SILVER SPRINGS
GUIDED PADDLE BOARD TOURS
Florida’s most iconic spring, crystal-clear waters and incredible wildlife.Explore one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed waterways on our Silver Springs Paddle Board Tour.
This guided, small-group paddle takes place in Silver Springs State Park, where crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, including manatees and monkeys, create an unforgettable natural Florida experience.
Designed to be beginner-friendly and family-friendly, our tours are thoughtfully guided, move at a relaxed pace, and focus on respectful wildlife viewing while experiencing the natural beauty of Silver Springs.
RATES:
$75 (Adults 13+)
$65 (Children 4–12)
TIME: 8:30am & 11:30am
DURATION: 2 - 2.5 Hours
EXPERIENCE: Beginner & Family Friendly
PARK ADMISSION FEE: Guests are required to pay a $6 park admission fee per guest.
BOOKING CONFIRMATION: Once your reservation is complete, you’ll receive a booking confirmation email with all the details for your upcoming adventure.
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIANCE
ON THE WATER
Embark on a scenic 2–2.5 hour guided paddle through some of the most breathtaking sections of Silver Springs.
This two-mile journey begins with a peaceful downstream paddle along the crystal-clear main river, where you’ll visit the iconic headspring and drift into quiet coves to see what nature has in store.
From there, your adventure continues upstream into the enchanting Fort King Paddling Trail, a narrow, winding waterway shaded by a vibrant canopy of trees, before returning to where your journey began.
Silver Springs is one of the few places in Florida where you can encounter both manatees and monkeys along the same waterway. Wildlife sightings here are often more abundant than anywhere else we paddle. Guests may see manatees, monkeys, turtles, alligators, a variety of fish, and native bird species throughout the tour.
MANATEE
SEASON NOV 15 - MAR 31
Silver Springs serves as an important seasonal refuge for Florida manatees, especially during the cooler months of the year.
Manatee season typically runs from mid-November through March, when colder air temperatures draw manatees into the warm, 72-degree spring-fed waters at Silver Springs State Park.
While manatees can be seen year-round, sightings are most common during manatee season and are never guaranteed. Each tour offers a unique experience shaped by nature, weather conditions, and wildlife activity.
Otter Paddle Orlando is proud to be a Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide. Our guided paddle board tours follow all state and park regulations and prioritize respectful wildlife viewing, allowing guests to observe these gentle animals from a safe distance while minimizing disturbance to their natural behavior and educating our guests on manatee conservation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED + MORE
NIXY Paddle Board + Necessary Equipment
PFD (Personal Flotation Device) + Whistle
Dry Bag
Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Paddle & Water Safety Instructions
Premium Photo + Video Package
Your Adventure Includes:
Excluded:PARK ADMISSION FEE: Guests are required to pay a $6 Silver Springs State Park admission fee per guest after parking and checking in with their tour guide.
Kayak more your style?Choose our paddle board kayak hybrid setup at no extra cost.
This option features a premium foldable SUP seat and a kayak paddle.
Glide across the water with a setup that blends the agility of a paddle board with the relaxed comfort of a kayak.
Simply select this option when booking your adventure.
LAUNCH LOCATION: SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK
This guided paddle board tour launches from Silver Springs State Park.
Address: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
Located approximately 1.5 hours north of Orlando, making it a popular day trip for visitors and locals alike.
Silver Springs Paddle Board Tour FAQs
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Yes. Our guided paddle board tours take place inside Silver Springs State Park, launching into the crystal-clear waters of the Silver River. You’ll paddle through protected spring ecosystems known for manatees, monkeys, turtles, and abundant wildlife.
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Our guided Silver Springs paddle board tour typically lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours on the water, depending on wildlife activity and group pace.
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Manatee season in Silver Springs typically runs from November through March when temperatures drop and manatees gather in the warm spring-fed waters. However, wildlife sightings can happen year-round.
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Silver Springs is home to wild manatees, turtles, fish, birds, and even the famous rhesus monkeys along the shoreline. The crystal-clear water allows for incredible visibility into the spring ecosystem.
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No. You can stand, kneel, or sit during your tour. We also offer a hybrid kayak seat option at no extra cost if you prefer sitting comfortably while enjoying the elevated visibility of a paddle board.
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Paddle boarding offers a higher vantage point, making it easier to spot manatees, fish, turtles, and underwater springs.
