Since moving out to Spring Hill, we really took the opportunity to enjoy the many local springs by renting kayaks. After a few adventures we talked about purchasing our own. Finally, after two years we got around to purchasing them. We immediately wanted to head out go to a spring and test out our new toys. With it being spring break, we could head out for a longer day trip than normal, so we decided to head up to Silver Springs in Ocala.
Driving over to Ocala from Spring Hill is a breeze and only took us about an hour and 10 minutes to arrive. The weather on Monday was chilly and absolutely beautiful, so we knew it was going to be a great day on the water. If you don’t have your own kayaks, you can rent them right in the park through Discover Kayak Tours. Check their website for rental fee’s and information. However, since we have our own the fee to drop your own in the water is $4.00 a boat.
**Quick Tip** you might get a college student who doesn’t explain the river all the way so we had the learn the hard way**
If you have your own kayak, pay the extra ten dollars at the entrance for one person in your group to take a ride on the kayak rental shuttle service. The current on the river is very strong, and there is no way to paddle back up stream – unless you have arms of steal and paddle like an Olympic gold medalist.
Once we got on the water, it was absolutely stunning. As soon as you get on the river you can go one of two ways, to the right of the bridge or under. Under will take you into the large spring in the state park. There you can see the glass bottom boats and the main spring. To the right, your in for a 4 1/2 hour journey down stream. We went for the long route. Going this was was a great decision! The river is covered with beautiful cypress trees and in the morning to sun is slightly shining though. It’s so peaceful hearing the wind blow between the trees and listening to the birds chirp. Along this way, we also got to see old camping grounds that look like villages.
The covered river will open up to a large river where the current gets a bit stronger and where you can really see the Florida wildlife. On our journey we saw a ton of turtles, birds and of course fish. The most surprising was the three large alligators right along the bank, a little bundle of baby gators and the monkeys. Along our way we also paddled right next to a manatee which is always an awesome experience.
About half way through the river, we pulled off and docked to take a quick break, eat lunch and use the bathroom. Here your option is a port-a-potty or a tree. (Choose the tree, trust me). Once your ready to get going you have another 4 miles and about an hour and a half down the river (you have now gone 10 miles) to end your journey. There you can paddle in and end at Ray Wayside Park. Remember, my tip above? That is where one person from your group can catch the shuttle back and then drive their car over to the park to pick up your kayaks. Charlotte and I waited while Joe took the shuttle back. You can go a little further for a 16 mile trip, but we were spent at that point.
We drove back to Silver Springs state park since we wanted to check out the amusement park and glass bottom boats. It doesn’t cost anything extra to get into the park if you paid to kayak, so we walked right it. If you want to ride the boats it’s $11.00 a person. So, we opted to walk around and go on a few trails instead. The park is really nice, lots of scenic area’s for lovely pictures and sitting and being in nature. We were there about an hour before calling it a day.
After a long day of kayaking and exploring we were starving! Our last stop on the way home and only three miles from the entrance of the park is Fat Boys BBQ. Do yourself a favor and plan to make a stop. Joe was in heaven with all you can eat pork. I kid you not, that was some of the BEST BBQ we have had in a while.
So….that was our little day trip adventure! We will for sure go back to Silver Springs. We would love to camp and spend the weekend there….but we will save that for when we get our camper :)…..
The Nature Coast Family 