COVID-19 UPDATE
Silver Springs State Park is open seven days a week. Glass Bottom Boat tours and Paddling Adventures canoe and kayak rentals are operating. Federal law now requires all passengers and crew to wear facemasks on Glass Bottom Boat tours. Please note we are not yet offering shuttle service from Ray Wayside Park.
We are taking precautions to help ensure your safe visit, but we need your help. Please observe social distancing guidelines at all times during your visit to the park, and face masks are encouraged (required on Glass Bottom Boat tours). Remember, we’re in this together!
The Silver River flows five miles from the head spring to its confluence with the Ocklawaha River, completely within the confines and protection of Silver Springs State Park. The river offers a wide, wild and scenic paddle through Florida’s heartland. Explore the Silver River!
CHOOSE YOUR WATERSPORT
Paddle one of our rental canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards five miles downstream on the pristine and unspoiled Silver River, from the head spring to Ray Wayside Park. We’ll provide your transport back upstream. Or choose from shorter, one and two hour, out-and-back excursions.
KAYAKS
For an unforgettable adventure, rent one of our kayaks. We offer single and tandem kayaks, in both sit-in and sit-on styles, so you can fly solo or share the experience.
New! For an entirely new experience try one of our clear bottom tandem kayaks!
All of our kayaks come equipped with back supporting seats to ensure your comfort.
canoeS
Go old school! Canoes are a great choice for a leisurely and family-friendly float down the river. Because you’re seated above the water, you have an excellent vantage point for spotting wildlife both below and above the waterline. And the stability of a canoe makes it the ideal watercraft for photography.
Our canoes can seat up to three people.
stand-up paddleboards
Experienced or first timer, all are welcome to enjoy this hot, new watersport on the Silver River. Come appreciate wildlife and the outdoors as you improve your balance, stamina and strength.
PADDLING Options
Hourly Paddle:
Explore beautiful Silver Springs for an hour or two or more. Select the tree-shaded, circular Fort King Waterway route or a straight, out-and-back paddle the head spring. The route and pace is yours to choose!
Extended Paddle:
NOTE: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this option is not currently available. Journey five miles from Silver River headwaters to Ray Wayside Park on S.R. 40 with return van transportation provided. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete this paddling excursion. Please arrive no later than 12:00 pm to begin your trip. Return van transport is available for purchase for those with their own boats as well.
Please Note:
Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For individual or small group rentals of 9 or fewer boats, reservations are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Larger groups must reserve in advance to ensure vessel availability. All rentals include paddles and life jackets. Prices do not include sales tax.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT PER VESSEL:
- Single Sit-in 300 lb
- Single sit-on 300 lb
- Tandem Sit-in 507 lb
- Tandem Sit-on 575 lb
- Clear Bottom Tandem 450 lb
- Canoe 1250 lb
We do not allow pets onboard rental watercraft. Service animals are permitted.
Private Vessels: If you’re bringing your own vessel (kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard), there is a $4 launch fee per vessel, plus park admission of $2 per person. Transport services from Ray Wayside Park are additional.
Save time: Complete the Paddling Adventures Waiver prior to your visit to Silver Springs and bring it with you.
In order to participate in this activity, one must have the ability to enter and exit the watercraft independently or with the assistance of a companion, remain seated and balanced using adaptive support if needed, and paddle through the water in a stable and controlled manner independently or with the assistance of a companion. In the event of a capsize, one must have the ability to get out from under the watercraft independently and right oneself and remain face-up in the water with the aid of a personal flotation device. Must have the ability to follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion. Must have the ability to withstand exposure to the outdoors for as long as one chooses to attend. Must have the ability to traverse uneven and unstable terrain for up to 1,000 feet independently or with the assistance of a companion.
Authorized Concessionaire of
Silver Springs State Park
Cape Leisure Corporation ©2019
Silver Springs State Park Website
Friends of Silver Springs
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