Glass Bottom Boats, Hiking, and Kayaking at Silver Springs State Park
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Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is a gem of a park, nestled in the heart of Florida. This park is known for its crystal-clear springs, wildlife, rich history, and outdoor adventures. You will find opportunities to kayak, ride in glass bottom boats as you view the underwater wonders, enjoy scenic hiking trails with lush forests, and enjoy the company of manatees and Rhesus monkeys.
As we were heading to Silver Springs State Park, I began to wonder how we were going to end up at a State Park full of lush greenery and a spring for kayaking. We drove miles through the busy populated town of Ocala full of businesses, buildings and pavement. As we continued on our journey, I anticipated the promise of nature among this city. Suddenly we arrived at the entrance to the park and were surrounded by nature therefore leaving the city behind. There is something so wonderful about being out in nature, maybe it is the quiet sounds of birds chirping, or the scenic landscape before us, eitherway, the city faded into the tranquliity of nature’s embrace.
Kayaking at Silver Springs
Silver River is a five-mile body of water which is encompassed within the 4,000-acre park of Silver Springs State Park. This was our first-time visiting Silver Springs, and the area was as beautiful as we anticipated. The calm water and surrounding trees were so peaceful as we slowly kayaked the river.
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, Florida
Hours: 8am to sundown all year, every day.
Cost: $2 per person for ages 7 and up
Kayak launch: 8am to 5pm. To launch your own kayak there is a $4 launch fee per vessel. The last kayak/canoe rental is 4pm. We brought our own kayaks and didn’t get back to the main launch area until after 4pm but we still had access to the ramp
Kayak/canoe/SUP rentals: If you rent a vessel from the park you will need to sign a waiver which is available online or you can sign it in person when you arrive. If you rent a vessel it needs to be back before closing at 5pm. Life jackets are available for rentals or if you bring your own vessel.
You can rent kayaking/canoe/SUP from the park, or you can bring your own.
Kayak rental $25-$60
Canoe $35-$60. 3 person canoe available
Paddle boards $30-$55
Other amenities include a museum, glass bottom boat tours and hiking
Swimming and fishing is not permitted in the springs.
Bringing your own kayak
We had decided to purchase our own kayaks as we planned to go kayaking often. The two blues ones in the above picture, I purchased from Dick’s Sporting goods. These sell for around $300 each. I was able to get them on sale and then use a $10 coupon I received in the mail to reduce the price, so I paid around $200 each.
One of my favorite purchases are these inflatable kayaks that I purchased on Amazon. (price varies from $104 to $200 depending on season) These kayaks fit into an included bag and blow up and deflate within minutes. We have used these kayaks several times and have no trouble with them. They did sway side to side some as we kayaked this river, but I am an amateur at kayaking so it might just be me. It comes with a removable skeg to prevent swaying and also came with two paddles and pump. I definitely recommend this kayak and in fact a friend of mine already purchased two for her family. The bag that comes with the kayak is very thin and some reviews mentioned they rip easily but we have used them several times and have had no problem with the bag.
You can also bring a SUP to use in the river if you prefer.
Below is the rack of life jackets available for anyone to use.
Fort King Paddling Trail
The launch area was easy to navigate, and we were able to use a map provided by the park to find our way around the river. You can see the dotted line, in the below map, going to the right along Fort King Paddling Trail (1.1 miles), that is the path we took first. It was sooo peaceful and quiet. We took our time paddling this area, seeing lots of birds and other wildlife along with old forts doting the sides. Oh, and don’t mind the alligator that we saw. Apparently, he wasn’t hungry because he stayed quietly along the edge of the water as we passed by! Once we reached the end of this area, we went to the right briefly to view the manatees, see details below.
Needed items for kayaking
I always carry a waterproof cell phone pouch when I will be on the water. These pictures were taken in my waterproof phone bag as we kayaked the river. I have never had any trouble with these bags, and they always keep my phone dry. They include a strap to hang around your neck, so it doesn’t drop in the water.
Other items we use
dry bag to put the following items in
keys
maps of the area
water bottle - my favorite brand
Manatees in the Spring
As we were kayaking several people informed us that there were manatees ahead, so we took a right turn once we exited the Fort King Paddling Trail and about 10 minutes out, we spotted manatees, and we were able to paddle carefully around them for a long time. I was amazed at the size and gentleness of the animals. This is the first time we had seen manatees up close. It was so peaceful to just sit in our kayak and watch them swim around us and occasionally come to the surface to breath.
