Silver Springs Paddle Tour

Name: Silver Springs Paddle Tour
Start: 2025-01-18T10:00:00-05:00
Location: 5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard,Silver Springs,34488,US

Schedule

Sat, 18 Jan, 2025 at 10:00 am

UTC-05:00

Location

5656 East Silver Springs Boulevard,Silver Springs,34488,US | Silver Springs, FL

Paddle America's largest spring with turquoise water, ship wrecks, manatees, monkeys, and more!
Mammoth Spring, appropriately named as the largest spring in America and where wooly mammoths once roamed, has been drawing people in since the 1800s. It became a trading center, then a tourist attraction, then a movie set for dozens of Hollywood films, leaving traces of their sets sunk beneath the clear water or jumping from tree to tree - yes, rhesus monkeys now live wild in the park - and what a unique sight to see them swinging in the Florida jungle!
During winter, manatees migrate to the warmer spring water and we get to paddle with them! Watch as they swim and roll in the many blue pools with such clarity, you can even make out their fingernails (yes they have them!). Plus, sea cows love paddleboarders and often come over and curiously nose the boards or rub their bodies along them - it's an up-close, spiritual encounter like no other!
We'll meet in the parking lot where your instructor will assign you to quality and fitted stand up paddleboard/kayak gear and give a 10 min safety and paddling technique briefing on land. Then we'll launch into the crystal clear Silver River, amongst a variety of wildlife above and below the surface - birds, fish, turtles, gators and lush plant life. We'll take our time, exploring each cove and spring, hunting the many ship wrecks and seeking our manatee friends. Making our way into the narrower paddle trail only accessible to paddle craft, we'll see the replica of the Pioneer "Cracker" Village, paddle around small islands, and hopefully spot the famous tribe of monkeys!
Upon returning with our souls overflowing, guests may stay in the park and independently hike the many trails or visit Pioneer Village on foot.
Paddle Skill Level: All Levels. Instruction provided for beginners. Must know how to swim.
Age: 13+. Kids 12 and under may ride along for free with an experienced parent/guardian.
Paddle Distance: about 1.5-2mi - taking our time with breaks along the way
What's Included:
-3-hour Guided Tour by Certified, Experienced Instructor
-All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear
-Launch and Park Admission Fees
-SUP Instruction
-Trip Photos
-Paddle Tribe
Other Ticket Options Include:
-BYOBoard/Paddle Craft - bring all of your own paddle craft gear for a discounted rate
Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in the greater Orlando area and internationally on adventure travel retreats. She is also an industry representative as a sponsored ambassador/athlete for Werner Paddles and Local Honey Designs.