Central Florida · CANOES & KAYAKS
193 tours
Rock Springs Run, the Silver River, Weeki Wachee, the mangrove tunnels behind Cocoa Beach. Central Florida paddles better than it drives, and these 15 trips are the ones to book: what the water looks like on each, how long you stay out, what you pay, and which suit a first-timer in a rented boat.
Rock Springs Emerald Cut clear kayak tour from Orlando, with spring dips, wildlife spotting, and a small-group guide. 2.5 hours, $115.
“I was looking forward to the experience, but I was not able to complete the excursion due to lack of experience. This was a bit more difficult than expected. We decided to go back and we lost our money.”
Crystal River clear kayak tour in Kings Bay Park, choose Three Sisters Springs or manatee season. Small group, gear included, wildlife under glass.
“I chose wrong date, still waiting to hear back from your company. Send numerous emails and talked to 2 separate folks. Still no call back. 9314349803”
Paddle a small-group glass-bottom kayak on Rainbow River in Dunnellon, see fish and wildlife from below, and learn spring ecology with a guide.
“Wonderful experience. We were all newbies to kayaking and our guide Andres was very helpful and knowledgeable about everything. It was one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in a long time. Everything was beautiful!”
Paddle Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands mangrove tunnels on a small-group kayak tour for manatees, dolphins, and birds, with guide photos.
“My family is 14mo, 14yo, 19, 32 and 39 and we all enjoyed it! The guide was very accommodating to our speed and the other guests abilities and helped us all get the kayaking down. We got to see the beautiful Mangroves, a 4 foot Tarpon and a family of Manatee. Great Adventure.”
Night kayak near Cocoa Beach, spot glowing dinoflagellates or comb jellies, learn from guides, PFDs included, about 2 hours.
“Drew and Kurt were great! Both very engaging and funny. Seeing the various species light up was really neat.”
Glide a clear kayak through Crystal River on a small-group manatee eco tour, with gear, guide, and wildlife sightings.
“You don’t need to wear a bathing suit because you don’t really get wet! You’re able to see the manatees swimming right next to or under your kayak. You’ll see mothers with babies. It’s an amazing experience.”
Full-day Everglades kayak and cypress dome slog from Homestead, with expert guides, single or double kayaks, and wildlife spotting.
“We had an incredible time with Garl, who was very knowledgeable about the Everglades and familiar with the area. Felt lucky to get to actually get INTO nature - walking around in the water was super cool! Although the weather did not cooperate with us, Garl still made the tour memorable and we learned a lot. Thank you!”
Paddle the Banana River at night on a Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge tour, watching plankton glow with all gear included for $75.
“We drove 3 hours round trip and they told us that we were on a weather delay and waited for an hour and could be waiting all night and our guide said that the likelihood is that we would not be going out. Mind you we already drove close to 2 hours and this company refuses to give any money back, only rain checks which is very frustrating because we were from out of town and left the next day so we got shafted $350 for 5 of us. Very unfortunate that the company wouldn’t work with us or budge”
Glide through clear Silver Springs on a glass-bottom kayak, spot manatees and wildlife with a small group guide in about 2 hours.
“Bry was awesome. She was very knowledgeable and interacted with our group well. She even took photos of my family for us”
Glide through Fort Pierce mangrove tunnels in a clear kayak, learn from trained guides, and spot turtles, dolphins, and more.
“Awesome experience - the mangrove tunnels are beautiful and Todd’s insights into the wildlife and ecology were fantastic.”
Paddle a clear kayak on the Weeki Wachee River, spot manatees and dolphins, learn from expert guides, and get guided photo moments.
“Really enjoyed our kayak experience. Jody, our guide was extremely observant and knowledgeable about the wildlife. We saw dolphins and manatees!”
Kayak or SUP through New Smyrna backwaters on a 2-hour tour, hunting for West Indian manatees, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds.
“Not enough single kayaks !! No dolphins or manatees . Guide was ok . Did not care for the whole experience .”
Clear-kayak wildlife tour in Silver Springs near Orlando. Spot manatees, turtles, and wild monkeys on a 2-hour guided ride.
“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!”
Paddle at night in Titusville for a 90-minute $65 bioluminescent kayak tour on the Indian River or Banana River.
“Our guide, Clint, was awesome! He definitely made sure we had a great experience and he was very knowledgeable. We would definitely go on another tour with him and we highly recommend this experience!! Probably the best part of our vacation!!”
Clear kayak or paddleboard at Silver Springs State Park. Spot manatees, turtles, and more on the Fort King trail with a guide.
“We had a great time with Rodger and Ben on this kayaking adventure. We saw lots of alligators, manatee, and learned some local history. Highly recommend!!👍👍”
