About Us

Kayaking With Sassy is an eco-tourism company in Central Florida that offers guided kayak and paddleboard tours through the region’s scenic waterways, including Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs, and Homosassa. Their services include clear kayak tours, paddleboard rentals, sunset night glow tours, and snorkel/swim tours, providing opportunities to experience Florida’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty up close.
The company is led by Sassy, a Florida native with a background in Wildlife and Fisheries and Soil Conservation. She brings a passion for conservation and education to the tours, aiming to offer both entertaining and informative experiences.
For those interested in exploring Florida’s aquatic landscapes, Kayaking With Sassy provides a range of options suitable for various skill levels and interests. Their tours are designed to be both relaxing and educational, making them a great choice for nature enthusiasts.

Key Features of Silver Springs

Silver Springs, Florida, is a natural wonder located in Ocala, Marion County, and is one of the largest artesian spring formations in the world. Known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife, Silver Springs has a rich history as both a natural landmark and a cultural treasure.

The Springs

The springs produce nearly 500 million gallons of water daily, forming the headwaters of the Silver River.
The water is so clear that visitors can see fish, turtles, manatees, and submerged vegetation with remarkable clarity.
Temperatures remain constant around 72°F (22°C) year-round.

Wildlife

Manatees: The springs serve as a winter refuge for Florida manatees.
Rhesus Macaque Monkeys: A unique and controversial population of wild monkeys inhabits the area, that originated from a concessionaire Colonel Tooey in the 1930s.
Birds and Reptiles: It’s home to a variety of species, including alligators, otters, great blue herons, anhingas, and more.

Activities

Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: First introduced in the 1870s, these tours allow visitors to see the underwater beauty of the springs without getting wet.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The Silver River provides a serene paddling experience, offering close encounters with wildlife and picturesque scenery.
Hiking and Biking: Trails wind through the surrounding Silver Springs State Park, featuring native Florida vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

Historical Significance

Silver Springs was one of Florida’s first tourist attractions, dating back to the 19th century.
It has been the filming location for several movies, including the original Tarzan films and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
The area has significant Native American history, with evidence of habitation dating back thousands of years.

Silver Springs State Park
Established in 2013, the park encompasses 5,000 acres, including the springs, Silver River, and surrounding wilderness.
It is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and serves as a hub for recreation and conservation.

Why It’s Special

Silver Springs is not only a breathtaking natural attraction but also a symbol of Florida’s commitment to preserving its unique ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy its beauty while learning about the importance of environmental stewardship and the history of this iconic site. Whether you’re kayaking, taking a glass-bottom boat tour, or exploring the trails, Silver Springs offers a unique glimpse into Florida’s natural heritage.

Meet Our Guides

Discover the expertise and passion of our dedicated team members who enhance your experience.

Sassy “Boss Baby”

Florida born and TN raised, Sassy is the true definition of southern hospitality. Since early college, Sassy has been a tour guide for many different demographics of people all over the United States. With a background in Wildlife and Fisheries and Soil Conservation, Sassy’s passion lives within the ecosystem of the springs. Her vision is to spread the word of conservation in an entertaining and educational manner that captures the attention of people worldwide. Sassy says, “Let’s start the conversation of conservation and be good to each other.”

a young man riding a surfboard in the water

Jacob “The Quiet One”

No matter if it’s the mountains of East Tennessee or the Springs of Florida, Jacob always finds himself one with nature. Jacob’s view on nature is that it brings a peace from within that can promote self healing and self awareness. Jacob has always has a spiritual bond with the great outdoors and also has a background in Wildlife and Fisheries. If Jacob isn’t at the springs, he spends his time being a full time dad to three awesome kids he shares with his wife Sassy. Together, they hope to inspire their children to also have a love for all things wild.”

Brad “Bradzilla”

Brad grew up in the wilds of Southwest Virginia where his idea of fun was anything involving dirt, water, and decisions that made his mom nervous – whether is was Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, or Camping. He also spent 8 years in TN, fishing Old Hickory Lake so often that the fish probably had his picture on a “Most Wanted” poster. Brad and his wife Susanna moved to Florida in 2022, where Brad pursues his love for the great outdoors by kayaking daily. Brad is an incredible wildlife photographer and self-proclaimed, “Manatee Whisperer”. When Brad isn’t leading a tour, he spends his days as Silver’s Springs River Patrol protecting our wildlife and educating guests.”

Our passion is our guide, while we guide our guests!

Providing you with the best possible experience imaginable is what drives us, and our total commitment to nature & our wonderful planet pushes us every single day. Armed with the most comprehensive knowledge of the animals and their environments, we translate all of it into a leisurely, hilarious, relaxing time on the water we promise you’ll never forget.