Paddle the Silver River with a naturalist guide
2 hours
Kayak or paddleboard, gear
Explore the Silver River on a 2-hour guided eco-tour and look for local wildlife along the way. Launch from Silver Springs State Park with a naturalist guide who helps you spot what lives in this habitat.
State park fees cost $2 per person and $4 per kayak. Gratuities are not included. No pets allowed.
Cancel 48 hours or more before your reservation start time to avoid penalties. No-shows are charged the full price. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Yes. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your reservation start time.
Check in at the kayak staging area in the south end of the main parking lot. Look for Discovery Kayak staff wearing white logoed shirts, and provide the reservation name or reservation ticket.
Yes. The state park charges fees separately: $2 per person and $4 per kayak. Gratuities are not included.
Silver Springs State Park • 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488
Ryan and his team have built a genuinely well-run operation on Silver Springs, and repeat customers are one of the clearest signs of that. Reviewers frequently mention coming back year after year, citing punctual service, friendly staff, and clean, quality equipment. The shuttle system is a particular highlight, with seamless pickup at Ray's Wayside after the popular 4-hour float making logistics stress-free for groups and solo paddlers alike. The wildlife alone makes the trip worthwhile, with manatees, otters, monkeys, and birds appearing regularly in reviews. Ryan's deep local knowledge adds real value, especially on guided experiences where he shares the river's history and even knows individual animals by name. First-timers consistently mention feeling at ease thanks to clear pre-trip instructions and attentive staff. Pricing comes in lower than some nearby competitors without any apparent drop in quality, which reviewers appreciate. Whether booking rentals, shuttle service, or a full guided experience, the consistent feedback is that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. For anyone exploring Silver Springs, this is an easy recommendation.
We do several trips with Discovery Kayak each year and they are absolutely the best. Always prompt, Kind and courteous. Very professional in every aspect of their business.
Jerry McLauchlin
May 18, 2026
We do several trips with Discovery Kayak each year and they are absolutely the best. Always prompt, Kind and courteous. Very professional in every aspect of their business.
Jerry McLauchlin
May 18, 2026