Silver Springs is only 15 minutes away:

1. RIDE A GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT IN SILVER SPRINGS   

  Silver Springs is one of the largest Artesian springs ever discovered.

Experience the crystal-clear springs and underwater life that naturally inhabit Silver Springs. See below the surface of the water and enjoy the river's wildlife, vegetation and historical and cultural artifacts. Boat tours run every 30 minutes beginning at 10 am.
Relax and explore the real Florida paddling in Silver Springs State Park. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe rentals are available, including new clear bottom kayaks. Spend a couple of hours paddling along the tree-shaded Fort King Waterway and discovering the springs on the Silver River. Or journey five miles from Silver Springs to Ray Wayside Park with return transportation provided. Rentals are available at the in-park launch at the SR 40 entrance.

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2. FLOAT ON A TUBE FROM RAINBOW SPRINGS, or go snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking

Go early in the morning for a two-hour float along the Rainbow Springs.  Tubes and shuttles back can be rented from the Marion County Parks Department, called The K.P. Hole. 

 

3. SCUBA DIVE IN PARADISE SPRINGS

Featuring cavern walls covered with prehistoric fossils, Paradise Springs is an amazing scuba dive spot. In clear waters that hover around 72 degrees, divers can discover an underground stream as well as fossilized sand dollars, sea biscuits, and other marine life remains.  

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4. CANOE JUNIPER RUN AT JUNIPER SPRINGS

Named one of the top 25 canoe runs in America by Reserve America, Juniper Run is just one of the highlights of Juniper Springs.  Rent a canoe from the recreation area after a jump in the springs or exploring the trails constructed in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The historic Juniper Springs Millhouse has a functioning wooden waterwheel.

4. SEARCH FOR FOSSILS IN SILVER GLEN SPRINGS

For thousands of years, Native Americans created piles of oyster shells at the site of Silver Glen Springs. Today, visitors can be amateur archaeologists and look for stone tools or historic shells near the natural spring, which is also a popular swimming area. Be sure to take photos of the trees that once grew over shell deposits but today seem to start growing in mid-air.​