Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Orlando, USA

High interest

Booked 3 times today.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· James_W ·

Mar 2026

Fantastic experience, knowledgeable and engaging guide. Thoroughly recommend. We managed to see manatees, monkeys, crocs, lots of fish and bird species. Exceeded expectations and a breathtaking scenic setting!

· Emily_A ·

Apr 2026

Our tour guide Steve knew everything about the animals and springs! By far the best tour we have been to on silver springs. He got us close to everything we wanted to see and explained everything of historic and ecological significance! Wonderful experience and would do it again in a heart beat.

Overview

On this kayaking tour, you can look out for a variety of local wildlife, including manatees, monkeys, and birds. The all-clear kayak option provides an immersive experience, allowing you to see the underwater world clearly as you paddle. To make your trip even easier, all equipment is provided, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.

Go kayaking in a beautiful area—Silver Springs
Look out for turtles, manatees, and wild monkeys
A guide leads the way so you don’t get lost
Choose from solo or tandem kayaks or paddleboards

What's Included

Use of equipment & Taxes & fees.

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488, USA
Meet us at the kayak launch at the rear of the main parking area., look for the red shirts. Ask a ranger where the kayak launch is if you can't find it. The park can be busy at times. Please take into consideration of traffic on your way to the park. Please arrive 1 hour before your tour time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Silver Springs

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Kayak Weight Capacity - The maximum weight capacity for these tandem ( 2 people ) car kayaks is 410 pounds No single person can weigh more than 225. These kayak will not float you if you exceed the weight limit. We also offer paddle boards and solo (non clear) kayaks for this adventure. If someone in your group does not fit the weight capacity, no worries. We offer an option for non clear solo sit on top kayaks with a weight capacity of 300 pounds and non clear sit on top tandem kayaks with a weight capacity of 500 pounds, and paddle boards 250 pounds.le
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Jill_G

What an amazing adventure! Chris was a wonderful tour guide. You could feel his passion for the local environment and wildlife. His history facts, local lore and jokes made the adventure that much more entertaining. We saw so many different species of birds, a variety of fish, turtles, alligators, a few Manatee (this was absolutely magical) and even a monkey! This trip surpassed my expectations. I highly recommend taking a trip with Chris.

Reviews

4.9

based on 548 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Wonderful experience

HongMei_Z, Apr 2026

From our view, this is must to do when visiting Silver Spring National Park. It gives you close up view of the crystal clear water and see the wildlife along the river paddling.

Everything we could have...

Katherine_R, Apr 2026

Everything we could have hoped for. Awesome tour with Kayaking Florida- Steve was a great guide. Great experience for first time kayaking.

Clear Kyack tour

Wendy_M, Apr 2026

Fun trio but not allot of time to really look around and enjoy the views. Could not see through Kyack due to waiter build up in them.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

You have the wrong company. We never rented to you ever and our equipment is better then any other company out there. We do 2 hour minimums also...

The tour was fun! Our...

Suzanne_B, Apr 2026

The tour was fun! Our guide was knowledgeable, and we saw plenty of alligators. Be aware that you are sitting in the bottom of the kayak and your legs/bottom will get SOAKED, so dress appropriately. I was extremely disappointed not to see any monkeys, since that was part of the advertisement. We also did not see any manatees but I was aware we were a little late in the season for that. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

We do NOT advertis mpnkeys will be seen for sure. We list the animals that can be seen on the tours. Also it is a water activity.. you will get wet... its kayaking. We are out of full blown manatee season. Only residents may be seen. unless you do full river. 4 hr drift has more chance to see manatees and monkeys.

Monkeys, Manatees, and gators, Oh My!

Jill_G, Apr 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Chris really does have a passion for the springs for sure! Very happy he was able to give you a piece of FL knowledge to leave with. :)

Great Adventure

Carrie_T, Apr 2026

While its not peak time of year to see manatees and there is no way of ensuring a monkey sighting we did see lots of wildlife, mainly gators, birds, turtles we within feet of our kayak. The staff was great and the 3 hour tour was exactly what my teens needed to begin working together as a team to make the boat go where it was meant to go. Justin was amazing and had lots of fun facts to share. We enjoyed tremendously

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for this review! The person below you said it was a horrible experience, and we are glad you had a good time. Glad you got Justin. :) Please come back and see us soon!

Not worth it.

Persephone_W, Apr 2026

The only animal we saw were Cranes! I was highly disappointed. We drove from Orlando just to go to save money and to have a fun relaxing adventure. We paid our $70 ticket ahead of time. When we got there we still had to pay a $2/park fee. No big deal but when we went to the boats they made us pay an additional $8. More per person. They were really “nickel and dimeing” us. We did not see one monkey or a manatee. Everyone was confused at the kayak station. They were trying to tell us we had to pay different fees bc of it being a State park and private business. I was confused, didn’t care and just wanted to enjoy myself. It was an ok kayak ride through a small river just not what the description told us. We should’ve just stayed in Orlando!!!!!!! .

