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Explore one of the greatest gems in Central Florida to paddle and snorkel with manatees in crystal clear springs, & hike to bubbling sand boils!Submerge in nature and healing springs! As the sun shines, rainbows play across the bottom of the crystal-clear spring basin at Silver Glen Springs. This beautiful spot along the edge of the Ocala National Forest offers a spring run that is prime for swimming, snorkeling and paddling. The refreshing spring is one of our very favorites in Florida as it has unbelievable water clarity and feels like snorkeling in an aquarium. This setting also attracts an abundance of marine life including manatees, striped bass, gar, jumping mullet, “spring rays” and more. The pure spring water is filled with minerals, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and reborn!
Paddle and swim with manatees! With temperatures at a constant 72 degrees, manatees flock to Silver Glen during the winter for comfortable, warmer waters. With crystal clear visibility, they are easy to spot, especially from our taller vantage point on stand up paddleboards. We often have close encounters as they are curious and friendly creatures, coming over to say hello, and even nosing our boards or hugging them with their flippers! Keeping our distance to respect these protected animals, we can get in the water and snorkel with them. Seeing them in their under water world brings a whole new perspective and will leave you buzzing for days!
The Springs Boil Trail is a short, gentle hike through lush upland forests of oak, cedar, pines, leading to a cove of surreal, mystic bubbling sand boils. Picture a scene from The Princess Bride - from the depths of the Floridan Aquifer, water bubbles up through the sands of the Big Scrub to form tiny tributaries, creating a waterway flowing into Silver Glen Run.
Get away from the chaos of theme parks, lines and traffic, and be nurtured by nature, enlivened by wildlife, and rejuvenated by spring water.
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 mi - taking our time to hang with manatees along the way.
What's Included:
-4-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 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.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
5271 Florida 19,Salt Springs,32134,US, 5271 SR-19, Fort McCoy, FL 32134-2719, United States,Volusia, Florida, Astor
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