Orlando · SILVER SPRINGS KAYAK TOURS
Silver Springs pushes out half a billion gallons a day, keeps a colony of wild rhesus monkeys on its banks and runs glass-bottom boats over the vents. These 12 sort the guided paddles from the rentals, with prices, distances and what you are likely to see.
Meet guides such as Josh, Bry, or Sam at Silver Springs State Park, learn to paddle a tandem clear kayak, then follow the spring run for 90 minutes to two hours. Look below for fish and turtles, and along the banks for manatees, monkeys, alligators, birds, and otters.
“Can warmly recommend this trip, so amazing seeing all the wildlife! Our guide Bry was really amzing also 🥰”
Spend two hours on Silver Springs with guides such as Steve, Chris, Ashley, and Justin. Paddle a clear kayak, tandem boat, solo kayak, or paddleboard while looking for manatees, monkeys, turtles, alligators, fish, birds, and old film relics beneath the water.
“Justin was a great guide. Very knowledgeable and did a great job of finding and pointing out wildlife as we paddled through the park”
Paddle a tandem clear kayak along Florida’s spring-fed Silver River for about two hours. Guides such as Aly, Josh, and Emma point out wildlife, share local nature facts, and help beginners find their rhythm. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags are provided.
“Emma was a great tour guide. Would definitely recommend this tour. We saw not one but 10 alligators during this kayak tour. Wonderful experience. Saw plenty of monkeys as well. Water is amazingly clean and river looks beautiful.”
Spend about two and a half hours kayaking or paddleboarding on Silver River with guides such as Brad, Sassy, Maria, Carrie, or Pipi. Boats, paddles, life vests, and dry bags are supplied. Expect clear water, wildlife, local stories, and guide-taken photos, plus a separate $6 park and launch fee.
“My family had the best time with Brad! We love kayaking and all things wildlife, so we really enjoyed learning about the local ecosystem and springs. We didn’t see any manatees this time, but we did see so many other animals - gators, turtles, birds, snakes & fish! Can’t wait to come back and do this tour again!”
Spend about two hours on Silver Springs with a guide such as Ilissa, Sherri, Shary, Tanya, or Caitlyn leading the way. Your glass-bottom kayak, paddle, seat, PFD, and dry storage are included. Watch for manatees, alligators, turtles, monkeys, otters, birds, fish, statues, and wrecks.
“Great guides and an excellent experience! We saw an abundance of wildlife. A perfect place to see manatee and alligators.”
You rent a tandem clear canoe at Silver Springs State Park for a self-guided 90-minute paddle. Rebecca, Tania, Paul, or another staff member may help with check-in, maps, launch details, and wildlife-spotting tips. Expect crystal-clear water, manatees, turtles, birds, fish, and a chance of seeing rhesus monkeys.
“This was an Amazing Experience! As much as i love the gulf. Im willing to give up a few days at the beach to enjoy springs for a few days every year. I felt like i was in a jungle during some parts of the trip. It was Amazing. The glass bottom kyacks really made the trip.”
Join Aaron of AWA Kayak Tours for a relaxed 90-minute paddle around Silver Springs’ Fort King loop. You’ll use a single or tandem kayak, follow clear water past turtles, manatees, alligators, fish, birds, and monkeys, and receive basic gear, local guidance, and dry bags for small valuables.
“Book with Aaron!!! Very informed on the native species and pointed out many spots we certainly would have missed on our own. Gave us the history we even saw sunken boats. Would surely recommend and go again!”
Set out from Silver Springs State Park in a clear tandem kayak after a short lesson with Justin and the Kayaking Florida team. Paddle the King’s Trail and main river at your own pace, using a treasure map to find sunken ships and old movie relics while watching for manatees, monkeys, turtles, birds, otters, and alligators.
“A great experience in the wild but a real feel for safe kayaking. The water and wildlife were incredible!!”
Launch with Kayak Rental Silver Springs LLC for a self-guided paddle through Silver Springs State Park. You get a kayak or paddleboard, paddle, life vest, whistle, map, and optional dry bag. Watch for manatees, otters, turtles, birds, alligators, fish, and monkeys.
“Loved the beautiful clear water, getting to experience all the wild life1 we seen lots of turtles and birds and several alligators but no Manatees. Not sure which Lil cove they were hiding in. A very comfortable paddle. Water is GORGEOUS!! Would recommend this adventure to any and all!”
Launch from Silver Springs State Park in a glass-bottom kayak, follow a map through the Ft King paddle loop and Silver River, and return after about two hours. Wet Rabbit Kayaks provides basic instruction, safety gear, and dry storage, but you need solid paddling and navigation skills.
“It was wonderful, we did it after 3 pm so it was not so much people. Water was very clear, weather was not so hot with breeze. Easily to see fish turtles under water and gators resting on the bank.”
Meet Casey near the Silver Springs kayak launch for about two hours on the Silver River. Your clear kayak, paddle, life jacket, seat, and dry bag are provided. Small groups of up to eight make it easier to hear the guide and spot manatees, turtles, alligators, birds, fish, and otters.
“Great experience, beautiful views and easy to navigate. Got to see manatees and some gators. Even great for the inexperienced.”
Ride through Florida’s clear spring water, then choose a hike, kayak, paddle boat, or extra park time. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles transport for up to 14 people, with pickup from three Orlando-area hotels. Glass-bottom boat fees are paid separately on site.
“This tour to Silver Springs State Park was the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery! The crystal-clear water was absolutely stunning, and the glass-bottom boat ride gave us a unique view of the underwater world—complete with fish, ancient artifacts, and even movie props! It felt like stepping into a hidden piece of Florida history. I loved that there was plenty of free time to explore the park at my own pace. Whether you’re into hiking, or just enjoying the peaceful scenery, there’s something for everyone. The pickup and drop-off were smooth and convenient, and everything ran on time. I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation to…”