Response from Host, Apr 2026

We don't control the state park's boat launch and entry fees. They are separate from us! We cannot guarantee the animals- this is not a zoo. It's real wildlife. There are tons of other wilde life like gators, turtles and such as well. We do apologize you did not enjoy your trip.

Justin was amazing!!!

Heather_M, Apr 2026

Justin was amazing tour guide highly recommend he went above and beyond !!! This tour was so amazing cant wait to do it again

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for your kind review! Justin is amazing and we are glad you had a good tour!

Chris was an amazing tour...

Kim_M, Apr 2026

Chris was an amazing tour guide! Incredibly knowledgeable of different types of birds & manatees that we saw! Fun adventure with our friends!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Chris is a true gem for sure! He loves giving you facts and little jokes and making the tour worth while. :) Come see him at Rainbow Springs next!

Our tour guide Steve knew...

Emily_A, Apr 2026

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Sounds like Steve is on a roll! He really has a true passion to make sure you take a piece of Florida back home with ya!

You dont see this everyday

RuthAnn_Y, Apr 2026

We live north on the other side of the country, so we dont see these amazing things! Wonderful experience

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Awe well we are glad you got to spend time with us on the water then! Come back sometime!

Wear swim suit or sit on...

Darrell_R, Mar 2026

Wear swim suit or sit on your life preserver so your pants don’t get wet.😁 You’ll see lots of birds, turtles and alligators. Fun experience!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

We actually have new seats in th emaking to where you wont get as wet. lol. Glad you had fun still! :)

Silver springs is a...

roxane_b, Mar 2026

Silver springs is a beautiful place, highly recommend, our tour guide was not helpful, he left us behind and only talked to 1 couple in their kayak. I feel we would have been better off if we went on our own instead of trying to keep up with them, we were just far enough away we couldn't hear what he was saying. We did see a manatee, however when another group asked if we seen any he said yeah down there and pointed the opposite way of the manatee, he then told us he doesn't like others to know where they're at so they don't overwhelm the manatee, but that's the reason people go there,

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Silver springs really is beautiful for sure however our guides never leave anyone behind. Your group could not figure out how to paddle, you almost got run over by the glass bottom boats we specifically tell you not to get in the way of. You yelled the entire time you were on the water at your own family too. Our guides never ever EVER send people int he wrong directions either. We all work together out there. Your review is totally unjust and wrong in many ways. We would love to see you back on the water with the same guide and us out there as well. Would love to see what you are talking about. We have thousands of reviews telling different positive stories of our guides and grounds guys!

If you don’t do it, you’re missing out!

Chelsea_T, Mar 2026

Chris was amazing. He had tons of knowledge of the animals and the area, because this tour is more individualized you are able to see what your actually there for which is the animals - so there was an area the manatees were at and we were able to go there and hang out- rather than trying to get a certain path done which the other tour seems to do. When we came up to large gators he was able to help push us out of the way even if the kayak was floating closer to the gator. Also Chris took tons of videos and pictures which he airdropped to everyone after the experience, his underwater videos help you see what you can’t from the kayak and are so cool. Recommend buying an underwater case for your phone if you want to have similar videos of your own. Definitely considering coming back in Jan/Dec when there are more manatees in the area. Loved this experience, definitely recommend, support small businesses and have an unforgettable time! The underwater photos in my review are from Chris

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you for the kind review! Chris is one of our greatest guides. He loves sharing the knowledge for sure! Shhh don't tell our secrets all at once! Haha ! We are happy you got to see everything and take some knowledge home with ya! We would love to have you back in Jan ans Dec!

Directions not clear - allow at least an hour to find this tour

Denise_S, Mar 2026

2 reasons for the 3 star review - 1) the tour company is located IN Silver Springs State Park, the toll plazas normally located at park entrances are actually kiosks hidden behind trees and not well marked. 2) Ashley was very vague in her directions and rude when we arrived 15 minutes before the tour started without the required tickets. She pointed to the kiosk shack and told us to get into what turned out to be the wrong lane, causing us to miss the tour. After explaining what happened to a very nice gentleman in chage of launching their kayaks he signed us up for the next tour, which was with Steve who is excellent! No manatees or monkeys made appearances though.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We cannot control where they place their kiosks unfrotunately. We are not allowed to put any signs up to say who we are or where we are located either. Apologies for that because we wish we could! Truly! Ashley is a beautiful soul. She has never been rude to anyone so we are sorry fi yuo feel that way. You are told to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to get your park tickets and launch paid (things the state park charges that we cannot do anything about). She would have never told you the wrong lane because we are not allowed to send anyone to that side. The longer line is where the outfitters guests have to get their tickets. The shorter line is tempting- we get it- and we apologize for that but we cannot control that. Joe is the one in charge of launching the kayaks and our grounds guy. He loves what he does as well- so does Steve another great guide. Once the tours are set to leave they have to go. We are glad you still had a good time. Again though- we cannot control the wild life. Manatee season ends at the end of March usually. Monkeys are hit or miss. 4 hour full river is your best CHANCES to see the wild life.

