Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, the Silver River is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those just seeking a day to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life. Intertwined with Silver Springs State Park and its famous crystal-clear waters, abundant wildlife and lush vegetation, it offers the perfect location for kayakers looking to embark on what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
A few years ago, we visited the state park and took the famous glass-bottom boat tour and walked the trails. We were amazed at the alligators, turtles and birds we saw. However, we never ran into what many consider the star of the animals that call the area home: the Rhesus Macaques Monkey. They may seem out of place, but they’ve been calling the park home for decades. In the 1930s a group of 17 monkeys were introduced to the area as part of a tourist attraction that featured rides through the springs. The ride eventually closed, and the monkeys were left behind. Over the years, they thrived in the dense forest surrounding the river. Today, the wild monkeys live along the river’s banks, often seen perched on trees or swinging through the forest canopy. We heard that taking a kayak out was the best way to catch a glimpse of them, so we set out early on a weekend to see if we could get lucky. There is a launch when you arrive at the park if you have your own vessel, but if you don’t, there are several companies that offer self-guided kayak rentals out of the headspring. Most allow you to paddle the full length of the river and catch a shuttle back, which we chose to do. You can also opt for a guided paddle tour, which are offered in regular or clear kayaks. Reservations are available online.
Our journey would take us through about 5 miles of easy paddling with the current, effortlessly floating along in some spots in the 72-degree, spring-fed river. The trip is 10 miles if you choose no shuttle, out and back. The way was winding through lush, tropical foliage. The area offers perfect conditions for kayaking, with calm water, amazing views and some of the biggest cypress trees I have seen. A mix of winding channels lined with lily pads countered other wide-open areas, and the smaller took us uncomfortably close to some very large gators, easily topping 10 feet in length, but they paid us no mind and swam right by. We saw river otters playing, turtles basking and watched for several minutes as a mother and baby manatee basked just below our kayak. It was nothing short of enchanting.
Toward the last mile of our paddle, we began to hear off in the distance a sound that was like something you would hear in Zoo Tampa. We paddled around a corner and looked overhead just as a monkey leaped from one tree to another straight across the river, and we could do nothing but gaze in amazement at this anomaly in our Florida wilderness. There were easily a dozen sitting near the riverbank and swinging through the treetops, seemingly out of a scene from Africa, except it was right here in the heart of Central Florida. We watched from afar as they effortlessly swung on branches and vines as others sat and munched whatever it was that they eat. And although fascinating to observe, the monkeys are wild animals and should be treated with respect and observed from a distance. They have been known to accost those who try to eat lunch on the banks near where they play, so it’s advised to avoid stopping on land in areas they frequent Also note if you’re kayaking the Silver River or spending a day at the park, it is best to visit when the weather is cooler or go early in the day, as there is no swimming allowed the entire length of the river or at the headspring.
If you’re looking for a kayaking adventure that is like no other, head to Silver Springs State Park and kayak the Silver River. Paddling through clear waters surrounded by lush forests and the possible appearance of a playful monkey will undoubtedly leave you with memories you won’t soon forget.
