Hurricane Milton Update: Silver Springs State Park is open!
Glass Bottom Boat Tours, 1-2hr Paddles, Springside Cafe, the Gift Shop, and Camping are available. Check back here for more updates!
For more information on The Lost Souls River Tour please visit: Lost Souls Halloween River Tour
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.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our kayak rentals! Choose from a variety of options, including single and tandem kayaks, available in both sit-in and sit-on styles. Whether you prefer to paddle solo or share the experience with a friend, we’ve got you covered. For a unique twist, try our tandem clear kayaks and glide across the water while enjoying stunning underwater views. Dive into the fun and explore the beauty of nature at your own pace!
All of our kayaks come equipped with back supporting seats to ensure your comfort.
Go old school with our classic canoe rentals! Perfect for a leisurely, family-friendly float down the river, canoes offer a comfortable seating arrangement that elevates your vantage point for spotting wildlife above and below the waterline. Their stability makes them an ideal choice for photographers looking to capture breathtaking moments on the water. Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature, where every paddle stroke brings new adventures and memories. Grab your crew and experience the timeless joy of canoeing!
Our canoes can seat up to three people.
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!
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 (max 5 hr rental). Return van transport is available for purchase for those with their own boats as well. Please see online reservation calendar for latest arrival time for this paddle.
Take a professional guided tour with one of our Adventure Guides on a two-hour paddle. Learn the history of the Silver River, the springs and all of its amazing inhabitants. The Guided Paddle Tour is for all paddlers, beginner to advanced. Individuals must be able to physically handle their vessel and maintain pace with the guide. Available select dates and times; reservations recommended.
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. Valid Photo ID is required for all paddlers. One set of car keys per group will be held while you are on the water.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT PER VESSEL:
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. No motorized boats, gas or electric powered, may use the canoe/kayak launch. A ramp for motorized vessels is available at Ray Wayside County Park. Per USCG, all paddlers are required to have a life jacket that meets current USCG standards. Valid Photo ID is required for all shuttle passengers or life jacket renters. One set of car keys per group will be held while you are on the water (if using the shuttle or renting a life jacket).
Important Shuttle Info: If the law requires your child to be in a safety car seat, you must provide the seat for us to transport to Ray Wayside so it will be waiting for you at the end of your trip.
Save time: Fill out the Pre-Arrival online Waiver before you arrive. It will be automatically emailed and/or texted to you after you make a reservation. Valid Photo ID is required to complete the Waiver.
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 ©2024
Silver Springs State Park Website
Friends of Silver Springs
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