys smelled like a swamp lol.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Haha. Yes.

[@shawnaustin8957]

👍👍

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks for watching!

[@egomaniac247]

ya'll don't have to worry about gators in those creeks??

[@OverlandFlorida]

I try not to worry haha. But there could possibly be gators in any body of water in Florida.

[@ReverseTurnstyle]

If you want to anchor up and do yoga or whatever the hell it is you guys want to do... 😁 Go with it.. include everyone! Great vids! (I myself, exclusively with many others) not including y'all at all, think the paddle board/yoga scene is for performance/"fashion" likes... Lol

[@OverlandFlorida]

For sure haha

[@davidheitman7004]

homes? must be worth millions or slightly less?

[@OverlandFlorida]

They are in that ball park.

[@AmazonWebService98]

no crocks up there?

[@OverlandFlorida]

Not usually in this part of the river.

[@Bikinbri]

I ate there today, sat out by the water and caught a whiff the smell a few times 🤮

[@OverlandFlorida]

It was bad. The place was full, otherwise I would have asked to move.

[@DavidS-pw5gd]

What about Alligators?

[@OverlandFlorida]

I've never seen any alligators on the rainbow river.

[@life_is_a_beach4626]

I have multiple videos of alligators on rainbow river lol you have to look for them, usually on top of grass patches. They do take them out once they reach a certain size. Also lots of otters 😍

[@10ectaco10]

Dude, smoking hot body and she doesn't talk. You lucky devil 😁

[@Sisco61]

Tell me you don't LIKE women without telling me you don't LIKE women. SMH.

[@chucksmith5002]

Thanks enjoy you showing all these places .

[@OverlandFlorida]

You're welcome!

[@CVEIWKID]

The government is getting very controlling everywhere

[@OverlandFlorida]

They sure are.

[@cobrajet8866]

what ever in the hell it is you guys do. dont matter to me.

[@OverlandFlorida]

Thanks!

[@GregHastings]

gonna try and get out there on Sat. bikini watching should be solid;-) what is the name of that ramp you used?

[@OverlandFlorida]

12196 S Williams St, Dunnellon, FL 34432

[@OverlandFlorida]

If you have a boat, then you want to check out Passage Key. No bikini required.

[@sylvain65]

Why aren’t there any gators here?

[@OverlandFlorida]

There could be, I've never seen one. The water is generally too cold.

[@life_is_a_beach4626]

Trust me, there are. 😂

[@ginnythompson69]

gay

[@markconner3234]

Where is the ramp you put in at?

[@OverlandFlorida]

The one by blue gator.