🐒💧 Silver Springs, Florida: Glass-Bottom Boats, Wild Monkeys & a Forgotten Piece of Old Florida 🎬🌴

March 29, 2024

If you’ve been following our journey, you’ll remember the last time we were paddling two stunning rivers and watching a mysterious waterway vanish into the Florida earth. This time, we’re taking you just 70 miles south to a place steeped in history, wild beauty, and more than a few surprises—Silver Springs State Park.

From 🚤 glass-bottom boats and 🐗 Tarzan-themed attractions to 🐒 wild rhesus monkeys and peaceful paddling 🛶, Silver Springs offers a glimpse into Florida’s past and present all in one visit.

🌳 A Park Like No Other 🚤✨

We left O’Leno State Park early and headed to Silver Springs, located just outside Ocala, Florida.

🏞️ Fun Fact: Silver Springs has welcomed tourists since the 1870s—before Florida became the land of theme parks.

The real game changer? The invention of the glass-bottom boat 🚤 in the late 19th century. What started as a pane of glass in a rowboat evolved into the legendary vessels still operating today—offering up-close views of fish 🐟, ancient logs 🌲, and even submerged Hollywood set pieces 🎥.

🎞️ Over 20 films and shows were shot here, including:

• Tarzan 🐘

• Creature from the Black Lagoon 👾

• Sea Hunt 🌊

🐵 The Curious Case of the Monkeys 🐒

One of the most surprising parts of Silver Springs? Wild monkeys—yes, real ones!

🗓️ In 1938, a tour operator released six rhesus macaques on an island to enhance a Tarzan-themed attraction. What he didn’t realize?👉 Rhesus monkeys are excellent swimmers!

Now, over 400 monkeys live in the surrounding forest.🛑 Remember: They’re wild. Observe from a distance and never feed or approach them.

🌿 Park Restoration & Florida’s Efforts to Reclaim Natural Beauty 🌺

As Orlando’s mega-parks rose in popularity 🎢, old Florida attractions like Silver Springs started to fade.

🏛️ In 2013, the State of Florida stepped in, combining the theme park with nearby Silver River State Park to form the current Silver Springs State Park.

What you’ll see today:

• 🌿 Restored natural springs

• 🦋 Wildlife habitats

• 🪵 Remnants of the past slowly reclaimed by nature

🔍 The Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: A Must-Do 🚤👀

🕒 We took the 30-minute tour (there’s also a 90-minute option—book early!).💡 Tip: Book online ahead of time, especially in peak season.

Our guide shared:

• The park’s rich history 📚

• Fun film facts 🎥

• Details about spring geology 🌊

💎 Beneath the boat, we saw:

• 🐢 Turtles

• 🐟 Fish

• 🌪️ Bubbling spring vents

• 🌲 Ancient submerged cypress logs

🌸 Wandering the Gardens & Wildlife Trails 🌳📸

Before our tour, we wandered the garden paths and scenic trails.

🦜 What we saw:

• Colorful birds

• 🐢 Curious turtles

• 👀 Sneaky monkeys from afar

💬 Benches and educational signs made it easy to relax and learn.

🚐 Staying Nearby: A Harvest Hosts Gem 🌌🌾

Thanks to RV life, we stayed just minutes from the park at a peaceful Harvest Hosts location.

🤝 Our host:

• Greeted us warmly

• Shared paddling tips

• Offered a serene field perfect for stargazing 🌠

If you’re a Harvest Hosts member, this spot is a must-stay!

🛶 Paddling the Silver River: Crystal Waters & Wildlife Encounters 🐊🦅

With kayaks loaded, we returned the next morning for a one-way downstream paddle, using a shuttle service to bring us back.

⚠️ Spring Break crowds made the launch a bit chaotic, but once we were out…💆‍♀️ Bliss. Peaceful waters, towering trees, and no sound but nature.

🏞️ Along the paddle:

• 🐊 Alligators sunning on logs

• 🐢 Dozens of turtles

• 🐒 A rare monkey sighting in the treetops

• 🎥 Remnants of film sets beneath the water

💡 Pro Tip: The current is deceptively strong. A shuttle makes this trip much easier!

🧭 Final Thoughts: Why Silver Springs Is a Must-Visit 💙

Silver Springs is more than just another Florida park. It’s a time capsule of Old Florida, filled with adventure, wildlife, and jaw-dropping views.

Where else can you:

✅ Ride a historic glass-bottom boat

✅ Spot wild monkeys in the trees

✅ Paddle over crystal-clear springs

✅ Camp at a serene Harvest Hosts site

Whether you’re chasing history, wildlife, or serenity, Silver Springs delivers.

📍 Plan Your Visit

🗺️ Location: Silver Springs State Park, Ocala, FL🕰️ Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall (cooler temps, smaller crowds)🚣‍♀️

Must-Dos:

• Glass-bottom boat ride 🚤

• Silver River paddle 🛶

• Watch for monkeys 🐒💻 Pro Tip: Book online in advance🏕️ RV Camping: Check Harvest Hosts or nearby campgrounds

⏭️ Coming Up Next…

We’re heading to a state park hidden in the heart of a bustling Florida town—a totally different vibe, but just as full of surprises. Be sure to:👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel👉 Follow our blog for real RV stories and hidden gems 🛣️✨