Viator Rating : 5 (384 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.7/10 (Verified Excellent)
Orlando
Silver Springs Kayak Tour: Manatees, Monkeys & More!
120
Overview
Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures invites one to explore the underwater world of Silver Springs in a clear kayak. This guided tour offers an amazing opportunity to see manatees, wild monkeys, and many kinds of water birds. Experience one of the best kayak tours in Florida, on one of the most beautiful rivers in the world.
As people paddle through the crystal-clear waters, they can spot fish, turtles, and old movie relics from movies filmed here. Silver Springs' history includes Tarzan and other Hollywood movies. This raw beauty is extravagant, and what better way to experience it than in a clear kayak.
Silver Springs State Park is about 90 minutes from Orlando, making it a great day trip. There are trails for hiking and biking, clear-bottom boat rides, and places to eat. The kayaking is one of the best in Florida, with clear water and abundant wildlife. The park is a national natural landmark. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (9 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
See Manatees and Monkeys: Paddle through the water and see manatees and wild monkeys in their natural home.
Clear Kayaks: Look down and see fish, turtles, and even movie props under the clear water.
Guided Tour: Learn about the history of Silver Springs from an expert guide.
Perfect Day Trip: Only 90 minutes from Orlando, Silver Springs is a great place to spend the day.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love seeing lots of wildlife, like monkeys and manatees.
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Many enjoy how clear the water is for seeing underwater.
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Reviewers appreciate the tour guides who are friendly and know a lot about the area.
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Guests thought that it was worth the money.
Some people wished that the tour was longer.
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A few reviewers mentioned seeing trash in the water.
The Journey
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is a natural landmark in Florida, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. It features five miles of pristine water, making it ideal for kayaking. The park is rich in history, having served as Florida's first tourist attraction and a filming location for Tarzan movies and other Hollywood productions. It offers a variety of activities, including kayaking tours, hiking, and clear-bottom boat rides, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers.
Orlando
Orlando is a major city in Central Florida and is approximately a 90-minute drive from Silver Springs State Park. While primarily known for its theme parks, Orlando serves as a convenient base for day trips to natural attractions like Silver Springs, offering visitors a mix of entertainment and outdoor adventures. It is an ideal stay if you plan to also visit major theme parks in Florida.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes the use of all equipment, taxes, and fees. Gratuities (tips) are not included. Confirm meeting location details upon booking.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers have stated that if you go early in the morning you may be able to see more manatees and other wildlife.
Review Summary
People find this experience exceptional, with an average rating of 4.6 to 5.0 stars across platforms[1][2][4][8]. Travelers consistently praise the crystal-clear water visibility, knowledgeable and personable guides (particularly Chris, Justin, Steve, and Josh), and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially manatee sightings[1][2][4][7]. The most frequently mentioned strengths include the quality of clear kayaks, professional service, and guides' ability to locate and photograph wildlife while prioritizing safety and environmental care[1][4][7]. Minor concerns include kayak comfort padding and the importance of setting expectations for first-time kayakers regarding what to bring and physical requirements[2][4].
Frequently Asked Questions
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