Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Florida State Parks Review: Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Florida State Parks Review: Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat
Tours


As a native Floridian, I grew up in rural Orlando back in the early 60's.  My family then moved to rural Seminole county to a little city called Oviedo.  As a child our play time was outdoors climbing trees and playing cowboys and Indian's.  Every summer for 2 weeks we went to the Ocala National Forrest state park where my Mother and Father would fish with friends who owned the cabins on 2 lots.  We kid's usually about 5 or 6 of us, would explore the trails and wait on them to get back around lunch-time.  I would get up around 7 a.m. and eat breakfast and sneak any left over coffee.  
It was black and the most awful tasting stuff I had ever drank.  I thought "how on earth can my Dad like this stuff".  Giggle!

My first trip to Silver Springs State Park was when I was about 10 years old.  It was like a fun place to visit.  That was in the 1970's.  They had a complete Zoo and the glass bottom boat tour.  It was like a little paradise to me.

My second trip back to the park was somewhat of a disappointment.  Why?  Because, the Zoo was no more.  The water park was broken down eye sore and the once beautiful drive in was a sign of a big change.  The only thing that was still there was the glass bottom boat tour.  I can't remember how long the tour was since I was only 10 when I was last there.

But, this tour was 30 minutes or 1 hour 1/2.  We picked the 30 minute tour and we got our monies worth.  The tour guide was very nice and informed on the park history.  He was not a native Floridian but that did not matter.  He knew the history and that was good enough for me.  

The water was crystal clear and clean.  A lot of work goes in to keep it that way.  The boats are battery operated so no gas or oil gets in the spring feed water.  There is a nice group of shops and the restrooms are kept clean and tidy.  The cost to get in is only $3 for parking.  The boat tours range in price from $11 per person and up depending on your age and which tour you choose.

If you canoe or paddle board you can have a fun self guided tour down the river for a low fee.  Walk the trails around the park and bring your picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the pavilions. 

Overall, you'll love this park.  It is a fun day trip for couples or the family anytime of year.


Review Rating:  5 Stars

 Sending You Sunshine - Marsha



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