Silver Springs Manatee Season Clear Kayak Tour (Nov– Mar)

Manatees are wild animals, so sightings can never be 100% guaranteed. That said, Silver Springs is one of Florida's premier manatee viewing destinations, especially during winter months (November 15 – March 31) when large numbers congregate in the warm spring waters. Your guide will navigate directly to the areas where manatees are most commonly active to give you the best possible chance of an encounter.

No — and this is strictly enforced. Manatees are protected under both federal law (Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act) and Florida state law (Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act). Touching, chasing, or harassing manatees is illegal and can result in significant fines. The only circumstance in which contact is permitted is if a manatee gently initiates contact on its own terms. Your guides are trained to coach all guests on responsible viewing practices throughout the tour.

Manatee sightings are not guaranteed, but they are significantly more likely during the November 15 – March 31 season. Your guide is experienced in finding the areas of the spring where manatees congregate and will share everything they know about manatee behavior to maximize your chances of an encounter. If a manatee does come close, the best approach is calm stillness — they're naturally curious and often choose to investigate on their own terms.

Not at all. Manatees are gentle, slow-moving animals with no teeth (they have molar-like pads used for chewing plants), no claws, and no interest in harming people. Their only reaction when startled is to slowly swim away. They are fully harmless, though still wild animals that deserve space and respect.

Peak season is November 15 through March 31, when cold Gulf waters drive manatees to the warm, spring-fed waters of the Silver River. A small resident population remains year-round, but sightings outside of this season are less frequent. For the very best chance of close manatee encounters, book earlier in the season when the cold weather has been sustained and populations are at their peak.

Beyond manatees, Silver Springs is alive with wildlife year-round. On a Manatee Season tour you may also encounter wild Rhesus monkeys along the riverbanks, a variety of bird species including herons, egrets, and ospreys, turtles, bass and other large fish visible through the clear kayak, and occasionally alligators. Your guide will help identify and share information about all of the wildlife you encounter.

There is the possibility of alligator sightings in and around the waterways of Silver Springs. If you spot one, your guide will ensure you maintain a safe distance. Alligators are a natural part of Florida's ecosystem and are generally not aggressive when given space. Your guide will handle all safety considerations throughout the tour.

Yes! Silver Springs' water temperature stays a constant 72°F (22°C) year-round thanks to the artesian spring system — the water itself is always comfortable. Air temperatures in winter can be cooler, so layering up is recommended. Tours run in cool weather; they only cancel for unsafe conditions like high winds or lightning.

No prior kayaking experience is required. The spring-fed Silver River is calm and beginner-friendly, and your guide will provide paddling tips before you launch. Guests of all experience levels are welcome.

Absolutely! The calm, spring-fed waters of Silver Springs are ideal for first-time kayakers. Your guide will walk you through the basics before you head out. For more beginner kayaking tips, check out TripOutside's Kayaking for Beginners guide!

Silver Springs is a calm, safe waterway. Your guide will review all safety procedures before launch.

Key tips: stay with the group, wear your life jacket (required for children 6 and under), follow all manatee viewing guidelines, and follow your guide's instructions if conditions change. The operator will not launch in unsafe weather.

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

Please use reef-safe, non-nano mineral sunscreen. Common sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful to aquatic ecosystems. Oil-based sunscreens are not permitted on the kayaks. Apply and allow to dry before arriving. Sun-protective clothing (long-sleeve rash guards) is a great alternative, especially during cooler manatee season months.

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, 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 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.

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.