Such amazing animals! we loved kayaking among the manatees.
Rhesus macaque monkeys
This area is also home to wild Rhesus macaque monkeys. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any of the monkeys, but several people mentioned seeing them throughout their tour. I believe the monkeys were further down Silver River than we kayaked but I know they are there so if you have time, I recommend you keep kayaking until you find them.
Kayaking with or against the current
After viewing the manatees, we headed the opposite way back on Silver River toward the Tourist Center, passing by many overlooks and people observing us kayaking. On the way back we were going against the current and it was much tougher to paddle, and it took us twice as long. When you get to the end where the visitor center and glass bottom boats are (as seen in below picture), you will turn left and go under a bridge as you head back to the kayak launch area.
On our return back, I talked with a park ranger, who mentioned that if we start at the Silver River and head back on the King Fort Paddling Trail, the current isn’t as strong so it wouldn’t be as much of a struggle. We pushed through and made it but would go the opposite way next time. It didn’t take away from the experience and we truly enjoyed our time kayaking.
Glass bottom boat tours
Silver Springs is known for its glass bottom boat tours where you will see breathtaking views of under the water while viewing fish, historical artifacts, and Hollywood movie props from previous years.
Pets are not allowed on the boats unless it is a service animal.
Cost: Glass bottom boat tours.
30-minute tour - $14 for ages 3-12 and seniors 55+ and $15 for adults, 2 and under free. Offered daily. This boat runs every 15-20 minutes daily.
90-minute tour - $25 for ages 3-13 and seniors 55+, $30 for adults, 2 and under free. Offered daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm. No food allowed; drinks allowed if they have a lid.
The water was so clear as we kayaked so I am sure this tour would be amazing as you float along in the glass bottom boats and watch the fish and other treasures under water.
Shops: There are also several shops to explore but they were not open when we were there.
Dining options
Springside Restaurant offering burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more
Paradise Treats offers fudge and ice cream
Silver River Museum
The Silver River Museum has two different exhibit area that showcase Florida history to include paleontology, geology, natural history, and archaeology.
Cost: $2 per person. Children 6 and under are free
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm
Hiking Trails
There are several trails to walk throughout this park. The trails range from less than a mile to a 4.6-mile loop.
Creek trail - 3/4 mile
Spring Connector trail - 2.3-mile one way or 4.1-mile roundtrip
Sandhill trail - 1.7-mile loop
Sinkhole trail - 2.2-mile loop
Old Field Loop trail - 0.8-mile
Swamp trail - 1.9-mile loop
River trail - 1.3-mile loop
Trail map below
Large walkways to cross over the water.
Several fish to view along the springs.
Several overlooks to view the wildlife. This water is along Silver River where we kayaked on our way back to the launch site.
Camping
There are cabins, RV, tent spots and group camping sites to stay at within Silver Springs State Park. There are 59 RV camp sites available. Maximum vehicle length is 50 feet. Camping reservations can be made HERE.
Cost: Cabins around $110. RV and tent site are $24
RV and Tent amenities: electrical and water hookups, grill, fire ring, picnic table, partial shade
You could spend several hours here up to a full day if you wanted to experience everything. We spent about 3.5 hours at this location between kayaking, eating a snack at the picnic tables near the kayak launch and exploring the area around the glass bottom boats.
I highly recommend this area and you will not be disappointed! Leave the urban landscape and enjoy the transformation of the area as you casually hike the trails or kayak on the Silver River to view the wildlife that call this park home.
Any tips you might have so I do not get wet from my paddles next time we kayak? Comment below.
More Florida travel ideas
Kayaking at Three Sisters Springs
Explore the seaside bliss of Madeira Beach and John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk
Go tubing down the cool water at Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Escape to nature at Hillsborough River State Park
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures and tips on travel to inspire others to travel do more. If you can dream it, you can do it! 💚 Pic: FRIENDS inspired Cafe in Orlando, FL
Nassau is a bustling cruise port and a popular destination when traveling in the Bahamas on shorter cruises from Florida. This port offers everything from mouthwatering local cuisine to stunning white-sand beaches and rich Bahamian heritage.