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.
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.
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
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,
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