Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour for Small Groups near Orlando

Experience a close encounter with gentle manatees on a small group kayak tour in Orlando. Swim with them in crystal clear springs and enjoy a personalized and safe adventure.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

We paddle to Blue Spring State Park, the winter home for hundreds of manatees during the colder months, and some stay around all year. In the winter month we make close contact with these lovable and gentle creatures as they leave the refuge in search of food. In the summer month we paddle up to the spring head and enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear water and scenery around us. You also have a chance to jump into the crystal clear water - so make sure to bring your swim suit!

Afterward we will go in search of grazing manatees and other wildlife in this nature rich area. We often witness alligators and turtles sun-bathing on the shore. A variety of birds, big and small, call this area their home, which makes spotting bold eagles, ospreys, red-shouldered hawks, and other wading birds a common occurrence. With a little luck, we will encounter the occasional river otter swimming in the river.

This tour is perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Points of Interest

  • Blue Spring State Park
What's Included
  • Top-of-the-line kayak gear (kayak, paddle, PFD)
  • Professional medically trained certified kayak guide
  • Snacks
  • Commitment to make the tour exciting, challenging, and informative
Additional Information

Make close contact with these gentle and lovable creatures in one of the largest winter gathering sites for manatees in Florida. Observe manatees as they swim all around you with some of them curious enough to come close to your kayak. In the summer month we paddle up to the spring head where you have a chance to jump into the crystal clear spring to cool off and to explore the aquatic life living in the spring.

Our tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people, ensuring a personalized and high-quality experience with a strong emphasis on safety. Our professionally trained guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, making your trip an unforgettable and inspiring adventure. Enjoy energizing trail snacks during your kayak tour.

  • It is recommended you wear quick dry clothes and water/river shoes
  • We recommend you bring a swim suit, warm wool or fleece top (winter), waterproof rain jacket or poncho, sun protection (sunhat, sunglasses, sun screen), a camera, and a towel to dry off afterwards.
  • There is no restroom at the meeting location. The last public restroom is at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763) about a mile before you arrive the meeting location. We recommend you stop there before your tour.
Location
2398 W French Ave
West French Avenue
Please follow the signs directing you to Blue Spring State Park. Instead of entering the park, continue on the dirt road for approximately 1 mile until you reach the boat ramp. This is where the guide will meet you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(108 Ratings)
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L3880tujamesp
Aug 18, 2024
Fabulous nature tour - Our guide, Jimi, arrived promptly, set up kayaks for all of us and took us on a fabulous nature tour. Paddling was easy and not stressful. I have lived in Florida all my life and he pointed out lots of things that I did not know. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Even though it was summer, we were able to see manatees up close. Great experience and a wonderful way to get acquainted with real Florida.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dlx746ci
Aug 3, 2024
The manatee discovery is worth it - Our guide, Jimi, was very knowledgeable. He was patient with new kayakers and took us to the best spots the springs had to offer. Saw alligators, manatees, and more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthony
Jul 27, 2024
Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with family near Orlando. - Our tour guide Astrid was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the geography of the area and accommodating for us beginners. We certainly appreciated the drinks and snacks provided. Whilst the weather was extremely hot we were honored to see and smell the manatees and the many other forms of wildlife especially the alligators. Great experience, well recommended. Kind Regards AHR
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimim505
Jul 25, 2024
Great tour with Astrid - Great tour with Astrid, who was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the place. We saw manatees playing or mating as well as turtles and birds. Astrid took a bunch of great photos and videos that we bought.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tomsj9733rm
Jul 12, 2024
Excellent Kayak Adventure to see Orlando Wildlife - Astrid, the owner, and guide was fantastic. Delightful trips. Relaxed and comfortable. Saw great wildlife (birds, turtles, multiple manatees, and an alligator) during the day and saw the bioluminescence at night. She was great with my 13 year old who had trouble paddling.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P1390jralyssab
Jul 4, 2024
Kayaking Tour - We had an excellent experience with Venture Outdoors. Immediately upon booking this experience, we were grateful for the wonderful expertise of the owner Astrid. She called to ensure that we were going at the most opportune time. Jimi, our guide, provided an amazing outing. He was the perfect balance of education regarding the local animals and plants as well as providing a wonderful outdoor experience. We were lucky to see multiple animals, including alligators, Blue heron, and manatees to name just a few. Hands down the best experience we had while in Orlando! I would love to go back and would highly recommend this experience for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Jun 24, 2024
It was magical - When the manatee was just inches from us munching on some water lettuce! He/she was so close we could reach out and touch her/him but we didn’t!
Review provided by Viator
B2493wbjohnb
May 27, 2024
Great experience - Great experience. Our guide, Astrid, was very knowledgeable and kept the vibe fun. My wife and I got to see some manatees up close. Lots of pictures taken.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Randy_t
May 21, 2024
Wonderful experience! - Great experience on the water. We had a great guide named Jimi. He was very knowledgeable on the area and wildlife. Would recommend this trip.
Review provided by Viator
D_q-zyn
May 8, 2024
What a fantastic trip with Astrid - Astrid is a wonderful guide that is so knowledgeable about the area and manatees. She led us through some of the most beautiful wetland areas we have ever seen. She provided us with snacks and drinks and terrific encounters with the mysterious manatee throughout the way. This was our first kayaking adventure and will not be the last. She made the whole experience easy and pleasant. If you are new to kayaking like we were, we recommend giving it a try as it was well worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
2 Adult
September 2024
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