Reserve
Choose a single or tandem kayak and your preferred departure.
Silver Springs, Florida
Paddle With Florida's Wild Monkeys
A premium self-guided journey down the Silver River—crystal-clear water, unforgettable wildlife, and shuttle pickup included.
- 3–4 hrRiver adventure
- 5 miDownriver route
- IncludedReturn shuttle
Simple from start to finish
The easiest way to paddle the entire Silver River
Reserve online, launch at Silver Springs, explore at your own pace, and meet us at Ray Wayside Park for the ride back.
Launch
Meet our team, receive your equipment, map, and safety briefing.
Explore
Paddle the spring-fed river without a guide or group schedule.
Shuttle
Finish at Ray Wayside Park and ride back with us.
The signature experience
Meet the famous Silver River monkeys
Wild rhesus macaques live along the river corridor. Sightings are never guaranteed, but every trip travels through the habitat that made Silver Springs famous.
Wildlife rule: Observe from a distance. Never feed, touch, approach, or provoke wildlife.
Explore the wildlife guide →
Premium, all-inclusive rentals
Choose your kayak
Every reservation includes the essential equipment and return shuttle—no surprise add-ons.
Solo favorite
Single Kayak
Stable sit-on-top kayak for one paddler.
$55
- One premium kayak
- Paddle and fitted PFD
- Dry bag and river map
- Safety briefing
- Return shuttle
Best value
Tandem Kayak
Room for two paddlers in one stable kayak.
$70
- One tandem kayak
- Two paddles and fitted PFDs
- Dry bag and river map
- Safety briefing
- Return shuttle
Trips operate Friday through Sunday with departures at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. Park admission or parking fees, if charged by the park, are separate.
Every paddle is different
Wild Florida, all around you
Look into the trees, across the banks, and beneath the clear water. The Silver River supports one of Florida's most memorable wildlife experiences.
Mammal
Rhesus Macaques
Watch the canopy and riverbank while keeping a safe distance.
Reptile
Turtles
Frequently seen basking on logs or swimming below.
Reptile
Alligators
Give them space and never approach the shoreline near one.
Below the surface
Fish & Springs
Clear spring water reveals fish, submerged plants, and limestone features.
Your river journey
From the headspring to Ray Wayside
The route is approximately five miles. Most guests finish in three to four hours depending on pace, stops, and river conditions.
Silver Springs Launch
Equipment pickup, briefing, and launch.
Spring Basin
Clear water and historic glass-bottom boat area.
Wildlife Corridor
Scan the canopy, banks, and water.
Ray Wayside Pickup
Meet the shuttle team at the finish.
Prepared, not complicated
Everything you need for a better paddle
Premium equipment, a clear plan, and direct instructions keep the day focused on the river.
Beginner friendly
Basic paddling and river-safety instruction before launch.
Quality equipment
Stable kayaks, paddles, correctly sized PFDs, and dry storage.
Clear logistics
Directions, arrival time, route guidance, and pickup details in one place.
Weather aware
Trips may be delayed or canceled when conditions are unsafe.
Required before launch
Sign Your Kayak Waiver
Every adult participant must complete the digital liability waiver before the trip. A parent or legal guardian must complete the minor section for each participant under 18.
Before you arrive
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers for planning your trip.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. The route is suitable for many first-time paddlers who are comfortable around water and able to complete a multi-hour outdoor activity.
Will we definitely see monkeys?
No wildlife sighting is guaranteed. Monkeys are wild animals that move throughout the river corridor.
How long does the trip take?
Most guests take approximately three to four hours to complete the five-mile downriver route.
What should I bring?
Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a retainer, water shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a small snack.
Is the shuttle included?
Yes. The planned rental price includes pickup at Ray Wayside Park and transportation back to the launch area.
When do trips depart?
Trips operate Friday through Sunday with scheduled departures at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM.
Can guests under 18 participate?
Yes. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted on Monkey Business Kayaks trips.
What is the cancellation policy?
Reservations are non-refundable. When a trip qualifies for rescheduling, a raincheck is issued instead of a refund.
Do participants need to sign a waiver?
Yes. Every adult participant must complete the digital liability waiver before launch. A parent or legal guardian must complete the minor section for each participant under 18. Open the waiver.
Can weather cancel a trip?
Yes. Lightning, high winds, flooding, severe weather, or unsafe operating conditions may require a delay, cancellation, or raincheck.