Buses will leave the WEC hotels at 3 pm for the easy 30 minute ride to Silver Springs. After the 30 minute tour, you will have the option to be dropped off in downtown Ocala for some shopping and sightseeing prior to the closing event, which will be at the Bank Street Patio in the same area starting at 6:30 pm. Alternatively, you can come back to the World Equestrian Center to catch the buses to closing evening event at 6:15 pm.

A day of boating is always fun—skimming above the water, catching glimpses of wildlife in the trees and on the riverbanks. But boating gets even better at Silver Springs State Park, where you can experience the world-famous glass-bottom boats that let you see what’s happening underwater, too!

These innovative boats were first invented in the late 19th century. When they launched at Silver Springs, the glass bottom boats quickly became one of Florida’s very first tourist attractions. It is one of the largest artesian springs ever discovered, making it the perfect spot for visitors to scope out fish, manatees, turtles, alligators and vegetation in the crystal-clear waters beneath the boats. Look closely and you’ll even see a dugout canoe dating back to the 1500s resting on the riverbed, a relic of the area’s Native American settlers. From the historic design of the boats to the serene setting of the Silver River, stepping aboard a glass-bottom boat tour feels a bit like stepping back in time. Discover Florida’s untouched history at Silver Springs State Park!

Buses will leave the WEC hotels at 4:15 pm for the easy 30 minute ride to Silver Springs. After the 30 minute tour, you will be dropped off in downtown Ocala for the closing event at the Bank Street Patio. Alternatively, you can come back to the World Equestrian Center to catch the buses there.

A day of boating is always fun—skimming above the water, catching glimpses of wildlife in the trees and on the riverbanks. But boating gets even better at Silver Springs State Park, where you can experience the world-famous glass-bottom boats that let you see what’s happening underwater, too!

These innovative boats were first invented in the late 19th century. When they launched at Silver Springs, the glass bottom boats quickly became one of Florida’s very first tourist attractions. It is one of the largest artesian springs ever discovered, making it the perfect spot for visitors to scope out fish, manatees, turtles, alligators and vegetation in the crystal-clear waters beneath the boats. Look closely and you’ll even see a dugout canoe dating back to the 1500s resting on the riverbed, a relic of the area’s Native American settlers. From the historic design of the boats to the serene setting of the Silver River, stepping aboard a glass-bottom boat tour feels a bit like stepping back in time. Discover Florida’s untouched history at Silver Springs State Park!