Florida Jungle Kayak Tour: Wildlife and Springs Adventure

Embark on a 5-mile wildlife adventure with Silver Springs Kayak Rental. Paddle downstream, spot manatees, monkeys, turtles, and more. Explore crystal-clear springs and enjoy a free shuttle ride back.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Discover the incredible manatees and monkeys! As the longest-standing tour and rental company on the river, with 16 years of dedicated service, we offer a unique experience. We are among the few companies that allow you to travel 5 miles downstream, disembark at Ray Wayside Park, and enjoy a complimentary shuttle ride back to your vehicle.
Choose from…

What's Included
  • Kayak rental included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a self-guided journey to discover the enchantment of this renowned river. Paddle your kayak downstream and take in the timeless beauty and diverse wildlife. Be on the lookout for manatees, monkeys, turtles, various wading birds, fish, and alligators. Explore the springs and the crystal-clear waters as you navigate through the untouched Florida…

Location
Silver Springs State Park
East Silver Springs Boulevard
Drive into the Silver Springs State Park entrance and down to the main parking lot. After parking please meet us on the south side of the parking lot towards the kayak launch area. Look for Discovery Kayak staff just past the kayak loading zone.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(28 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Z5897ydpennya
Mar 2, 2026
Top tier tour! - Cannot say enough about the extra experience of having a local naturalist guide and being a "guest in their home" as Ryan introduced us to the local wildlife (alligators Little Leroy and Big Leroy), where the manatees had been hanging out lately, history, and nuggets about the ecosystem and how it has/is changing. Where he stood apart was his ability to know where / when to wait. The reward for our 5 minute wait was a "monkey parade" as a large group actively (and loudly!!) crossed the river. Enjoyable from beginning to end!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Puffy44
Feb 26, 2026
Go with the Best —Discovery Kayaks!!! - We’ve been using Ryan and Discovery Kayaks for 10 years! It’s always been an informative and fun experience. His equipment is in good shape; he’s punctual; and it’s relaxing !! Thank you Ryan for a great afternoon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James
Jan 11, 2026
Great kayak rental and shuttle service. - Ryan was great. On time. Friendly. Full of great tips to enjoy our paddling trip. He organized and helped us launch . The area was crowded with paddlers but, he moved us smoothly thru. He was waiting at the take out. We got his help getting out of the kayaks safely. He loaded everything onto his trailer and ushered us into his van. Quick, comfortable ride back to our cars. Great trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
700savannahf
Dec 27, 2025
Holiday Adventure - Very attentive service on a busy holiday week. Thank you for helping make our adventure great ! Nothing but kind words for the company. Side note: Nothing to do with the company. The only thing that would have helped me is getting a pass/reservation for silver springs in advance. We waited over 20 minutes in line just to pay the park dues.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bhtpa
Nov 15, 2025
Best in Florida! - Ryan and his son Josh run the best kayak rental company in all of Florida! I’ve booked with them at least a dozen times. They have quality kayak. All are in good condition and have comfortable padded seats with strong backs (unlike the state park kayaks that are mounded plastic torture devices). They are always on time and very friendly and helpful. The 5 mile trip down the river is incredibly beautiful and an easy paddle with the current. I can’t recommend them more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Creationgirl
Nov 9, 2025
Great experience with Discovery Kayak - First rate experience with discovery Kayak at Silver Springs State Park. We were an hour early, but they were flexible and launched us early. We opted for the 5 mile kayak down stream with meet and return at the end. It was all flawless. Discovery Kayak were there at the end point and helped us get onto dry land and sorted the kayak for us. The kayaks were of good quality with a proper seat with back rest not just a moulded plastic support. Would definitely recommend them as an outfit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tinnesz
Oct 31, 2025
This kayak rental company is the best we've found! - Our kayak group comes to Silver Springs bi annually. We have 14 in the group and this visit we were 11 strong. We love this kayak rental company, they do everything for you and make it so easy. They use mostly sit on top kayaks which are stable and store a lot of extra bags and more, but cockpit style kayaks are also available. Ryan is good at giving instructions and helping in any way needed. They are waiting when you get out and drive back to the parking lot. I can't say enough about praise for them, we've used them twice now and like them better than the state park rentals. They launch you at the start, no work necessary. It's an easy paddle with the current to Ray Wayside Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bitharp
Oct 27, 2025
Excellent service! - Great service, very punctual. We have used Discovery kayaks for years, every chance we get to kayak the Silver River. The start is at Silver Springs State Park and we use the Discovery Kayak shuttle back after a 3 hour paddle down river. Always an awesome experience with all the wildlife in and around the river.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sues475
Oct 27, 2025
Silver Springs Kayak paddle with Discovery Kayak - Early morning paddle launch - Ryan and crew were gracious, on time and the pickup was seamless. Highly recommend Discovery Kayak Rentals
Review provided by Tripadvisor
190kelleyv
Oct 12, 2025
My go-to for kayak rentals - Discovery is always my go-to for kayak rentals. They’re always waiting for us at Wayside Park at the end of the trail. Always cordial and informative. Highly recommend them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $60
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).