Frequently asked questions.

Choose a guided tour if you want an experienced river guide to help you explore the springs, wildlife, and history along the way. Choose a rental if you prefer to paddle independently and set your own pace.

No. Silver Springs is a natural river, and every animal chooses where it goes. Your guide will help you look without chasing or crowding wildlife.

Yes. Clear kayaks can be paddled solo or with two riders. Guided tours are priced per person; rentals are priced per kayak.

Two hour guided tours depart at 8:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Guests ages 12 and older are $70 per person, and children under age 12 are $45 per person. Bring Your Own Vessel tours are $45 per person.

Three hour rentals are $75 per kayak and depart at 8:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. The 8:45 a.m. rental returns by 11:45 a.m., and the 12:45 p.m. rental returns by 3:45 p.m. Full day rentals are $120 per kayak, depart at 8:45 a.m., and must return by 5:00 p.m.

Clear kayaks, clip-in seats, paddles, one United States Coast Guard approved wearable life vest per rider, whistles, dry bags, and safety guidance are included. Riders under age 16 must wear their life vest for the entire tour or rental. Guided tours also include wildlife interpretation and professional trip photography.

No. The State does not allow us to collect these fees in advance. Guests pay $2 per person for admission and $4 per kayak or paddleboard at the kayak launch on the day of the reservation. Cash, credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are accepted.

Please arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. We will send a text and email the day before your reservation and again that morning with a detailed map, arrival instructions, and a photo of your guide or rental contact.

We follow park weather holds and will never send guests onto the river in unsafe conditions. If a hold lasts longer than two hours, you may reschedule or receive a full refund.

Reservations cancelled at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are nonrefundable, but the reservation may be rescheduled once when availability allows. Reservations made for the same day are nonrefundable but may also be rescheduled once. After a late cancellation or same day reservation has been rescheduled, it remains nonrefundable. Exceptional circumstances may be reviewed individually. If Explore Silver Springs cancels because of unsafe weather or another unforeseen condition, guests may reschedule or receive a full refund. Guests who do not arrive are not eligible for a refund or rescheduling.

Each clear tandem kayak has a combined capacity of 425 pounds. For safety and balance, no single rider may weigh more than 250 pounds.

Bring plenty of water or other nonalcoholic drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, and snacks if you would like them. Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet, and never feed or offer food to wildlife.

Yes. Reservations must be made online before arrival. The park does not allow us to accept walk-up bookings at the launch.