Manatees at Silver Springs State Park

Why Do Manatees Come to Silver Springs?

Silver Springs State Park is built around Silver Springs, one of America's largest springs and the source of the Silver River. Spring-fed rivers like this one can draw manatees in winter, but Silver Springs is not a major manatee gathering site: they are occasional visitors, and only a few have been recorded here.

Manatees are vulnerable to cold and seek out spring-fed water in winter. The Silver River is a tributary of the Ocklawaha River, which flows into the St. Johns River, so a manatee reaching Silver Springs has to come up that river system. A 2019 Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida release noted that several manatees used the Silver River in the winter of 2017-2018, more than usual, because vegetation had been lost at nearby springs.

If a manatee is in the river when you visit, the clear water makes it easy to see from a boat or kayak. Just don't plan a trip around one.

What Are the Best Ways to See Manatees at Silver Springs?

Silver Springs State Park offers two primary methods for manatee viewing: glass bottom boat tours and kayaking. The historic glass bottom boats, which date from the late 1870s, float over Mammoth Spring and other feeder springs at the head of the river, with views straight down through the glass. Cape Leisure runs them for the park from the main entrance.

Kayaking the Silver River is a quiet way to watch for wildlife; motors aren't allowed at the park's launches. The river runs about 5 miles from the head spring to the Ocklawaha River, all within the park, and rentals include a 5-mile paddle to Ray Wayside Park with a shuttle back. In winter there is a small chance of meeting a manatee. Kayak rentals and a two-hour guided paddle are available at the main entrance.

How Does Manatee Conservation Work at Silver Springs?

West Indian manatees are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act and are additionally protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. On the Silver River, motors aren't allowed at the park's launches, and swimming isn't permitted at the springs.

Visitors play an important role in manatee conservation by practicing passive observation. This means maintaining a respectful distance, never touching or pursuing manatees, and avoiding any actions that could alter their natural behavior. Kayakers are advised to float calmly if a manatee approaches rather than reaching out or changing course abruptly. Reporting injured or distressed manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC helps support ongoing conservation efforts.