↠ MANATEES, MONKEYS, AND ENDLESS MEMORIES AT SILVER SPRINGS ↞
↠ WHY GET UP AND GO KAYAKING ↞
TOP-RATED
Get Up And Go Kayaking – Silver Springs has been rated the #1 Kayak Tour in Ocala! We’ve received over 2,000 raving five-star reviews!
GUARANTEED WILDLIFE
You’re guaranteed to see wildlife on your Silver Springs adventure—from birds, fish, turtles and more—or you’ll receive a voucher to come back again! And if you’re lucky, you might even see some of our local manatees or wild monkeys!
SMALL GROUPS
Our max group size is 10 paddlers – the perfect size to hear our guides and enjoy conversations along the way. (Larger private parties may be available upon request)
BEST GUIDES
Soak up the sights – and some knowledge! Learn unique facts along the paddle about the local waterways, wildlife, and more. All our Silver Springs tour guides are Guardian Guide certified! Your guide will even snap a few pictures for you!
GREAT VIEWS
on’t let a normal kayak ruin your view! Our clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the Silver Springs surroundings, and there are plenty of opportunities to snag some videos and Reels!
GUARANTEED ACCESS
Booking a tour with us gets you guaranteed access to Silver River, even if Silver Springs State Park is at capacity! By booking ahead, you’ll guarantee your spot on the tour.
↠ SILVER SPRINGS KAYAK TOUR OPTIONS ↞
↠ Private Silver Springs Tour ↞
FULLY PRIVATE EXPERIENCE
From: $600
Take a fully private tour at Silver Springs with one of our amazing tour guides!
- Fully private experience.
- Paddle at your groups speed.
- Flexibility on time spent at certain stops along the river.
- Photo opportunities! This tour is catered to YOU and gives you the opportunity to take advantage of your time and the ability for your tour guides to take some awesome photos for you during your paddle with us!
↠ SEE MANATEES RESPONSIBLY WITH CERTIFIED GUIDES ↞
Join Get Up and Go Kayaking for a clear kayak tour at Silver Springs State Park, one of Florida’s top manatee viewing spots during the winter months. While sightings are not guaranteed, our tours follow eco-friendly, passive observation practices to protect these gentle giants.
Our guides are Guardian Guide certified by Save the Manatee Club, ensuring a responsible and educational experience. Choose a tour that prioritizes the well-being of manatees and their habitat for an adventure you can feel good about!
↠ MEET OUR TEAM ↞
Bria
-
Meet Bria! A lawyer from Oklahoma who loves adventure. In her free time you’ll find her spending time with her dog or out in nature.
Jeff
-
Jeff is a third generation Florida native. He grew up around Silver Springs and has been visiting the park since he was seven years old. In his free time Jeff has visited every State in the continental USA with the highlights being, seeing the many National and State Parks. He enjoys sharing his love of the park and its history.
Nathan
-
Growing up in Florida, Nathan developed a strong passion for the outdoors. Whether he was exploring nature or playing sports, his love for adventure led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Florida.
Alexis
-
Alexis holds a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology and is a certified Save the Manatee Guardian Guide. She loves combining her expertise with her passion for Florida’s ecosystems to foster connections between people and nature! She has a deep love for wildlife, and biology, with a special fondness for manatees and birds.
Andres
-
As a Florida native from Miami, Andres’ life has always revolved around the beach and the water. His passion for the environment, both land and sea, led him to the University of Florida, where he is pursuing a degree in Environmental Management. With a deep love for nature, Andres enjoys sharing his knowledge and raising awareness while exploring the Florida rivers.
Angel
-
Angel was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up with a passion for basketball, a sport he played since childhood. When not on the court, he always had a love for exploring wildlife and nature. He would read books about different animals and try to find them in the wild. Now, spending more time on the water, Angel gets the opportunity to research animals he’s never studied before, and that’s the best part of his experience.
Heidi
-
Meet Heidi, a true New Hampshire native with a heart dedicated to environmental causes. Her love extends to all wildlife and waters, and she finds joy in sharing special moments with her grandson.
Sam
-
Sam, a Florida native, craves adventure and explores far and wide. Committed to conservation, he inspires others to connect with nature. Fun fact: Sam traveled the US in a 22-year-old van, chasing National Parks.
Josh
-
Josh has always had a love for Florida’s wildlife. He loves studying the state’s ecosystem and has dedicated himself to becoming an expert on reptiles.
Lauren
-
Meet Lauren! She’s a nature enthusiast and adventurer who has a profound connection with the natural world. Growing up exploring the mountains of New Hampshire and the diverse landscapes of Florida, she has developed a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty. When not immersed in her work with nature, you can find Lauren exploring the outdoors with her son, embracing the beaches, springs, and trails of Florida. Her genuine passion for nature shines through in her role as she joyfully shares her knowledge and love for the environment with guests on the water.
