silver springs state park

Since we visited Silver Springs about 10 years ago, the Florida state park system has taken it over. There is no longer a zoo. You used to be able to encounter giraffes and feed them. All of that is gone. The glass bottom boats are still there, but the trip is a little pricey for the little tour they give you. There used to be a display of reptiles before you got to the boat trip. That is all gone. Replacing that are nature trails. It is still a beautiful spot but not at all what it once was. You can see lots of fish through the glass bottom boats and rent kayaks, boats or canoes.

Nothing of interest anymore...the animals are gone! I left and my husband left so depressed. Its not beaitiful, not fun or exciting anymore. Sure go on a glass bottom boat and pay extra! So sad from what once was...We wont ever be back...

If you have never canoed or kayaked the Silver Springs you are really missing an amazing part of Florida. You will see blue catfish, alligators, tons of birds, snakes, turtles, monkeys and perhaps even a wild boar or two. You can do the basic canoe trip in two hours, but realistically I would book 3 to do it. My only complaint or concern is that we have never been all that impressed with the staff. For a tourist destination they really need to work on some basic people skills. They generally appear to have a "you are really unconvincing me by being here" attitude. Honestly, we usually avoid places like that but the beauty of this park is way too nice to skip just because of poor service. There is a small park fee to get in and a canoe runs about $27 for 2 hours. Pretty reasonable really.

This was our first time visiting any of the springs,and I was not too sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the large parking lot, nice grounds, paved paths for wheelchairs and strollers to allow those that may not be able to hike to still take in the beauty of the springs. There were benches along the trails for rest breaks. The glass bottom boat tour was short but very nice and unexpectedly beautiful. There is a very clean cafe and ice cream shop on site as well as restrooms. Cannot wait to go back and kayak now that I know what to expect. $5 or $8 per carload (depending upon# of occupants) and $10 for boat ride, 5 and under are free.

This was a fun half-day trip. We went on the historical glass bottom boat tour, rented kayaks, went fishing, swimming and kayaking.

I visited the concert and enjoyed them all, they are well worth the money. Had a very nice afternoon. Crowded but we got there early so just fine. had drinks, snack foods, pitzza's, hot dog's, husband had popcorn.

The best part of this state park is kayaking in beautiful spring and river. The monkeys that we saw out in the areas along the river was an event we will remember forever! We also saw tons of turtles, gators, an array of water birds- all up close and personal. Never could get a ride on the glass bottom boat- that was a disappointment. The park could use a good gift shop cause the one they have is a joke.

We were camping in the park (another entrance) and could go into this section of the park under the same fee paid. Really enjoyed the glass bottom boat 30 minute tour - saw different fish, huge log and many other things. On the sunny day we took the trip the fish were easy to see and clear water made it amazing! It was relaxing and enjoyable. Our tour guide (boat driver) was informative. Afterwards spouse & I walked around the grounds for a pleasant afternoon. We ate at the small eatery and dessert in the other area. There is a very small museum with a snake and information about bears and the information about the history of the park. The gift shop was closed (you were supposed to ask at a different location for someone to open it - didn't bother). We would have like to get a post card.I hope the State continues to keep the Glass bottom Boat - as it was a fun trip. This park area would be a nice setting for a wedding.

Silver Springs has become a Florida State Park and no longer has the animal shows which I think is wonderful. It is very natural and beautiful. The glass bottom boat tours are still running and very enjoyable. You can rent kayaks or canoes and hike. On the day we visited the local animal rescue had brought a busload of shelter dogs and visitors were allowed to walk them. Very enjoyable. This is a pristine beautiful escape from the theme park madness which Florida has become. You can even see occasional random wild monkeys in the trees leftover from the animal park days. If you want peace and nature, I recommend Silver Springs.

we loved this place,crystal clear hot spring water forms this river,we saw many turtles, fish, all sorts of birds,gators and dozens of wild monkeys in the trees.we took the 90 minute boat trip,the captain was very informative and kept stopping so everyone could take pictures .definitely going again

I had been looking forward to going here and taking the glass bottom boat tour. Two tours are offered, a 30 minute one in an enclosed boat ($11.00) and a 90 minute one in an open boat ($25.00). The open boat is what I wanted to do since I would be able to look down into the water and also look around at the shore as we rode. However, the open one was not available Mon.-Thurs. This was not in any of the info I had. Disappointing to me, but we went on the 30 minute ride.The boat itself was stuffy as no windows were open and it was quite warm (mid-70's). The guide spoke in a monotonous voice like he was reading (he wasn't). We saw a few fish, no alligators or any other wildlife. Yes, the water was clear, and we could see grass and a few other things on the bottom. But what a disappointment. To make matters worse, the 30 minute tour barely lasted 20 minutes. Plus, we had to pay $8.00 to park the car and walk into the park. The park itself looked very rundown with most of the buildings closed up. There was almost nothing open when we were there but one small eatery and a fudge place (good fudge). I heard that there are campsites and hiking trails on the other side of the park with a different entrance. But in this area, there isn't much.Very disappointing visit. Would not return.

I was here years ago when I was 10 and there was a lot to see. Today, the park is owned by the state and everything has been removed, except the glass bottomed boats. For $10 a person, you get a 30 minute ride, or for $20 you can go on the 90 minute ride. The 90 minute ride is only offered twice a day (10 am and 1 pm) and this information is not listed on the web site.We were hoping to take the 90 minute ride, but we were not aware of the departing times, so we took the 30 minute ride. It was about an hour drive for us and had we known this information, we would have never drove out to the park.There are hardly any fish to see, zero alligators, and a few turtles. You do get to see an old Spanish wreck of a row boat and maybe two alligator gars. They do not feed the fish here and the numbers are really disappointing. You do float over the deep springs that create this waterway but that is about it, very disappointing trip out here. There is no way I would ever make a return visit here. If you want to waste your time and money, make a stop here.

I've been here twice in the past few months and have to say that the glass bottom boats were a memorable experience for both children and adults. Although the site has seen better days, the state is working hard to fix the site and bring it back to life. Perhaps the guides are a little too rehearsed, and the built-in jokes well worn, but they know a wealth of information about the site when one asks. It is a perfectly enchanting introduction to the beauty of Florida's aquifer (and the plights facing it as our water recedes).

Glass bottom boat ride is not as advertised. It only lasted 10 minutes and the guide slurred his words and hurried to get it over with. Canoe rentals (in the state park parking lot) are the way to go (a little expensive, but a great experience).

This is a beautiful spot for taking in nature. The private attraction went bankrupt and Florida has taken it over. It will take a long time for the government to fix what the private sector screwed up. Take the glass bottom boat tour. If you are fit enough rent a canoe for a couple of hours. Hiking trails in the adjacent state park are ok but can be skipped. The springs are the main attraction.