Silver Springs Clear Kayak Tour (Apr – Nov)

Silver Springs is teeming with wildlife year-round. On your tour you're likely to see a variety of bird species (herons, egrets, and more), turtles, large fish like bass and mullet, and potentially alligators basking along the banks. One of the most unique highlights is the possibility of spotting wild Rhesus monkeys — Silver Springs is one of the only places in Florida where wild monkeys roam free, and your guide can share the fascinating story of how they came to live there. A small resident manatee population is also present year-round, so sightings are possible even during the April–November season, though not guaranteed.

Silver Springs is a year-round destination thanks to its spring-fed, temperature-stable waters. The April–November season offers lush greenery, warm weather, and excellent wildlife viewing. Early morning tours are particularly popular for calm conditions and peaceful paddling before the park gets busy. If seeing manatees is your top priority, consider visiting for the Manatee Season tour (November 15 – March 31) when sightings dramatically increase.

Wild Rhesus monkeys do live along the Silver River and are sometimes spotted on tours — but like all wildlife, sightings can't be guaranteed. Your guide will do their best to navigate the areas where they're most commonly seen and will share the fascinating history of how these monkeys came to inhabit Silver Springs.

Silver Springs served as a filming location for numerous iconic Hollywood productions during the Golden Age of cinema, including the original Tarzan film series and several other films and TV shows. Your guide will point out these historically significant spots along the paddle and share the stories behind them.

No prior kayaking experience is needed. Tours are designed for all skill levels, and your guide will walk you through the basics before you head out on the water. The spring-fed waters are calm and ideal for beginners. Some paddling may feel slightly intermediate depending on wind conditions, but guides pace the tour to keep everyone comfortable.

Absolutely! The calm, clear waters of Silver Springs are an ideal place to try kayaking for the first time. Your guide will provide basic tips and paddle alongside you throughout the tour. For more beginner kayaking tips, check out TripOutside's Kayaking for Beginners guide!

All kayaks are tandem (designed for 2 paddlers). If your group has an odd number, the seats are removable and one kayak can be set up as a single. The same weight limit of 250 lbs (113 kg) per seat applies regardless of solo or tandem configuration.

Tours are capped at a maximum of 10 paddlers, keeping the experience intimate and ensuring you can hear your guide and enjoy a more personal encounter with wildlife.

All guides at Silver Springs are Guardian Guide certified by Save the Manatee Club, meaning they've been specifically trained on responsible manatee observation practices, marine conservation, and eco-friendly tour operations. They're also passionate naturalists — several have backgrounds in environmental science, marine biology, and Florida ecology.

Yes! One of the guides, Mario, is multilingual and speaks Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, and French. Contact the team in advance if you need language accommodation.

Yes — cameras are welcome and encouraged! A waterproof camera or a phone in a waterproof case is recommended. Your guide will also take photos for you during the tour so you can focus on the experience. Keep in mind that the company is not responsible for damaged or lost items.

Silver Springs is a calm, spring-fed waterway that is very beginner-friendly. Your guide will go over safety procedures before launch.

Key tips: stay with the group at all times, wear your life jacket (required for children 6 and under), keep the weight limit in mind, and follow your guide's instructions if weather conditions change. The company does not launch in unsafe weather.

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

Silver Springs is a year-round destination. The spring-fed waters maintain a constant temperature of approximately 72°F (22°C), making it comfortable to paddle in any season. Summer months offer lush surroundings and warm air temperatures. The winter months (November–March) bring the added bonus of increased manatee activity.

Please use reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreen. Common sunscreens contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and the spring's wildlife. Oil-based sunscreens are not permitted on the kayaks. Apply your sunscreen before arriving and allow it to dry. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing like a long-sleeve rash guard as an alternative.

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

The kayaks are 100% clear (see-through), allowing you to watch the underwater world below you as you paddle. Each kayak is tandem (designed for 2 paddlers), though seats are removable to accommodate single paddlers for odd-numbered groups.

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
• 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 State Park entrance fee per guest is required at the podium near the kayak launch and is not included in the tour price.

Yes, fully private tours are available starting from $600. See the Private Tour listing for details.

• 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.