Private Silver Springs Clear Kayak Tour

The private tour is exclusively for your group — no other kayakers, no shared guide. You'll paddle at your own pace with complete flexibility on how long you spend at different spots along the river. Your guide can focus entirely on your group's interests, whether that's wildlife photography, historical storytelling, or simply a relaxed leisurely paddle. It's also ideal for guests who want a more customized experience or who are celebrating a special occasion.

The base rate covers up to 5 paddlers; groups of 6–10 paddlers are welcome at an additional fee per paddler above 5.

Yes. The private tour is available year-round. If visiting between November 15 and March 31, you'll have significantly better odds of manatee sightings on top of all the other wildlife Silver Springs offers.

Absolutely! No prior experience is required. The private format is actually a great option for first-timers because your guide can spend more individual time with each paddler. For more tips, check out TripOutside's Kayaking for Beginners guide!

Yes! One of the key benefits of a private tour is flexibility. Your guide will work with your group to spend more time at the spots that matter most to you — whether that's a wildlife-rich area, a historic filming site, or a particularly scenic section of the river.

Absolutely. Private tours are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, bachelorette trips, and other celebrations. The exclusive experience and personalized photo opportunities make it a memorable way to mark a special event.

You may encounter wild Rhesus monkeys, turtles, alligators, a variety of bird species, and large fish visible through the clear kayak. During manatee season (November 15 – March 31), manatee sightings are also significantly more likely.

Tours run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe (winds exceeding 15 mph or lightning). If the tour is canceled for safety reasons, guests will be offered a reschedule, full refund, or gift certificate.

All kayaks are tandem (designed for 2 paddlers). If your group has an odd number, one kayak can be set up as a single by removing a seat. The same weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg) per seat / 425 lbs (193 kg) per kayak applies.

Swimming ability is not required, but you should be comfortable on the water. Life jackets are provided for all guests.

Dogs are welcome at Silver Springs State Park and may join a kayak tour, provided the combined weight of the paddlers and dog does not exceed the kayak weight limits (250 lbs / 113 kg per seat; 425 lbs / 193 kg total per kayak). Please keep in mind the wildlife present in the park when deciding whether to bring your dog.

The following items are not permitted: disposable containers (cans, plastic, glass, foam, or paper), alcoholic beverages, oil-based sunscreens or lotions, tobacco products, and audio speakers.

Yes, parking is available at Silver Springs State Park. Upon entering the parking lot, follow signs for "Paddling Adventure," which will direct you to the back left corner of the parking lot near the kayak launch area. Note: a $2 State Park entrance fee per guest is required at the podium near the kayak launch and is not included in the tour price.

Yes! Guide Mario speaks Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and French in addition to English.

• We encourage you to bring the following:
  • Water (in reusable water bottle)
  • Swimsuit/Clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet.
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
  • Shoes that can get wet/sandals
  • Towel for after the trip.
  • Any extra gear you’d like. Remember- the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak.

• Yes, children 3+ years old are allowed on the tours
• Each child age 3-17 must be accompanied by an adult
• Children 6 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
• We require one adult per each child under age 12
• We require children under 3 years of age (or under 30 pounds) to bring their own life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.

• Silver Springs: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
• When entering the Silver Springs parking lot, please follow signs for “Paddling Adventure” that will lead you to the back left corner of the Silver Springs State Park parking lot.
• Please check in with your Get Up And Go Kayaking tour guide
• All guests will be required to pay the $2 State Park entrance fee at the podium near the kayak launch. This fee is not included in your tour reservation and must be paid by each guest once on site.

• Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
• Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single.