PADDLING THE RIVER- SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK,FLORIDA

Drive past the park’s main entrance into the parking lot. As you pull in, you will notice a parking area to your right blocked off for anyone who has brought their paddle craft, such as canoes, kayaks, or a stand-up paddleboard. It is the only place to get close enough to unload, so make sure to grab all your extra gear and life jackets before you park.

**PRO TIP** If you are transporting two kayaks down the long path to the water, have both paddlers grab the tow rope on the front & back of each kayak. By positioning in the front and back, you are able to tote both kayaks at the same time, saving energy!

You can make your way down to the kayak rental concession area. This is where you can rent, pay the launch fee, reserve a tour guide, and arrange a shuttle service back from Ray Wayside Park. They will also have a storm update if you are paddling during the summer.

The kayak launch is right past this. If you have brought your own kayak, you will launch and disembark on the left-hand side. 

Silver Springs State Park Kayaking Rentals & Tours.

• Kayaks (single, tandem, sit-in/top, clear-bottom)
• Canoes (up to 3 people)
• Stand‑up Paddleboards (SUPs)
• Guided Paddle Tours (led by licensed guides, 1–2 hours) 

Launch fees: $4 per vessel + $2 park admission. Shuttles are available for downstream trips and are a great way to enjoy a full day on the river.

Paddling The River: Top Paddling Routes.

Who’s ready to paddle?! The beautiful thing is that whether this is your first time or you have some experience, there are several routes from the launch point you can take.

Fort King Paddling Trail Loop (1 – 2 miles)

The Fort King Waterway trail is my favorite. Once used only for the Jungle Cruise, this trail was opened up to paddlers in 2013. From the launch, paddle a short distance and turn right (before the Ross Allen boardwalk). The crystal-clear water is a favorite, and during the warmer months, it can stay pretty congested for a bit. 

This loop can be completed in an hour, but I recommend taking the time to enjoy the wildlife and take pictures. This trail is where we see the most manatees.

The Spring Basin

The Spring Basin is also a fun spot to paddle. It is also a short distance from the launch area and can be accessed by paddling upstream from the Silver River as well.

While exploring here, be aware of the glass-bottom boats that currently use this on their tour. They have the right of way on the river.

Manatees, Monkeys, and Gators, Oh My!

Here, the wonders of Silver Springs open up! Be on the lookout for Florida native birds such as herons, egrets, and “water turkeys!” Enjoy sunning turtles piled up on logs, playful otters, and alligators hiding in the lily pads

We kick back and let the current take us downstream, photographing everything!

You can’t kayak Silver Springs without talking about the monkeys. Roaming around since the 1930s, the rhesus macaques call Silver Springs home. 

It is estimated to be home to about 300 currently. Unfortunately, we have not been lucky enough to see them yet. A word of caution- the monkeys can be very aggressive, so it is advised to keep your distance.

If you decide to paddle all the way down to Ray Wayside Park, you can arrange for a shuttle to pick you up and bring you back to the park. The trip from the launch area is a 6-mile round trip at about 3-4 hours depending on how often you stop. You can also leave a car there if you are traveling with friends. 

Silver River Paddle Trip: Best Time For A Great Experience.

Ok…you’re ready to see palm trees and wild monkeys…when is the ​​BEST kayaking?! It’s Florida, Ya’ll! 

So, honestly, any time is the right time. If we are being technical, parts of the run are in full sun, and it can get pretty brutal during the summer months. 

Also to note, hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) and the river current. The Silver River is also very congested with boats (no-wake zone) and people in general.

However, if you would like your adventure a bit on the quieter side, head out first thing in the morning during the week and/or skip the weekends. In our experience, September through May works out the best for us on busy rivers. 

WANDER out to the serene waters of Silver Springs during the cooler months and manatee season. It’s such a beautiful place this time of year!

Silver River Paddle Trip Gear:

• Rental Fees: Private Vessels are $4 & include kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. The park entrance fee is $2. It’s free if you camped at Silver Springs State Park & you will need to present your camping tag.
• Paddle Board
• Kayak
• Rentals range from $30-$90. Grab all the rental stats here.
• Silver River Kayak Rentals & HERE.
• Grab the sunscreen.
• Bug Spray is a must.
• We love a good dry bag & dry pouch for phones
• Towel
• Waterproof Chafing cream-you’ll thank me later!
• Camera/Phone
• Water & Snacks
• Shoes to get wet
• Hat-the wider the brim, the better!
• Snacks for the monkeys. Just kidding!

Why Paddle Here?

• Clear Water & Constant 72°F Temperature: The Silver River flows from over 30 spring vents, providing spectacular clarity and year-round comfort
• Wildlife Wonderland: Paddle amidst manatees, turtles, otters, wading birds, gopher tortoises, and the famous feral rhesus macaques
• Historic Routes & Attractions: Explore the Fort King Waterway, remnants from the 1800s jungle cruise, or embark on the full 5‑mile route to Ray Wayside Park 

Know Before You Go: Silver River Paddle Trip: Effective March 25, 2025: The Ross Allen Boardwalk, the Half Mile Creek Trail, and Fort King Paddle Trail at Silver Springs State Park are partially closed until further notice due to boardwalk construction. The Sea Hunt Deck is closed until further notice.