Silver Springs Manatee Kayak, Glass Boat Small Group Max 14 Tour
Description
Trade the city for untouched nature with a full-day trip to Silver Springs State Park, an oasis known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. After convenient transportation from Orlando, you’ll have up to five hours to dive into a lineup of optional adventures; paddle a kayak along the Silver River, hop aboard the legendary Glass Bottom Boat for a surreal view of the springs, or explore miles of scenic hiking trails. From manatees drifting through transparent waters to lush forests once used as Hollywood backdrops, every part of Silver Springs feels like stepping into a postcard. This is the perfect outdoor escape for travelers craving freedom, beauty, and authentic Florida nature.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day begins with comfortable, stress-free transportation from Orlando, allowing you to relax as you leave the city behind and head toward one of Florida’s most remarkable natural destinations. No driving, no parking, no planning, just a smooth start to a refreshing day in nature.
Arrive at Silver Springs, a lush sanctuary built around one of the world’s largest artesian spring formations. Here, impossibly clear water reveals underwater landscapes normally hidden from the human eye. The park blends ancient forests, shimmering waterways, and diverse wildlife, offering a rare look at what untouched Florida truly feels like. It’s a destination that captivates both adventure-seekers and nature lovers.
his is your chance to design your perfect outdoor experience. Choose from optional activities like the iconic Glass Bottom Boat tour, where you’ll peer straight into underwater caverns and limestone formations teeming with life. Paddle a kayak or join a paddle tour along the Silver River for an up-close view of its wildlife—including turtles, fish, birds, and even wild monkeys swinging through the trees. Prefer staying on land? Wander shaded hiking trails, explore riverside overlooks, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by natural beauty. Five hours gives you the freedom to explore deeply, relax fully, and truly connect with the environment.
After a rejuvenating day in nature, enjoy a smooth ride back to Orlando. Settle in, unwind, and reflect on the rare scenes you experienced, from crystal waters to forested trails. This effortless return completes a day trip designed to deliver beauty, peace, and adventure without any hassle.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Drop-Off Location is the same as Pick-Up Location. 08:00AM: Nike Factory Store, 08:15AM: Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, 08:30AM: Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village, 08:45AM: Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, 09:00AM: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld Pickup time may differ from voucher start time. Confirm with operator after booking. Check “Meeting & Pick-Up” for details. Arrive 5–10 mins early. The tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours. Return time may vary depending on the itinerary, traffic, and weather conditions. Please allow a 5–10 minute window before and after your pick-up time, as the guide may arrive slightly early or late due to multiple stops.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Note: Optional choices for the Kayking, Paddle Boat, glass-bottom boat etc, tickets could be purchase on-site.
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant travelers may join if they are under 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the trip.
- Please double-check your booking details (name and contact info), as any errors may result in additional personal costs.
- Tickets and Admission Policy: Third-party attraction tickets or city passes are not accepted for participation in the tour. All admission tickets must be purchased either during booking or directly from your tour guide on the day of the tour.
- For a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend bringing comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration.
- You must contact the tour operator at least 3 days prior to the departure date to provide the pick-up location. If no information is received by the deadline, the default pick-up location and time will be automatically assigned: 09:00am at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld--10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821；
- For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a valid and reachable phone number is required for participants.
- Children under 6 may require a booster seat by law. When traveling on the minivans or vans, booster seats may be needed. Please contact the tour operator in advance if needed. Rental service is also available upon request.
- Please note: Cash is required during the tour for certain attractions, shops, and tickets. Guests are advised to prepare sufficient cash in advance.
Reviews(10)
Driver was prompt, friendly and informative. This was a great service. Highly recommend!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We flew to Orlando for our Christmas–New Year holiday without renting a car. Hoping to see manatees, we narrowed our options down to Silver Springs and Kelly Park. Among all the available choices, this was the only tour that offered pick-up service from Orlando. The trip was wonderful. We enjoyed the glass-bottom boat tour and kayaking.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
Loved this day out. Gus our driver/tour guide was amazing. Couldn’t do enough for us. Boat tour was so enjoyable but if you can book the longer one do it. It went by too fast. Lovely walk, met lovely locals. Also did the canoe, which I recommend. Will definitely go again.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
银泉公园一日游体验非常完美！和朋友一起划皮划艇是行程的最大亮点，乐趣无穷。导游非常专业尽责，接送和行程安排都衔接丝滑，全程无忧，强烈安利！ A perfect day trip to Silver Spring Park! The kayaking with friends was an absolute blast. Our guide was incredibly attentive, and the transportation and itinerary were seamless. Highly recommended!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
This 1-day adventure to Silver Springs State Park from Orlando was an unforgettable escape into nature’s beauty. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, offering the perfect balance of structured activity and free time to explore. The iconic Glass Bottom Boat ride was absolutely mesmerizing gliding over crystal-clear waters and peering down at ancient artifacts, fish, and even old Hollywood movie props was truly magical. We had ample time to hike the tranquil forest trails, spot wildlife, and for those who wanted, enjoy a peaceful kayak ride along the scenic Silver River. The setting is both serene and cinematic—no wonder it’s been featured in so many classic films! Our guide was fantastic—knowledgeable, attentive, and full of enthusiasm that made the day even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized and smooth, making it a stress-free and enriching experience from start to finish.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
I went to the Silver Springs of Florida, the driver's big brother was kind, the landscape along the way was beautiful, and people were happy. The only small disadvantage is that the season is not right, not seeing the long-awaited bulls. However, the glass boat experience is very special, so you can clearly see the underwater view. I also rented a transparent crystal boat, relaxed on clear waterways, very polite. Overall a relaxing and memorable trip, recommended for those who love nature and water activities.
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
This private manatee viewing tour is amazing! only 2 of us, and our driver Breeze is super friendly! and this Silver Spring State park is a hidden jewel of Florida!
Thank you very much for your feedback! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the service we've provided! We look forward to welcoming you back on your next visit!
We were originally going to kayak but found the glass bottom boat tour. We were so happy with the tour. We did the 90 minute tour and it was definitely worth it. Our tour guide told us fun facts about the land, animals and what was beneath the water. We were excited to see several manatees, including one huge one with two littles following it that swam right under our boat! We saw lots of turtles and birds. We saw about 5 different alligators, which made us glad we weren't kayaking. Our tour guide encouraged all on board to point out anything they saw, which let us to see more than we may have. Everyone on our tour was attentive and excited about the trip. I would highly recommend the 90 minute tour and checking out the gift shop. It was filled with great merchandise and reasonably priced. We ate in the cafe and the service was fast and the food was decent.
Our trip was one to remember! Being from the UK I was skeptical about booking online however received reassurance and communication from our tour company from the off. Our tour guide, Gus was very friendly and approachable. Overall an amazing trip!
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the services we've provided!
Took the GBBTour April, 2024. Captain Luke was our guide. From his extensive knowledge of the Springs, I thought he'd been doing this for 20 years. He said it was actually only 2 months! Example subjects covered include: Why it's called "Silver" Springs, Gallons produced per day, TV show "Sea Hunt", Offensive Treaties, Spiral "Snow-storms", 2 boys who sank their GBBoat, Wild life, and James Bond-007. Much more and this was only the 30 minute tour. $15 Adults, $14 Seniors. (Plus $2 for the State Park) There's also a 90 minute tour we'll be heading back for. Hope we get Captain Luke. (Be sure to tip!)
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed the services we've provided!
