The 15 Best Kayak Tours near Orlando

Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour - The upstream paddle takes work

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,459 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115Top choice

Paddle the Emerald Cut at Rock Springs Run in a clear tandem kayak, following a local guide upstream beneath a tree canopy. You’ll get basic paddling instruction, wildlife and waterway commentary, and a chance to swim or use a rope swing before returning to the launch. Guides including Jacob, Megan, Dani and David have been praised for their friendly, engaging approach.

“David, our tour guide, was absolutely brilliant—so knowledgeable, experienced, and incredibly friendly. We were a mixed group with varying levels of kayaking experience, and he made sure to check in with each family individually throughout the trip. He offered guidance and support, especially since some of us progressed through the water more quickly than others. David also gave us plenty of time to relax, explore at our own pace, and truly enjoy being out on the water. The crystal-clear water and beautiful surroundings were stunning on their own, but the real highlights were spotting a couple of raccoons and even a baby alligator—such a bonus! This was an unforgettable adventure…”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

2.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour, small-group clear kayak tour capped at 10 people. From April 1 to November 14, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim when conditions allow. From November 15 to March 31, focus on finding manatees without getting in the water. Guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami share local wildlife knowledge.

“Very enjoyable. Cami was friendly and very knowledgeable about local wildlife. She made sure we saw multiple manatees”

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Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

3.Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 943 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out from KP Hole Park in Dunnellon for a two to two-and-a-half-hour guided paddle on Rainbow River. The clear kayaks let you watch the water below, while guides such as Andres, Sara, and Sam point out wildlife and explain the local springs. Groups are capped at 10. Expect to get wet, and bring water shoes if you plan to explore a creek.

“Had an absolute wonderful time. Our guide, Sarah, was fantastic. Such a fun experience and would 100% recommend.”

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Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

4.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands on a guided kayak trip of about two and a half hours, with a group capped at 10. Guides such as James, Ian, and Susie share local ecology and take photos for you. Paddle through mangrove tunnels and open water while watching for manatees, dolphins, and birds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was so serene and our guide Ian was the best. He was very patient and helpful. We loved our time on the water.”

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Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

5.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 831 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Merritt Island near Cocoa Beach for a two-hour guided night kayak through waters where summer plankton or winter comb jellies may glow. Your guide supplies the kayak, paddle, and flotation device, and points out local wildlife. Guides such as Aidan, Caleb, Zoey, and Sean have led trips with a strong focus on safety and natural history.

“You get to kayak through an area with bioluminescent jelly fish. Our guides, Drew and Jordan, were very informative and helpful.”

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Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

6.Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 691 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Spend about two hours paddling tandem clear kayaks through Crystal River with a local guide. Look below the hull for manatees, turtles, fish, and other wildlife, while learning about the area’s ecosystem. The group is capped at 10, and guides such as Jess, Kyle, RJ, and Cypress have earned praise for their relaxed, engaging approach. Wildlife sightings and water clarity vary.

“Look at the web site and watch the videos Do what they suggest and it will be great. The Tour guides were great. !”

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Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

7.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Meet your guide at Haulover Canal for a 90-minute evening paddle through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included. The guide leads a small group to look for glowing comb jellyfish and other wildlife, with past guides including Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo.

“Getting to see the bioluminescence and the peacefulness of kayaking at night under the stars. Our guide Seven did a really nice job of sharing information about the location and the wildlife within it.”

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Glass Bottom Kayak Tours of Silver Springs

8.Glass Bottom Kayak Tours of Silver Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 580 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Meet your guide at Silver Springs State Park for a small-group paddle in a tandem clear kayak. After a safety briefing and paddling demo, follow the guide over spring-clear water, watching for manatees, alligators, monkeys, turtles and birds. Tours last about 90 minutes to two hours; park admission and the launch fee cost extra.

“Bry was an awesome guide. Really knowledgeable and helpful. See explained so much about the environment as well as the animals we saw. She took great pics and shared them with us. Thanks for a great experience Bry!!”

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Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

9.Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 419 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend about two hours paddling Silver Springs with a guide who helps spot wildlife and shares the river’s natural and film history. Clear kayaks reveal fish below, while manatees, turtles, birds, alligators, and sometimes wild monkeys may appear along the route. Guides include Ashley, Steve, Chris, and Justin. Solo kayaks and paddleboards are also offered.