Kayak

Traudi_A, Mar 2026

It’s a bit arduous if you’re older but great trip. Saw gators, manatees, otters , snakes. No monkeys but lots of wildlife. We enjoyed our guide Ashley. She was very knowledgeable.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Ashley is super sweet. She will try to make sure you get every animal encounter as possible. She is our fun fact go to! Totally loves telling the history of the springs and the different named animals too! Can't go wrong with her as a guide. :) You got to see manatees at the end of the season which is super special too.

Plan to get there early...

Jennifer_R, Mar 2026

Plan to get there early or stay afterwards to enjoy the park and hiking trails. Bring hats, water, sunblock. Our guide, Justin, was great!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Yes yes! Silver Springs has a LOT to offer and we would love to have you back! The gift shop, museum, and food places are great as well

Friday 10 am.

Marianne_E, Mar 2026

I highly recommend this kayak adventure. This was the best experience we have had to see nature up close Justin, I hope that was his name, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable. Saw manatees, otters up close, alligators, monkeys and birds. I don’t usually write reviews but this was awesome!!!!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We are happy to hear how great Justin was for you guys! He really does try to make it great for everyone. Seeing the nature around you in its intended form is an amazing sight.

Monkeys and Manatees

Donna_U, Mar 2026

We didn’t see any Manatees or Monkeys. We paddled opposite of others and at one stretch we paddled upstream when everyone else was going downstream. It only lasted 1.5 hrs not 2. I was not impressed. It was March 16. Water was low. Also the glass bottom kayaks are very uncomfortable. Oh well live and learn.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We do not guarentee you will see wildlife- its wild life... they cant be held in one spot for people to see. manatees move to warm waters so if it warms up outside most of the manatees move out of the springs. If its cold they usually come into the springs. There is a ton of other wild life there like gators, various birds, turtles etc. We do apologize your expectations are not what you think you received. The spring is still beautiful, the tour guides are amazing and the park offers so much to do. The clear kayaks have brand new 2 inch padded seats with re,axed back on them. We just built new seats so they should be amazing actually. :) As for the water-again not something we control? Maybe try a solo or tandem kayak instead next time for better comfort.

Thoroughly recommend! Well worth a trip

James_W, Mar 2026

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Alligators my friend are everywhere! We love that you got to see so much! Please come see us at Blue Springs next!

Great tour!

Cheryl_L, Mar 2026

Our guide was fabulous!!!!!!!! The crystal river was beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Awee thank you! We truly try our best and all of our guides are super amazing!

Great tour

Robb_A, Mar 2026

It was a great 2-hour tour! Our guide. Steve was a great tour guide. We saw at least 20 alligators. Lots of different birds, turtles, etc. the monkeys were really cool!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

We are very pleased you had a great time on your tour! The tour sounded amazing!

Justin

Wendy_C, Mar 2026

We had a great experience. Justin was very knowledgeable and personable. We highly recommend and will be back next year to do the longer trip!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Wedny this is great! We are happy he made your tour the best ever! Alexander Springs maybe next?

Had a great time on the...

Brandi_G, Mar 2026

Had a great time on the kayak adventure - guide Justin was knowledgeable and fun! Park was definitely busier than anticipated but would do it again

Response from Host, Mar 2026

So glad you had a great time. Lets do Alexander Springs next with Justin yea?

Great experience seeing...

Diane_P, Mar 2026

Great experience seeing gators, birds, turtles.,and manatees up close on the water. Kayaks were easy to maneuver. Would definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

If you like this tour you will love Alexander Springs! Lets goooo!

Ashley was a great guide...

Jonathan_K, Mar 2026

Ashley was a great guide on the river. The weather was perfect, and we saw alligators, birds, fish, and four manatees along the way. When Ashley heard there were four more manatees farther up the river, we paddled a bit farther so we could see them too.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Ashley is a beautiful soul on the water. So grateful for her compassion and facts she gives her guests! Her smile is contagious and she tries to make sure her guests are truly happy. :)

Great :)

David_L, Mar 2026

Steve was a great guide! Would request him again! Was very educational and lead us to so much wildlife

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Thank you David! Steve is great and its hard to get him as a guide as he only does it when he can which makes it even more special to get him! His knowledge is unmatched for sure- as is all our guides! :)

This tour was the...

Ronald_V, Mar 2026

This tour was the highlight of our trip. Justin was absolutely fantastic! I would highly recommend it.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Ronald! That means so much to us to hear this! Please enjoy another trip down here and let us take you down Blue Springs next.

So Glad We Booked This Tour!

Dayle_H, Feb 2026

We had such a great kayaking experience at Silver Springs State Park with Ashley as our guide. She knew exactly where to take us to see wildlife, shared really interesting history about the springs, and made the whole trip easy and fun. She also captured some amazing photos for us along the way, which was such a bonus. Highly recommend booking with Ashley if you want the best experience out on the water.

Response from Host, Mar 2026

Ashley will get you all the facts and make sure your trip is enjoyable. Please come see us again- perhaps with Ashley at Ranbow Springs?

Enjoyed the activity

Rayappa_B, Feb 2026

Enjoyed the guided tour. Were able lot of monkeys, alligators, turtles and one manatee. Guide ensured that everyone was keeping up and took care by checking if we were ok.