Orlando Silver Spring Guide ✨ Paddle Through the Crystal-clear River

In addition to visiting Disney and Universal Studios, Orlando also offers the tropical rainforest paddling experience at Silver Springs, located to the northwest of Orlando. 🌿 Silver Springs boasts several natural springs with mirror-clear water, 🪞 earning its reputation as one of "Florida's purest natural springs." The water temperature remains around 22 degrees Celsius all year round, making it perfect for a variety of water activities! Transportation: 🔹 Approximately 1.5 hours from Orlando 🔹 Approximately 2 hours from Tampa Boat Tours This is the most popular activity. During this season, you can spot swamp birds, alligators, and wild rhesus monkeys. In the colder winter and spring months, you might even see manatees. You can book tickets online or purchase them on-site. Glass-bottom Boats: The most sought-after option, perfect for taking stunning photos! Before setting off, staff will provide life jackets 🦺 and maps 🗺️. Following the routes on the map, you'll have plenty of time to paddle through the wide and clear waterways. The transparent bottoms allow you to spot many underwater creatures. However, paddling can be quite an arm workout! 💪 💰 $60 per hour; $70 for two hours Sightseeing Boats: Ideal for families, especially those with young children 👧🏻 or those who prefer not to paddle. These boats can accommodate around 15 to 20 people. Through the central bottom glass, you can observe the underwater plants and animals, while staff provide commentary and guide you to the springs and alligators. It's recommended to reserve a seat near the door at the end for the best views of the scenery. On a sunny day, the water looks incredibly dreamy! ✨ 💰 $13 per person for 30 minutes Hiking Trails: Silver Springs State Park features several scenic trails. If you still have energy after paddling the crystal-clear river, you can go hiking to enjoy the fresh air. The Swamp Trail is highly recommended. It's not very long and passes through diverse landscapes, from tall oak trees🌳 to dense grasslands, where you can spot various birds and turtles🐢. Tips: 1️⃣ You can bring water. It's recommended to bring a waterproof bag/phone case. 2️⃣ For the glass-bottom boats, you need to remove your shoes. It's best to wear shorts, short sleeves, or swimsuits 🩱, or bring a change of dry clothes. 3️⃣ Apply sunscreen generously. The sun is so strong it can cause sunburn. 4️⃣ There is an additional $2 for park admission. #WeekendGetaways #Orlando #OrlandoSurroundings #FloridaTravel #Tampa #TampaTravel #OrlandoLife #OrlandoTravel #EnjoyingNature