easy
2 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic upper body strength helps but guides provide instruction to beginners.
Glide above crystal-clear waters on a guided clear kayak tour at Silver Springs. Get Up and Go Kayaking offers wildlife-packed paddles through Florida’s iconic spring system, perfect for nature lovers of all experience levels.
Silver Springs, located in central Florida, offers an unparalleled aquatic adventure amid one of the state's most pristine natural settings. Known for its exceptionally clear spring water and the Silver River that flows from it, this area invites adventurers to see beneath the surface like nowhere else. Get Up and Go Kayaking - Silver Springs specializes in guided clear kayak tours that glide silently over this glassy underwater world from March through November. These tours provide a perfect blend of accessible outdoor activity and intimate wildlife viewing that appeals to beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
The signature feature of these tours is the transparent kayaks, offering unobstructed views beneath the surface. Paddlers can watch turtles, snapping turtles, gar fish, native otters, and if lucky, gentle manatees moving through the spring’s depths. Along the riverbanks, visitors often spot alligator sunbathers and variety of herons and kingfishers, while playful monkeys occasionally appear in the overhanging trees, a unique sight in this Floridian ecosystem. Guides like Josh bring a grounded expertise, pointing out ecological details and local history—including the springs’ role in early Florida life and its appearances in classic films.
For those wanting a personalized experience, private tours tailor the pace and focus—from quiet wildlife observation to photography sessions where guides capture moments you’d otherwise miss. Get Up and Go Kayaking’s knowledgeable, beginner-friendly approach ensures everyone can safely enjoy the 2-hour floating journey through this living aquarium. It’s a rare chance to see Florida’s natural beauty from a fresh vantage point, connecting with the environment in a quiet, intimate way. Whether you’re a nature lover or just after a unique outdoor excursion near Ocala, these clear kayak trips turn the Silver Springs State Park into a vibrant, watery world to navigate and appreciate like never before.
Popular guides like Josh fill up quickly during peak months; reserving early ensures the best experience.
Florida sun can be intense on the open water, so bring a hat and sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Paddlers will enter the river from banks and sometimes rocky ground, so water shoes provide traction and foot protection.
Bring water bottles on your kayak to stay hydrated during your 2-hour trip, especially on warmer days.
Silver Springs has served as a filming location for multiple classic Hollywood movies dating back to the mid-20th century, giving it cultural as well as natural significance.
Efforts focus on protecting the clarity and flow of the springs’ waters and habitat for sensitive species like the manatee.
Protects against Florida’s strong sun during open-water paddling.
summer specific
Provides foot protection and grip when launching and exiting the kayak.
Keeps electronics and valuables safe from splashes.
Staying hydrated is critical, especially on warm days.