Silver Springs Kayaking: Manatees and Wildlife

Paddle past manatees and monkeys in 90 minutes of clear water

Silver Springs kayaking is a 90-minute guided paddle on the Fort King loop where you spot manatees, monkeys, turtles and alligators in 200-year-old spring water. Groups stay under six kayaks, and your guide knows every wildlife hotspot. Kayak, paddle, life vest and dry bags for your phone and keys are included; tandem kayaks are available if you book ahead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour on Fort King loop

• Start kayaking on Fort King loop
• Observe wildlife: turtles, manatees, alligators
• Spot monkeys along the route
• Complete 90-minute paddle tour

The Experience

You paddle the Fort King loop with a guide who has memorized where the wildlife congregates. Manatees live in Silver Springs year-round—seven of them—so there's always a chance to see one, though November through March is peak season. Turtles, monkeys and alligators show up regularly; the guide keeps distance to the gators and points out the spots where each animal tends to gather. The water is clear enough to see down, and the spring itself has 200 years of history the guide shares as you paddle.

The tour runs 90 minutes and caps at six kayaks per group, which means no crowds and room for families or small parties. Single kayaks have a 250-pound weight limit; tandem kayaks hold up to 450 pounds combined and need to be requested when you book. If you need a tandem, call ahead to confirm availability—the guide may have only singles or only tandems on any given day. A two-person minimum applies, and same-day bookings require a call to check what's available.

You get a kayak, paddle, life vest with whistle and dry bags to keep your wallet, keys and phone safe while you're on the water. The guide is local and speaks English. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving.

What’s included

• Kayak and paddle.
• life vest with whistle.
• dry bags for wallet, keys and phone.
• local guide in English.
• tandem kayak available upon request at checkout.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AWA Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Ninety minutes leaves room for the rest of your day—long enough to see manatees and wildlife at their own pace, short enough to fit a morning or afternoon around other plans. Small groups under six kayaks mean you're not paddling in a crowd, which matters if you want the guide's attention and a real chance to spot animals instead of just passing them.

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Top questions

When is the best time to see manatees at Silver Springs?

Manatee season runs November through March, when sightings are most likely. Seven manatees live at Silver Springs year-round, so you have a chance to see one any time you paddle, though winter months offer the best odds.

What wildlife will I see on the Fort King loop?

The Fort King loop is where turtles, monkeys, manatees and alligators live. Your guide knows their hotspots and points them out as you paddle; alligators are kept at a safe distance.

Do I need to bring my own kayak?

No. Kayak, paddle, life vest and dry bags for your phone and keys are all included. You just need to show up ready to paddle.

Can two people share one kayak?

Yes, tandem kayaks are available for two people with a combined weight limit of 450 pounds. Request a tandem when you book, and call ahead on the day to confirm it's available, since the guide may have only single kayaks or only tandems in stock.

How many people go on each tour?

Tours are capped at six kayaks per group, which keeps it small and manageable. A two-person minimum applies.

How long does the paddle take?

The Fort King loop takes 90 minutes. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it to reach the launch.