As the Gulf of Mexico cools in the winter, manatees swim up the warm springs that flow inland towards the sea. These gentle giants resemble a cross between a whale, seal, hippo, and walrus and are annual visitors to Silver Springs State Park, located a couple hours’ drive north of Orlando. Epic Paddle Adventures is one of several operators who guide visitors into the park using glass-bottomed kayaks that immerse you in the warm, crystal waters.
We encounter our first manatee just a few minutes before the launch. Large and curious, they effortlessly floated between our kayaks, surfacing every few minutes for air. Feeding on grass and algae below, manatees can weigh as much as 1350 kilograms and, rather oddly, are most closely related to elephants. Like narwhals, they are said to have inspired tales of mermaids and, despite all the alligators about them, have no natural predators. Our two-hour paddle into the spring offered up more surprises, from great blue herons and basking turtles to alligators and a playful river otter. The dense forest, with its bearded trees and shadowed mysteries, provided a striking backdrop for kayakers on the water and those looking for wildlife from the walking trails. Bring a change of clothes for the drive home, and if you’re hungry, take a slight detour to Artman’s Country Smokehouse for the insanely fine brisket.
