Silver Springs Manatee Viewing Tour

From$88
6 hours
Orlando, USA

About this activity

Join a guided tour from Orlando to Silver Springs to observe manatees, enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, and explore by kayak.

Highlights

  • Spot manatees in their natural habitat
  • Explore Silver Springs' crystal-clear waters
  • Enjoy a guided glass-bottom boat tour
  • Experience kayaking through scenic waterways
  • Discover diverse wildlife and lush landscapes

Full description

Discover the serene beauty of Silver Springs on this exciting day trip from Orlando. Glide through crystal-clear waters on a guided glass-bottom boat tour, offering unparalleled views of the vibrant underwater world. Keep an eye out for gentle manatees, especially during the winter months when they seek the warm waters of the springs. For a more intimate experience, embark on a self-guided kayaking adventure, navigating through lush landscapes and encountering diverse wildlife. This tour provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an unforgettable addition to your Florida itinerary.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Orlando
  • Guided glass-bottom boat tour
  • Kayak rental for self-guided exploration
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

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.

Duration: 5 hoursAdmission: YES
4

Pass by: 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.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates seasonally; check availability for your travel dates
  • Kayak rental is included; no prior kayaking experience required
  • Glass-bottom boat tours are subject to weather conditions

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen
  • Bring a hat and sunglasses for sun protection
  • Parking is available at the departure point in Orlando

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • 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.

Traveler reviews

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Great transportation to Kennedy Space Center

Driver was prompt, friendly and informative. This was a great service. Highly recommend!

ronaldvU7977SCApr 8, 2026TRIPADVISOR

One day trip to silver springs

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.

J4557LPemilyjDec 31, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Beautiful place.

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.

lisabL8493KZNov 12, 2025TRIPADVISOR

导游非常专业尽责,接送和行程安排都衔接丝滑。

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!

Discover54126104476Oct 1, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Best experience, highly recommeded.

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.

PETER_GJun 10, 2025VIATOR

Additional information

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: 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.