Mario Simauchi
-
Meet Mario! Originally from Miami, FL and could be considered a nature enthusiast. He is a Rollins College Alumni, with an International Business degree in Global Brand Management and International Franchising. Growing up speaking both Spanish and English, Mario can also communicate in Mandarin, Portuguese, and French… making him multilingual! In addition to studying at Rollins, Mario also took his studies overseas and spent time studying in China. In his free time he enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures.
Sam Heimgartner
-
Meet Sam! Sam, originally from IL, is an adventure seeker at heart and passionate of all things outdoors! In her spare time you can catch her hanging at the beach either surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. She enjoys traveling to different parts of the world, so be sure to share your epic travel stories with her on your next paddle! Sam also has an eye for spotting out wildlife on tours!
↠ SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK ↞
Experience the Beauty and History of Silver Springs State Park!
Silver Springs State Park, located in Ocala, Florida, is a must-visit destination known for its breathtaking crystal-clear springs and rich history. As one of Florida’s oldest tourist attractions, the park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Visitors can explore the famous springs by kayak or take a Silver Springs glass-bottom boat tour to get an up-close view of the underwater world. Hiking trails meander through lush forests, where you can spot diverse wildlife, including manatees, wild monkeys, turtles, and a variety of birds. The park is also home to historical sites, with ties to Hollywood’s Golden Age—Silver Springs was once the backdrop for many iconic films and TV shows, adding a fascinating layer to your visit.
For those looking to spend more time in nature, camping and picnicking areas are available for a relaxing day or extended stay. The park’s campgrounds offer easy access to the springs, while the picnic areas are perfect for a peaceful meal surrounded by the beauty of the park.
Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water, a quiet nature walk, or a scenic spot for a picnic, Silver Springs State Park has something for everyone. Embrace the outdoors and discover the natural wonders and historical charm of this iconic Florida destination.
↠ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ↞
-
We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water (in reusable water bottle)
- Swimsuit/Clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet.
- Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip.
- Any extra gear you’d like. Remember- the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak.
-
- Yes, children 3+ years old are allowed on the tours
- Each child age 3-17 must be accompanied by an adult
- Children 6 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
- We require one adult per each child under age 12
- We require children under 3 years of age (or under 30 pounds) to bring their own life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.
-
- Silver Springs: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- When entering the Silver Springs parking lot, please follow signs for “Paddling Adventure” that will lead you to the back left corner of the Silver Springs State Park parking lot.
- Please check in with your Get Up And Go Kayaking tour guide
- All guests will be required to pay the $2 State Park entrance fee at the podium near the kayak launch. This fee is not included in your tour reservation and must be paid by each guest once on site.
-
- Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
- Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single.
-
Trips that are canceled by Get Up And Go Kayaking due to inclement weather, will be rescheduled or refunded.
All sales are final; however, we do offer Trip Protection at Silver Springs for 10% of the ticket price to allow you to cancel for a full refund for any reason up until 24-hours prior to the trip time.
No-show participants will not be refunded. This includes showing up with less paddlers than the original amount booked for.
Get Up And Go Kayaking will not launch in unsafe weather conditions. Because of this, trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety issues. If this is the case, your reservation will be refunded in full (if it has already been paid). We will not be held responsible for any reservation that you fail to keep due to any unforeseen circumstances. We also reserve the right to change or cancel any tours due to circumstances beyond our control. In this instance, Get Up And Go Kayaking can refund the tour price, not any other expenses that may have been incurred.
-
- Dogs are allowed at Silver Springs State Park and must always remain on a leash.
If taking a dog on a kayak tour with us, please keep in mind that the weight limit including you, your dog, and any other riders in the kayak, must not exceed what is allowed which is no more than 250 pounds per seat in the kayak, and no more than 425 pounds total per all kayak riders. - Please be aware of the other wildlife that call Silver Springs home when considering if you should take your dog with you or not.
- Dogs are allowed at Silver Springs State Park and must always remain on a leash.
-
YES! Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately, our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
-
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%! -
We cannot guarantee manatee and monkey sightings on each tour we take out. However, your tour guide will do their best to go to the areas where the wildlife is typically most active. Manatee season officially runs from November 15th – March 31st. We would like all our guests to be aware of this possibility so that there are no surprises once on the water!
-
Alcohol is prohibited on any of our tours at Silver Springs
↠ OUR SILVER SPRINGS STICKER ↞
Collect the exclusive Silver Springs sticker on the day of your tour from your guide! Collecting more location stickers can unlock some great rewards. Learn more about our loyalty program
↠ RELATED LOCATION ↞
↠ GET IN TOUCH ↞
Send Us a Message
Call or Text Us
(352) 703-4968
(Available from 8:00am – 5:00pm)