Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Blue Springs is the closest spot for manatee kayaking near Orlando, just about an hour from the airport! Each year, record numbers of manatees (over 600) migrate to the warmer 72-degree waters during the colder months. Join me for a paddle on Florida’s longest river, the St. Johns, as we search for these incredible creatures alongside other wildlife like alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. From November to March, during manatee season, the Blue Springs run transforms into a manatee sanctuary and is closed to swimmers and paddlers. My sit-on-top kayaks offer the best view of these gentle giants as they glide by. (there is a max weight limit of 250lbs for the single kayaks and 450lbs for the tandem)****Please note if you need a two person tandem****My kayak tours are capped at 6 kayaks per tour, perfect for families and smaller groups!
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
One of the main reasons visitors flock to Blue Springs is the chance to see manatees up close. During the colder months, typically November through March, hundreds of manatees migrate to the spring’s warm waters, creating a truly magical experience. While the spring itself is closed to paddlers during manatee season to protect these gentle giants, the St. Johns River offers excellent opportunities to spot them as they swim near your kayak during this guided tour.
What‘s Included
Local Knowledgeable Guide
Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.
Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone
Bottled water
Sunblock
Tip for you guide(if you had an amazing time!)
Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better
Hat (there is no shade on the water)
Options
Single Person Kayak
Two Person Tandems available : Tandems are priced for 2 people upon request
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Favorite adventure of our trip
Curtis S,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was so patient and fun. We arrived late and he still waited and made our experience awesome. We were able to see tons of manatees and alligators.
Aaron was a knowledgeable...
Anita W,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aaron was a knowledgeable guide. Always keeping us engaged in tour. We were able to see several manatees and gators.
Great day to be around nature and wildlife!
quicksilver417,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aaron was a great guide showing us around the river. Kayaking was very easy and he brought us to see the different wildlife including manatees. Great location as we did not have to pay an admission fee to enter park and met him right at the river. Was about two hours overall, bring your own snacks.
Great guided tour.
edmundacevedoa,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guided tour! The guide was knowledgeable and helpful. River is a beautiful ecosystem, and it was a privilege to explore it.
Excellent!
769csr,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with AWA Kayak Tours from start to finish. Aaron and his team member (I’m sorry, I forgot the name) guided us on the tour. We saw wildlife and also learned a lot about the animals we encountered during the trip. Overall, it was a truly amazing experience. Getting there was easy, and Aaron reached out to us as soon as we booked the tickets, which made everything much smoother. I would definitely give them 5 stars!
A Bucket-List Item!
Chelsea K,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were able to book this kayak tour last minute (less than 2 hours before), which was amazing since we were looking for something fun to do our last day in Florida. Aaron was a fantastic guide—super friendly, easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. He made sure we felt comfortable the whole time (and even stayed between us and the big gators 😂). The manatees were incredibly friendly and curious. It’s wild to have these giant sea potatoes gliding right underneath your kayak. We even had a mama and her baby hanging around us for a while, which was unforgettable. Aaron texted all the instructions ahead of time, making everything easy and stress-free, and he also took photos and videos and shared them via a link the same day so we could just be present and enjoy the experience. 11/10 would recommend both the experience and Aaron!
AWA Kayak trip @ Blue Springs Park
Connie E,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Aaron was a wonderful guide. I was a single and he could have easily cancelled but went out of his way to take me on a beautiful paddle trip. Very knowledgeable about all the wildlife, saw many manatees, bald eagle, alligator, and lots of bird species. Also sent pictures of our trip. Highly recommend any of his tours.
The Best Way to See Manatees Near Orlando—Thanks to Guide Aaron
Sonia B,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We recently took the Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando booked through Viator, and it was truly a fantastic experience, thanks entirely to our guide, Aaron. From the moment we booked, Aaron was proactive and professional. He contacted us right away, providing incredibly precise instructions on everything—from what essential items to bring to exactly how to find him upon arrival. This excellent pre-tour organization eliminated any stress and allowed us to focus purely on the excitement of the trip. Aaron deliberately keeps his tours small, typically capping them at six people. This intimate group size is a huge advantage. It allows him to fully assess the skill and experience level of each individual kayaker, ensuring that the entire trip is both safe and exceptionally fun. We felt completely cared for and appreciated the personalized attention. If you are looking for a highly organized, safe, and personal experience getting up close with manatees near Orlando, we highly recommend booking with Aaron. It’s the perfect blend of wildlife adventure and expert guidance.
We had a great trip with...
Amy G,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great trip with Aaron! His communication beforehand was excellent too. He was super friendly and knowledgeable, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend booking a tour with him!
Awesome, private and free flowing.
L39YMamyf,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. My 11 yr old,myself and my father was the whole group. We all had a blast. Not a sheep herding experience. Guide super knowledgeable and flexible. Hung out with a pod for more than an hour. Loved loved it! Would totally go back!
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Operated by AWA Kayak Tours