Ocala’s top tours center around its two main claims to fame: horses and natural springs. The standout experience at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm lets you get up-close with rare Gypsy Vanner horses through either a practical 1-hour walking tour or the more comprehensive 2-hour Horses & History option. I love how the longer tour explains these magnificent creatures’ fascinating backstory while letting you explore the working farm.
Over at Silver Springs State Park, the 2-hour clear kayak tours are simply magical. Paddling in transparent boats above crystal-clear waters, you’ll spot wild monkeys in the trees and gentle manatees gliding below – it’s like floating in a living nature documentary.
Let’s look at my favorite Ocala tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Gypsy Gold Horse Farm offers guided walking tours to meet various animals and learn about the Gypsy Vanner breed’s history.
- The Horses & History Tour provides an immersive 2-hour experience focused on the Gypsy Vanner legacy and includes an educational lecture and farm exploration.
- Manatees and Monkeys Kayak Tour in Silver Springs State Park allows wildlife observation and scenic paddling through lush landscapes.
- Gypsy Gold tours offer complimentary amenities, photo opportunities with animals, and educational components to enhance the visitor experience.
- Gypsy Gold tours receive overwhelmingly positive reviews and are highly recommended as must-do activities for visitors to Ocala.
Ocala: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Guided Walking Tour
One of the best ways to experience the unique charm of Ocala’s Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is through the guided walking tour.
The 1-hour experience takes visitors on a journey to meet horses, mules, donkeys, and parrots, while also providing the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the Gypsy Vanner breed from the farm’s founder, Dennis Thompson.
Participants can look forward to complimentary amenities, a photo op with a Gypsy Vanner, and the chance to interact with the animals.
Priced at Kč 738 per person, the tour offers excellent value and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from past travelers.
Read our full review: Ocala: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Guided Walking Tour Review
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Ocala: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Horses & History Tour
The Gypsy Gold Horse Farm in Ocala, Florida offers a captivating Horses & History Tour that immerses visitors in the rich legacy of the Gypsy Vanner horse breed.
During the 2-hour experience, guests can learn about the breed’s origins from the Thompson family, who brought the first 16 Gypsy Vanners to North America.
The tour includes a 1-hour educational lecture, a photo opportunity with the horses, and a guided exploration of the farm’s 40 acres, where they’ll meet a variety of animals.
Priced at $50 per person, the tour runs on selected days and is highly rated as a must-do activity in Ocala.
Read our full review: Ocala: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Horses & History Tour Review
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Silver Springs: Manatees and Monkeys Clear Kayak Guided Tour
Amid the lush, verdant landscapes of Silver Springs State Park, visitors can embark on a captivating Manatees and Monkeys Clear Kayak Guided Tour.
Priced from SEK 896 per person, the 2-hour adventure (1.5 hours on the water) offers a unique opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including manatees, monkeys, otters, turtles, fish, and birds.
Experienced guides provide insights into the local ecosystems and wildlife, while participants can enjoy scenic paddling through ancient forests and crystal-clear waters.
With a choice of clear single kayaks, clear 2-person kayaks, or paddleboards, the super-stable vessels enhance the experience, even for beginners.
The tour also includes opportunities for photography and exploration of the Fort King Trail, Florida’s first tourist attraction from the 1870s.
Read our full review: Silver Springs: Manatees and Monkeys Clear Kayak Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Ocala offers a variety of engaging tours for visitors. The Gypsy Gold Horse Farm provides insight into its unique horse breed and history. For a wildlife adventure, the Silver Springs Clear Kayak Guided Tour allows you to spot manatees and monkeys up close. Whether you’re interested in horses, nature, or both, Ocala has something to suit your interests.