The 15 Best Wildlife 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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Orlando: Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket

2.Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Park Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,459 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $36

At Wild Florida, a guide takes you on a 30-minute airboat ride through protected swamps, marshes, and rivers, with chances to spot alligators, turtles, and birds. The ticket also includes the wildlife park and a live alligator demonstration. Guides such as Captains Jeff, Lauren, Todd, and Mike have earned praise for their local knowledge and friendly style.

“Did not see many gators, but a great day out and kids loved it”

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Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

3.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,052 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Board a wheelchair-accessible boat at 420 W Cocoa Beach Causeway for a two-hour cruise through the Thousand Islands estuary. A certified naturalist explains the mangroves and wildlife, while the captain looks for dolphins, manatees and birds. Restrooms are onboard; soft drinks are sold separately. Wildlife sightings vary, and manatees may be scarce in cold weather.

“What an amazing 2 hour tour. Captain Rich and First Mate Diane were very perfect. They shared so much knowledge and were quick to point out the sightings and made sure everyone got to view and the pictures they wanted. Both added a little comedy to the tour as well. Diane was a doll and took pictures of us. She also had some great recommendations on places to visit. She told us about Black Point Drive and we visited that the next day. During our tour, we saw several dolphins who were putting on a great show, 3 different Manatees, one of which was eating. It was a site to…”

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Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

4.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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Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

5.Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 892 reviews · 1 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $35

Take your own vehicle through Wild Florida’s self-guided safari, spotting zebras, deer, bison, oryx and other animals at your own pace. Admission also includes the walk-through Gator Park, with more than 150 additional animals. Giraffe feeding is available for an extra fee.

“This was really cool. You are so close to the animals to get some great pictures. The whole family enjoyed it!”

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Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

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

7.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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See Crystal River – Mantee & Wildlife Viewing Cruise

8.See Crystal River – Mantee & Wildlife Viewing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Take a 90-minute covered-boat cruise through Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge with a USCG-licensed captain and guide. Groups are capped at 16, and captains such as Marty, Brodie, and Aiden share stories about manatees, the springs, and local wildlife. Sightings vary with conditions, and water clarity can be murky.

“Manatees were magnificent. Could see them interact with each other. Lots of visitors but Aiden, our guide, was so patient navigating and answering questions.”

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Cypress Forest: Guided Nature Kayak Eco-Tour

9.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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2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes

10.2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 293 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $41

This two-hour pontoon cruise from Harborside takes you through Winter Haven’s connected lakes, past Chain of Lakes Park and the remains of Cypress Gardens. Captains such as Rue, Randy, Bryce, Saige, and Darrell share local stories and help you spot birds, alligators, and other wildlife. The boat holds no more than 11 people, and you can bring snacks or drinks.

“Very fun way to get out on the water! Our guide, Bryce, was full of knowledge and very nice! Thank you!”

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Orlando: Florida Everglades Wildlife Airboat Tour

11.Florida Everglades Wildlife Airboat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 276 reviews · from $89

Take a 90-minute airboat tour from Marsh Landing Adventures near Orlando. A guide such as Andrew, Ally, Scott or Logan may lead the trip, sharing local history and pointing out wildlife. The raised stadium seats offer clear views as you cross marsh and wet prairie toward a small creek where the Everglades estuary begins. Alligators and bald eagles are possible sightings, not guarantees.

“It was an awesome experience and Captain Andrew was excellent! His expertise and personality made our experience unforgettable. We highly recommend this company!”

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Swim with Manatees: Eco-Educational Tour in Crystal River

12.Swim with Manatees: Eco-Educational Tour in Crystal River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (approx.) · from $100

Meet at Crystal River Watersports for a 2.5- to 3-hour boat and snorkel outing, with gear, bottled water, hot cocoa, and live commentary included. Groups are capped at 10. Capt. Jim, Kat, Cody, Heather, Bethany, and other crew members have led trips, though your crew may differ.

“Amazing. Better than expected. Dakota and John were funny, knowledgeable, caring and just great people. They made sure we enjoyed every moment even my 10 year old that Dakota held onto the whole time in the water. Saw lots of manatees. Took lots of photos. Loved every moment.”

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Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

13.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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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

14.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Launch at Haulover Canal near Mims with Florida Adventurer for about 90 minutes on the water. Your kayak, paddle and PFD are provided, and guides such as Brian, Zach and Josh lead small-group trips through local wildlife habitat. You may spot manatees, dolphins, alligators and birds, but sightings vary.

“Our guide Tyler was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I would come back and do this every day. No dolphins on our tour but 30-50 manatees. We were able to pet them and they hung out with us for a bit. Exceeded my expectations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. We will be doing this again. Felt safe the whole time. Thank you for a great memory Tyler”

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Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

15.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52

From Haulover Canal, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon with a guide. The 90-minute tour may bring you near manatees, dolphins, alligators and coastal birds, with mangrove passages and, on an evening departure, sunset views. Equipment and photos are included. Call after booking to reserve your kayak or paddleboard.