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Orlando Canoe & kayak tours

Our most recommended Orlando Canoe & kayak tours

Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

1. Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

Blue Springs State Park outside Orlando is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River and a designated national manatee refuge. On this 3-hour excursion your group will paddle to the entrance of the spring run, park the kayaks, and then walk the entire length of the spring run with a guide to spot and photograph the native wildlife. Afterwards you’ll retrieve your kayak and paddle to the Snake River or Hontoon Island. The Hontoon Island area of the river is packed with manatees, otters, and sun-worshipping gators. Overhead bald eagles, ospreys, and red shoulder hawks scan the water and marshes for their next meal. On the riverbank, large wading birds, coots, morehens, and the occasional wild hog can be seen. There’s a nature trail on the island that leads to an ancient Indian shell mound. The park is noted for its large owl population and extensive Indian artifacts including the state’s largest totem pole.

Orlando: Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with Lunch

2. Orlando: Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with Lunch

See manatees in their natural habitat in Blue Spring State Park on a kayaking tour. Explore the rivers and creeks and spot a range of other native species within the lush marshland. Enjoy priority entrance to Blue Spring State Park and experience a fantastic view of the spring and the manatees that are to be found in the area. Paddle to the crystal clear waters of Blue Spring, Orange City by kayak and encounter the many manatees that make the area their home. During the summer months indulge in a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the spring. Glide through the calm creeks and rivers of the park and discover a variety of animals including alligators and turtles who often can be seen sunbathing on the shores. Also, keep a lookout for bird species such as a variety of birds including ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. Then, after you finish your kayaking adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquility of nature.

Orlando: Rock Springs Run Kayak Tour with Picnic Lunch

3. Orlando: Rock Springs Run Kayak Tour with Picnic Lunch

Take a break from the theme parks to experience a different side of Orlando with a fun kayak adventure. Dive deep into the natural Floridian landscape to admire lush pine trees, pristine creeks, and diverse wildlife. Follow your guide through the Rock Springs Run area, then relax with a picnic lunch. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and crystal clear water of the spring run as you paddle upstream through the twists and turns of the river. Journey through a special region that remains as it was back when Timucuan tribes fished and hunted here. Reach the bridge at Kelly Park and stop for a refreshing swim while being served a picnic lunch. Afterward, enjoy a natural lazy river experience as you gently drift downstream. See different wildlife species, including alligators, turtles, river otters, black bears, deer, and birds.

Sanford: Guided SUP or Kayak Manatee-Watching Tour

4. Sanford: Guided SUP or Kayak Manatee-Watching Tour

Discover the wild nature just outside Disney and Universal Studios on this kayaking and standup paddling guided tour from Sanford. Learn how to use a SUP, hear fascinating facts about the wildlife you see, and discover Florida's rich history. Start your tour with an introduction to the standup paddleboard. Practice on land before taking it for a practice paddle just offshore. Once you're ready, head into the water and begin your day. If you prefer kayaking to standing up, join the tour in one of the provided kayaks. Push off and head into the water, making your way toward the beautiful cypress waterways. As you paddle, hear about the wildlife you see and the history of Orlando and Sanford. Paddle under old industrial railways and past green shores for a chance to see playful manatees in the water.

Kayaking the Econlockhatchee River: Day-Trip From Orlando

5. Kayaking the Econlockhatchee River: Day-Trip From Orlando

You will find the perfect day trip just minutes away from downtown Orlando on the banks of the Econlockhatchee River. This is a great way to escape the noise and development that’s taken over much of wild Florida. Relax in the shade of towering oaks and paddle the many twists and turns that define this lazy river. Come kayak the eight miles through the mysterious, moss covered cypress forest of the Little-Big Econ State Forest. Escaping the uncontrolled growth that dominates Orange and Seminole Counties, this state forest features a widening, lazy river where wildlife abounds. On past tours visitors have encountered bald eagles, red shoulder hawks, heaps of large wading birds, river otters, and, of course, alligators. The high sandy banks shade kayakers with enormous live oaks, pine, palm, and ancient cypress trees. Your catered lunch will be served picnic style at the Boy Scout Bridge on the Florida Trail.

Orlando: Neon Night Glow Paddleboard or Clear Kayak Tour

6. Orlando: Neon Night Glow Paddleboard or Clear Kayak Tour

Follow a guide on a tour of Lake Ivanhoe in the moonlight for a surreal kayaking or paddleboarding experience in Orlando. Choose your favorite color for the vibrant LED lighting underneath your vessel that ensures a clear and colorful view of the underwater world. Grab your life vest and dry bag, and take a lesson on paddling techniques and safety. Get hooked up with a stable kayak or paddleboard rigged with LED lighting underneath, and choose your favorite color. When ready, set off on your unique adventure on the water. Begin from The Lake Ivanhoe Boat Ramp, right in the heart of downtown Orlando. Watch the lighting system illuminate the water underneath as you paddle through the clear, spring-fed, alligator-free waterway. Observe the underwater ecosystem as if you were paddling on top of an aquarium.

Orlando: Sunset Paddleboard or Clear Kayak in Paradise Tour

7. Orlando: Sunset Paddleboard or Clear Kayak in Paradise Tour

Enjoy time on the water with new friends and old. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage and music. You will have a paddleboarding and kayaking instructor by your side to guide you through this amazing gator-free lake system. This is a clean spring fed lake system. Many of our guests love to enjoy a swim. If you want to learn how to SUP, Stand Up Paddleboard, this is the perfect adventure for you. If you are thinking of things to do in Orlando, this tour is an amazing outdoor adventure. This is also a great "outside the box" date night experience. There are many bars and restaurants within walking distance to choose from after your adventure on the water.

Frequently asked questions about Orlando

What top attractions are a must-see in Orlando?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Orlando?

The best day trips and excursions from Orlando are:

Kennedy Space Center

Other Sightseeing Options in Orlando

Want to discover all there is to do in Orlando? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Orlando

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 18 reviews

Astrid was our amazing guide on the 8 mile tour. She was knowledgeable, kind, patient and funny. She pointed out lots of wildlife include multiple bird species, turtles, so many alligators and of course Manatees. We had a light healthy lunch and asked so many questions. Astrid gave a perfect safe tour and we loved her passion about her surroundings.

Great half day of kayaking with a knowledgeable and engaging guide. Saw many manatee and native birds. Loved that it was a smaller group. Would definitely recommend.

We had a fantastic time! Sue was an excellent guide. We saw all types of birds, alligators and a bunch of manatees. Thanks for a wonderful experience!

Totally amazing trip! Astrid is very friendly, knowledgeable, so experience is definitely best. We saw manatees right near our kayak!!

Great guide. Patient, knowledgeable, encouraging. Would do it again.