“SO MUCH WILD LIFE it was awesome, our guide Chris was super knowledgeable about all the wild life and areas in the park and was a joy to be with for our adventure. Definitely would recommend!”

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Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour (Titusville)

10.Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, paddle a single or tandem kayak for about 90 minutes through water that can glow blue when disturbed. Guides such as Terrance, Brian, and Jeremiah have shared local wildlife and refuge stories, helped beginners, and pointed out comb jellies. The effect varies with season, moonlight, and conditions, so bring bug spray and expect wet feet.

“Small group with two wonderful guides. Brian was knowledgeable and set a good relaxing pace sprinkled with stories and nature backgrounds. Took us away to a quiet area away from the larger tour groups. Bioluminescence was amazing. Lots of fish, stars, and birds (a few landed on some kayaks!!). Good attention to safety as there was a large wind storm when we gathered They were clear in communicating and mingling safety. We saw one of the bigger tour companies send out a group only to need a rescue down in the canal. Didn’t look like fun for them I’m glad Florida Adventures prioritized safety because the rest of the tour…”

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Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

11.Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

At Silver Springs State Park, paddle a clear kayak or paddleboard along the Fort King trail toward the spring head. A local guide leads the roughly two-hour outing, points out wildlife and local history, and takes photos to share. Manatees, turtles, birds, alligators and even monkeys may appear, but sightings depend on nature. Kayaks, safety gear and a phone dry bag are included.

“You should probably wear a bathing suit bc you will splash water in your kayak. We saw manatees turtles and alligators. The water was crystal clear and beautiful our tour guide. Stevie was amazing. He even went out of his way to go a little farther to make sure that we saw manatees and that our experience was amazing.”

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Cypress Forest: Guided Nature Kayak Eco-Tour

12.Cypress Forest: Guided Nature Kayak Eco-Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · from $74

Paddle Shingle Creek, the Everglades’ headwaters, on a two-hour guided kayak tour beneath old-growth cypress trees. Your ACA-certified guide provides instruction, safety gear, water, and local nature notes. Guides such as Joshua and Ryan have shared details about the creek’s plants and wildlife. Choose a single or tandem kayak; children as young as four can ride in a tandem.

“Amazing guided tour by Josh!! The entire staff was incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The tour was personalized and we were able to really learn a lot of not only the land around us but also the creatures within. Couldn’t recommend any higher!! It’s a must do! Secret hidden gem:)”

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Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville

13.Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, you’ll get a quick paddling lesson, then head out in a clear kayak to watch bioluminescence glow beneath you. The roughly 90-minute night tour visits Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and may bring sightings of fish, shoreline snakes, gators, birds, or other wildlife. Guides including Celeste, Anthony, and Blane lead small groups.

“Thanks to our guide, Celeste, this was a magical night. She is so knowledgeable and that just added to the wonder of gliding across dark water sparkling with tiny bioluminescent creatures. She clearly loves the natural world and lives in it with curiosity and attention. She was so warm and friendly as well. I can't wait to do this again; my husband and I loved it!!”

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Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Springs & Manatee Tours

14.Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Springs & Manatee Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Seven Sisters Campground toward Seven Sisters Springs and Baird Creek on a roughly three-hour guided tour. Gear and basic instruction are provided, and groups are limited to 10. Guides on past trips have included Shaggy, Hunter, Izzy, James, Cami, and Ryan. Wildlife sightings vary, and the route can change with conditions.

“we enjoyed the trip very much, the guide Ryan C. was very professional. He told us a lot about the surrounding nature and wildlife. He knows the area very well, so we were able to see manatees, alligator and swim in the beautiful springs.”

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Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

15.Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle the spring-fed Silver River for about two hours in a tandem clear kayak, with a guide such as Aly, Josh or Emma leading a group of up to eight. The clear hull gives you a view of fish and the riverbed below, while birds, turtles, alligators, manatees and rhesus monkeys may appear along the banks. Paddles, life jackets and dry bags are provided.

“Emma was a great tour guide. Would definitely recommend this tour. We saw not one but 10 alligators during this kayak tour. Wonderful experience. Saw plenty of monkeys as well. Water is amazingly clean and river looks beautiful.”

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