Florida is renowned for its vast array of stunning wildlife. Whether it is its land, sky, or deep blue waters, Florida is home to majestic creatures. Silver Springs is located in Marion County, Florida, and has quickly become a popular tourist destination in recent decades. With boat tours gaining popularity, there is no doubt that you will be introduced to some stunning wildlife.
While Silver Springs is famous for its glass-bottom boat tours, its kayaking tours offer an equally thrilling way to witness its wildlife up close. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with a clear kayak in Silver Springs, where you’ll get up close to curious—and sometimes friendly—aquatic wildlife. Some kayak tours offer an up-close view of turtles and river otters as they swim around your boat. A kayak tour in Silver Springs ensures you experience all the breathtaking natural beauty this heavenly abode offers.
Here is a look at the wildlife you might encounter on a kayaking tour in Silver Springs:
- The Florida Manatee
Manatees are some of the gentlest aquatic creatures you can encounter. While their size might frighten some, they are known as gentle giants. Manatees are curious animals and are often found willingly engaging with humans. One might even come up to you for a cheeky belly rub! They can measure up to 13 feet long and weigh over 3,500 pounds.
Manatees have thick skin and large bodies, but they are incredibly agile. These peaceful marine creatures are also non-territorial, which means they are not aggressive and don’t have any common predators. You can enjoy watching these gentle giants glide past your clear kayak in Silver Springs, but Florida law prohibits touching them to ensure their protection. An experienced guide can teach you the correct and safe ways to interact with a Florida manatee.
- The American Alligator
The alligator might be one of the oldest living creatures, having survived for over 200 million years. Florida is renowned for its alligator population. Silver Springs is no stranger to this. You might spot an American alligator during your kayak tour if you’re lucky. It is vital that you follow your guide’s instructions, as alligators can be feisty creatures. The general consensus is that one ought to admire alligators from afar.
Alligators are common in many freshwater bodies across Florida, including Silver Springs. The record in Florida is held by a gator that spans over 13 feet long and weighs over 1000 pounds.
- The Florida Cooter
Florida is home to several species of cooters, also known as turtles. The Florida Cooter is the most encountered species of cooters in Silver Springs. They are characterized by their highly doomed shells, yellow and cream stripes on their heads and limbs, dark brown or black base color, and yellow bellies. They can measure up to 9-13 inches.
Some kayak tours offer the chance to swim with these turtles. They are friendly and curious creatures, but they should be handled with care.
- The River Otter
Silver Springs is home to some of the cutest wildlife: river otters! They are often found in freshwater bodies. A kayaking tour through the waters of Silver Springs might introduce you to some of these fluffy marine animals. They can be seen building dens on the banks of the streams and swimming through the water, looking for fish.
Otters are temperamental, so it is advised that you admire them from afar. While they are generally friendly creatures, they can become hostile if threatened. So, if you encounter these aquatic creatures, your guide may suggest swimming alongside them without interfering in their routine.
These creatures are only the tip of the iceberg of the vast array of wildlife in Silver Springs. This heavenly abode is indeed a nature lover’s paradise.
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