Adventure Collective
null - Gainesville

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Monkey, Manatee & Wildlife Tours

Silver Springseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate paddling effort needed

Overview

Discover the beauty of Florida's Silver Springs on this exciting kayaking adventure. Spot playful monkeys, graceful manatees, and a variety of wildlife while paddling through pristine waters. Perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a unique outdoor experience.

Silver Springs, Florida

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Monkey, Manatee & Wildlife Tours

Clear Tandem Kayaks & Sit on Top Non Clear kayaks /2 hours / ages 4+ / NO PETS

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Adventure Photos

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Monkey, Manatee & Wildlife Tours photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a unique 2-hour clear kayaking adventure at Silver Springs, where you might encounter manatees, wild monkeys, and vibrant underwater life. Guided by experienced naturalists, this family-friendly tour offers a chance to explore one of Florida's most beautiful rivers while learning about its rich history. Paddle through crystal-clear waters and create unforgettable memories!

Price - $75.00 per person Minimum age for kids 4 / NO PETS

Price for kids 10 & under is $50.00

Duration 2 hours

We offer clear kayaks, and non clear sit on top kayaks, for this adventure!

The maximum weight capacity for these tandem ( 2 people ) kayaks is 425 pounds No single person can weigh more than 250.

Experience Silver Springs clear kayaking with possible sitings of manatees, wild monkeys and so much more. Silver Springs crystal clear water and our clear kayaks make for an unbelievable wildlife adventure. If you are visiting Orlando, Silver Springs is 86 miles from downtown Orlando, and so worth the drive! Spend the day in this beautiful state park, and the Silver River, one of the most beautiful rivers in the world!

Why Use Us / Paddle in Peace🕊️

Our native owner/operator has been operating tours on Silver River and many other Florida waterways for 20 years. He is a UF master naturalist, and has dedicated his life to bring awarness, and smiles to peoples faces. We have a great team of professional guides that love what they do & it shows. We are not just an outfitter, we convey the power of nature, for happiness, healing, and peace to all that seek it. To us, paddling in nature is a lifestyle, and one that brings attention to detail, quality equipment, and, excellant uncompromised service.

Monkeys🐒

Silver Springs is one of the few places in Florida that Rhesus Macaque monkeys live wild along the shore line.

Crystal Clear Water, Manatees & More💦

The emorald blue crystal clear water of Silver Springs is absolutely beautiful. You can clearly gaze at underwater life, including fish, turtles, and even diving water birds. Manatee migration prime time is usually Nov - March, pending on the cool weather, however there are many resident manatees that call Silver Springs home, and may be seen year round. Florida wildlife that can be seen here includes, manatees, monkeys, outters, turtles, gators, and all types of magnifest, colorfull birds.

😊Our tours are beginner & family friendly. We offer full instruction for beginners and our guides are great. There is always so many critters to see in this wildlife paraise. We guarantee we will put big smiles on everyone’s face’s, especially the little ones!

Paddle Back in Time ⌛

There is so much rich history of Silver Springs from when it was the very first tourist attraction in Florida. Movie relics from all the movies, and shows that were filmed here can be seen throughout the tour.

Duration & Times ⌚

2 Hours Duration Pending how long we stop to take pictures. Tour times - 10:00, 12:30 We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early, to pay park fees, and use bathrooms etc... These tours start on time.

Park Fees 🤑

There is an entrance fee of $2.00 per person and a launch fee for the park of $4.00 per kayak. We ask that you arrive a minimum of 30 minutes early to pay these fees. You will be able to enter the park first & then pay the fees. We have others going on this tour, and it will leave on time, so it is imperative that you leave yourself plenty of time, for traffic, paying fees, use rest room, etc. There is no refunds or rescheduling if you miss the tour.

Kids 👶

This is a public guided tour No kids under 4 years old for this public tour. We offer private tours for groups, organizations and families that would prefer private tour. We do require a minimum of 6 people for all private tours. Please call or text us for more information or to book a private tour.

The following is for the Clear Tandem Kayaks only. Not sit on top kayaks. Please read carefully 📖

The maximum weight capacity for these tandem ( 2 people ) kayaks is 425 pounds No single person can weigh more than 250. These kayak will not float you if you exceed the weight limit. There are no refunds or rescheduling if you do not follow this manufacturer guideline.

These kayaks are tandem kayaks. If you have an odd number in your group, they may paddle with the guide or if a clear kayak is available, the seats will move and they will ride solo.

No shoes can be worn inside the kayak due to the scratches they cause. We will have a dry bag to store your shoes while in the kayak. Your feet will get wet entering and exiting the kayak. The spring is 72 degrees year round and the water feels warm in the winter cold days. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, this kayak tour may not be for you. No metal objects, bags, dry bags, or back packs. No sunblock or bug spray. You do not need bug spray. There are no bugs here on the water. If you apply sunblock before the tour, please do not us the spray. It contains chemicals that eat the plastic as well as bug spray that damages the finish and clarity of the kayaks. It can not be removed or buffed out. We have these rules in place to assure that our crystal clear kayak will stay that way for all to enjoy.

Items may bring on your clear kayaks - phone or camera, towels, plastic bottled water. no metal containers. We suggest bringing a towel to cover your feet if it's cold. We also suggest you bring a change of clothes for after the tour in case your butt gets wet.

This tour is beginner and family friendly. Your guide will go over the basics of kayaking as well as how to interact safely with the local wild natives. Your guide will also take pictures and video of you and your magnificent adventure.

What to bring after your tour. - A change of clothes incase your butt gets wet.

Adventure Tips

Wear quick-drying clothing and sun protection

Since you'll be on the water most of the time, dress in lightweight, moisture-wicking gear and apply sunscreen.

Bring waterproof camera or phone case

Capture wildlife close-up photos without risking water damage to your devices.

Arrive early to secure your spot

Tours can fill up quickly, so arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures you get a prime spot.

Respect wildlife and keep noise to a minimum

Maintain a respectful distance from animals to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • River otters
  • Great blue herons

History

Silver Springs has been a popular natural attraction since the early 1900s, originally known for its glass-bottom boat tours.

Conservation

Kayaking tours emphasize eco-friendly practices and support local wildlife conservation efforts to preserve the area's natural beauty.

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Adventure Hotspots in Gainesville

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays during the sunny outdoor tour.

summer specific

Wide-brim hat or cap

Essential

Provides shade and helps keep you cool under the sun.

spring|summer|fall specific

Polarized sunglasses

Reduces glare on the water for better visibility and eye protection.

spring|summer|fall specific

Lightweight waterproof jacket

Useful in case of unexpected rain or cooler weather.

winter|null specific