Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Silver Spings Florida

As soon as we entered the Park, the boys spotted the glass bottom boats. The tour is fantastic and so we boarded. Our captain was a well mannered grandfatherly type who answered the boys’ questions with a smile and genuine interest. We visited the seven major springs of the area and saw a diverse variety of water creatures and plants. We had purchased food for the boys to feed the fish and they had a delightful time feeding a large turtle that followed the boat in hopes of snapping up all of the food before the fish could get it.

At the Fish Reception Hall, we saw clams, shrimp and crawfish. The captain drew the kids’ attention to a young alligator that was basking in the sun beside a log with a larger specimen of his species.

The boys enjoyed seeing the large calcium deposits that gives Silver Springs its name through the glass bottom boats. They loved watching all kinds of water creatures swim and skitter through the crystal clear water. The captain explained to them that this view of Silver Springs is much the same view they would experience if they donned scuba gear and explored the Springs from beneath the water’s surface. They were especially interested in the underwater caves.

Everyone enjoyed the Fort King River Cruise, which we took next. Our tour guide was a very nice lady who explained all about the Fort King Army stockade. We were able to see an authentic “Cracker” pioneer homestead with wash hanging on the line, an outhouse behind the cabin and various tools that were used when the homestead was in use. The boys had heard stories of the hardships that pioneers experienced and took in all that they saw.

The youngest boy would like to become an archaeologist, so he was especially interested in the dig site of the Seminole Indian Village. In fact, we all enjoyed learning about this historical site from a very friendly interpreter.

On the Lost River Voyage, we were transported back in time to a Florida of a thousand years ago. Giant cypress trees towered over the water and the tour guide explained that some are more than five hundred years old. We saw a blue heron nest, a variety of alligators and water birds and watched a hawk ride the wind currents looking for lunch; a variety of other wildlife kept the boys busy discovering the beauty of nature. They especially enjoyed the alligators and turtles.

Silver Springs Bears

The animal exhibits were exquisite. The Panther Prowl was enjoyed by all, as were the Kodiak and black bears. We watched a pair of black bear twins tumble, roll and swat in a game of roughhousing. The boys also enjoyed the Kritter Koral. A carousel with forty endangered animals in place of horses was a delight to the kids. The oldest boy chose a silverback gorilla and the younger one chose to ride on a cheetah.

Then it was off to hand feed the giraffes. The boys enjoyed this activity and learned that when giraffes eat, their tongues curl. Ross Allen Island was also a lot of fun. We saw otters, reptiles, spiders and turtles. Big Gator Lagoon was another great hit with the kids. They stood on the boardwalk and gazed in wonder at a sixteen foot alligator that the Park staff calls Sobek, after an Egyptian god that was half alligator, half human.

Other spectacular sights at Silver Springs included the Fantastic Fountain Show where spigots of water dance to beautiful music and laser light turns the water every hue of the rainbow, as well as the Birds of Prey Show and the Birds of the Rainforest Show.

If you are in the vicinity of Ocala, Florida, be sure to visit the natural wonder, Silver Springs. It’s a great way to spend a day of fun and learning with the entire family.

Silver Springs, which is located in Winter Haven, Florida, is the largest artesian spring on Earth. The natural beauty of the Springs surrounds the headwaters of the Silver River. The sights, sounds and fragrances within the Park will leave you breathless.