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
Two Person Tandem
2 person minimum per kayak
Single Person Kayak
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Barbara Manatee
L4811KCemilyh,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING tour with an AWESOME guide! Aaron was patient, explained everything throughly (I hadn’t kayaked in yeaaars so I was basically new). He was kind, very knowledgeable, and had an arsenal of puns ready at hand. The manatees loooooved him and we were able to see 3-5 at a time as well as a few alligators! Aaron made sure we were safe and together the entire time as well as took amazing pictures and sent them to us afterwards so we could focus on the in-person memories! Will absolutely do this again if I’m ever in Orlando!
Blue Springs
BrennaFraserMcGowan,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great kayak tour with Aaron - saw so many animals!
Awesome Time !
Natalie S,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an amazing time ! I saw manatees, a big alligator, small ones, various birds and a huge turtle. Thanks, Aaron !
Kayaking with Manatees
MeyerA226,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fun kayaking trip. We saw manatees several times up close along with gators and various native birds. Our guide Aaron was great. He was personable, knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend!
The best manatee experience!!
riszo1,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just went on a guided tour with Aaron and I can't say enough how great of an experience this was! Aaron was such a great guide! He clearly knew what he was talking about and was genuinely a fun person. We got to see plenty of manatees, alligators, and various species of birds. I would definitely do this again if ever I'm back in the area
Breathtaking Tour with AWA Tours
708jacquelineo,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was the highlight of my trip to Florida. Aaron was excellent and kind. Aaron informed us on everything a person needed to know about the wildlife in the area and protecting it. The location was gorgeous. The best part of the tour were the manatees! They definitely recognize Aaron. Before we knew it, we were surrounded by these beautiful, sweet, and playful mamals and it was just absolutely breathtaking. I recommend taking a trip with Aaron if you can. It was worth all time!
Fun Kayaking
Pam J,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This guided trip was not difficult and it was fun. Aaron, our guide , was very knowledgeable and humorous. This is a good way to spend some time in Old Florida.
A Special Experience
Chante m,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience. Seeing the manatees was the highlight of the trip. I felt blessed to be in the presence of these gentle, curious creatures. Aaron was a first rate guide: knowledgeable, amicable, and open to taking us further along the river to explore. We saw a variety of birds (anhingas, herons, egrets, ibis, black vultures) and a couple of alligators sunning themselves along the shore. Everyone in our group of four loved our outing. And kayaking was quite meditative. Highly recommend.
Great small group kayak!
Julianne O,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00AWA / Aaron was terrific. He communicated details before the trip to make sure we found him. During the paddle he adjusted where we went to avoid other groups and ensured we saw as much wildlife as possible. We saw numerous manatee, smaller alligators and bird species. He used a SUP board for better viewing and even took video and pictures he shared afterwards. Loved the smaller group size and his knowledge. Highly recommend!
Manatee River Fun
joehartz,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aaron was very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and history of the river we were exploring. He made it fun, safe, and entertaining. There were tons of Manatee that swam right around and under us, it was so cool.
From US$65.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by AWA Kayak Tours