You can stand, kneel, or sit for comfort. Our hybrid kayak seat option gives you the best of both worlds.
Compared to clear kayaks, paddle boards provide better balance, flexibility in positioning, and a more immersive wildlife viewing experience.
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Yes. Our tours are beginner-friendly and designed for all experience levels. We provide instruction before launching and keep group sizes small for personalized guidance.
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Yes. Our Silver Springs paddle board tours are family-friendly and designed to accommodate children safely.
Participants must be at least 4 years old to join the tour. All guests aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the experience.
For children ages 4–12, they are required to ride on the same paddle board as a parent (one adult and one child per board).
However, if a child in this age range has prior paddle experience and feels confident, they may ride their own board.
Our paddle boards are designed for a maximum of two people — one adult and one child — ensuring safety, balance, and comfort on the water.
If you have specific questions about your child’s age or experience level, feel free to contact us before booking.
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No. We provide all paddle boards, paddles, safety equipment, and professional guidance. Just bring water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
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Yes. Experienced paddlers are welcome to bring their own paddle board to join our guided Silver Springs tour.
When booking, simply select the “Bring Your Own Board” option from the dropdown menu and you’ll automatically receive a $20 discount.
If bringing your own vessel, please:
• Arrive early to allow time for setup
• Be fully ready by the scheduled check-in time
• Bring a properly fitted life vest (required)All participants must follow our guided tour structure for safety and wildlife protection inside Silver Springs State Park.
Most guests choose to use our premium paddle boards for convenience and consistency, but we’re happy to accommodate those who prefer to paddle their own.
REQUIREMENTS + MORE
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Cancellation Policy
At Otter Paddle Orlando, we understand that plans may change, and we strive to accommodate our guests whenever possible. However, last-minute cancellations impact our operations and limit availability for others. To ensure fairness and efficient service, we have established the following policies.
Cancellations Made in Advance: Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled booking date are eligible for a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the booking date, guests may choose to reschedule or receive a gift card. Unfortunately, cancellations made on the day of the booking, as well as late arrivals and no-shows, are not eligible for a refund.
Late Arrival Policy: We allow a 10-minute grace period for guests who may be delayed. After this grace period, we are unable to accommodate late arrivals, as it may disrupt the experience for other guests. Guests who cancel on the day of their tour, arrive after the 10-minute grace period, or do not show up but contact us on the day of their reservation may receive a gift card. However, a $75 rescheduling fee must be paid to obtain the gift card. Guests who contact us after the scheduled tour date will not be eligible for a refund, reschedule, or gift card.
Weather Policy: For the safety of our guests, Otter Paddle Orlando reserves the right to cancel tours in the event of unsafe weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or any other reason that may compromise guest safety. While we do operate in light rain, if a tour is canceled by Otter Paddle Orlando due to weather or safety concerns, guests will have the option to reschedule their tour or receive a gift card for future use. Please note that refunds will not be issued in these circumstances.
All policies are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and smooth operations. Gift cards issued by Otter Paddle Orlando do not expire, providing guests with the flexibility to reschedule at their convenience. This cancellation policy is subject to change. We will make every effort to communicate updates in advance, and we recommend reviewing our policy at the time of booking.
By booking with Otter Paddle Orlando, guests acknowledge and agree to comply with the policies outlined above.
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• Each guest must pay the Silver Springs State Park fee upon arrival. There is a $4 launch fee per vessel, plus a park admission fee of $2 per person.
Once you have parked, you can check in with your tour guide, who will direct you on where to go to pay the fees.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow enough time to wait in line and be ready for your tour check-in time.
• A completed waiver is required for each participant prior to check-in. Once the reservation has been made, you will receive a booking confirmation email with online waiver instructions + more.
• Each participant must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in and around the water, must be fully mobile and in good physical condition to join this tour. Paddle boarding is a physical activity.
• Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Minors 4-12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian on the same paddle board.
• Minors 13-17 years of age may paddle board on their own, with a parent/guardian next to the minor for the full duration of the tour.
• Minors 3 years of age and under are not permitted.
• Pets are not permitted. -
Please note, we must have at least 2 guests attending a tour to operate. If you are the only guest on the tour, we will reach out to inform you. If no other guests book prior to 24 hours, we will have to cancel the tour and reschedule or provide a full refund.
