SILVER SPRINGS

MANATEE

PADDLE BOARD TOUR

SILVER SPRINGS

STATE PARK

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 Manatee Paddle Board Tour.

This guided, small-group paddle takes place in Silver Springs State Park, where crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful natural setting create an unforgettable experience.

Designed to be beginner-friendly and family-friendly, our tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who focus on safety, education, and respectful wildlife encounters.

BOOK NOW
Manatee paddle tours with Otter Paddle Orlando at Silver Springs State Park.
Manatee Season with Otter Paddle Orlando. Come paddleboard with manatees, the perfect family-friendly adventure in Florida at Silver Springs State Park.

RATES:

$69 (Adults 13+)

$59 (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.

Family-friendly manatee paddle boarding tours with Otter Paddle Orlando at Silver Springs.

WILDLIFE

ON SILVER SPRINGS

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.

A great egret on a paddleboarding tour with Otter Paddle Orlando.
Paddleboard with monkeys at Silver Springs State Park with Otter Paddle Orlando.
Alligator paddleboarding tours with Otter Paddle Orlando at Silver Springs State Park.
Experience paddling with manatees at Silver Springs State Park with Otter Paddle Orlando.
Wildlife paddleboarding tours with Otter Paddle Orlando at Silver Springs State Park.
The best wildlife paddle tours with Otter Paddle Orlando in Florida.
Explore wild Florida with Otter Paddle Orlando on the best paddle boarding tour for beginners and families.
Paddle crystal clear waters at Silver Springs with Otter Paddle Orlando.
View manatees in crystal clear water at Silver Springs State Park with Otter Paddle Orlando.
Paddle up close with manatees with Otter Paddle Orlando at Silver Springs State Park.

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.

Logo for Manatee Stewardship Program and Guardian Guides, Save the Manatee Club.
Save the Manatee logo.

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:
Top-quality NIXY paddle board used on all Otter Paddle Orlando tours – durable, stable, and ideal for Florida’s scenic waterways.
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.

Paddle Board Kayak:
  • Upgrade to our Premium Foldable SUP Seat & Kayak Paddle for no additional cost. You can select this option when booking your adventure.

  • Explore the water with our kayak hybrid setup, combining the agility of a paddle board with the comfort of a kayak.

Nixy Kayak Paddle
Nixy Kayak Seat
Family friendly paddle boarding kayak tours in Florida with Otter Paddle Orlando.

SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

QUICK FACTS

Paddle crystal clear waters at Silver Springs State Park with Otter Paddle Orlando.

Silver Springs is one of Florida’s largest and oldest artesian spring systems, producing millions of gallons of crystal-clear, 72-degree water every day. The spring system is fed by the Floridan Aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world and a vital source of fresh water for the state.

Silver Springs holds several important designations that reflect its environmental and historical significance. It is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, recognized as a Florida Heritage Site, and officially designated a National Natural Landmark.

For more than 150 years, Silver Springs has been a celebrated Florida landmark. It is best known for its historic glass-bottom boat tours, which began in the late 1800s and are among the oldest continuously operating tourist experiences in the United States. Silver Springs was also one of Florida’s earliest tourist attractions, welcoming visitors as far back as the 1830s.

Silver Springs is also known for its population of free-ranging rhesus macaques, commonly referred to as the “Silver Springs monkeys.” These monkeys are descendants of animals introduced to the area in the 1930s and have since become one of the park’s most surprising and talked-about features. While fascinating to observe from a distance, the monkeys are wild animals and should never be approached or fed.

In addition to its natural beauty, Silver Springs has a rich film and television history. The springs served as a major filming location for early Hollywood, including iconic underwater scenes in Tarzan films, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and numerous television productions.

Moments from the water...

REQUIREMENTS + MORE

  • 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.

  • • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:
  • At Silver Springs, encounters with alligators are common during the tours. These magnificent creatures are part of the natural ecosystem in this area. While they can occasionally be spotted along the tour, rest assured that our guides are experienced in navigating these waters safely, ensuring an enjoyable and secure experience for all our guests. Your safety is our priority, and we maintain all necessary precautions to offer a memorable yet secure exploration of Silver Springs' remarkable biodiversity.

  • We prioritize safety for all our participants, which is why we require everyone to have swimming proficiency. Feeling confident and comfortable in and around water is essential for this activity. If you have any questions or concerns about your comfort level in the water, please reach out to us. Your safety is our top priority, and we're here to help ensure a great experience for everyone.

  • To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, participants must be a minimum of 4 years old to join our tours. Additionally, individuals aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the duration of the tour. If you have any further questions about age requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us.

  • Our paddle boards are designed for a maximum of two individuals: one adult and one child. For children aged 4 to 12, it's required that they ride on the same paddle board as their parent. However, if a child within this age range has previous paddle experience and feels comfortable, they do have the option to ride on their individual paddle board.

  • Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your own paddle board or kayak on our guided tours. During the reservation process, simply select the 'Bring My Own' option, and a $10 discount will automatically be applied.

    Furthermore, your guided tour covers all park fees and includes our favorite photo and video package.

    Friendly reminder: please plan to arrive early to ensure ample time for setting up your equipment before the tour's check-in time. Being prepared beforehand ensures a smooth and timely start to your adventure. Additionally, remember to bring all necessary equipment and be ready to go at the scheduled check-in time for the tour.

  • We share your love for animals and understand the importance of family pets. However, please note that our tours do not permit pets. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Paddleboarding tours at Silver Springs with Otter Paddle Orlando.
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