Orlando Manatee Encounters
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Journey to Blue Spring State Park, winter home to one of Florida’s largest populations of Manatee. Witness hundreds of these "sea cows" relaxing in the spring alone. Observe these creatures from a safe distance in your kayak as your Florida Master Naturalist introduces you to the flora and fauna that make up this wild area. This is a great trip for the entire family!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
There is no minimum age however all participants must know how to swim
It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit, towel, waterproof camera and wear clothes that can get wet and possibly dirty
To ensure a proper size kayak is available, please provide your individual heights and weights at the time of booking
There is no restroom at the meeting location. There is a public restroom at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763) about a mile before you arrive the meeting location that we recommend you use before your tour.
Must be comfortable sitting in a kayak for multiple hours
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
We will paddle into the park and up to the manatee refuge. The manatee leave the refuge in search of food and swim all around us and under us. We also take time to paddle to snake creek to watch manatee graze, birds fishing, and search out wildlife.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Professional guide
Landing and facility fees
Gratuities
Options
private manatee tour (1-5pax)
Duration: 3 hours
Manatee Encounter
Reviews
374 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience on the river
ChicoTam,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our kayak tour with Matthew immensely. It was a quiet, misty morning and the setting was majestic. Matthew added so much to our experience, he is a gentle soul, and his love for nature was obvious.
So worth it!
Heathred12,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matthew was extremely interactive and had lots of information. My mom and I went on her birthday and it was a blast. Im not the outdoorsy type but she is and we saw manatees and gators!! All in all i would do this again for sure.
Great guides, super convenient
Wander41157186545,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I went on a manatee tour in Blue Springs and were able to see manatees eating and playing in their natural environment, thanks to our knowledgeable guide. It was great to show up and have the boats and equipment set up for us and to leave when the tour was over without having to do any work. This was a super easy way to get out and enjoy nature and wildlife.
A Peaceful, Manatee‑Filled Kayak Tour That Felt Like Pure Magic
T3024MSleonh,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined the 9 a.m. guided tour with Terra and it absolutely blew me away. Also, full disclosure: this was the most peaceful morning I’ve had since my daughter was born, and I say that with deep love and zero guilt. A few quick notes: - The kayaks, paddles, and life vests were all in excellent condition - pre‑tour information and directions were clear and helpful - Safety and nature rules were explained thoroughly — the kind of “I feel safe but not lectured” balance Now, the tour itself? Absolute magic. The manatees were everywhere, and apparently no one told them about personal space. A few casually nudged my kayak like we were old friends and I heroically resisted the urge to pet them because, you know, laws. Watching them munch on their leafy greens was basically the manatee version of a Michelin‑star dining show. Terra knew exactly where the “regulars” hang out and spotted them with ease. She sprinkled in fun facts, stories, and enough knowledge to make me feel like Steve Irwin. Besides the manatees, we spotted alligators, turtles, and more bird species than I could pretend to identify. The kayaking pace was pure “Sunday stroll on water” energy — perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who wants to enjoy nature without feeling like they accidentally signed up for a 2-hour fitness challenge.
Wonderful Adventure
Jamie C,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing Experience. Our tour guide Ryan was super knowledgeable and friendly. We saw a ton of wildlife in addition to the manatees and even got to witness a manatee being released back into the wild. It was an incredible experience.
Great kayak tour!
vivianwP1412WL,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great morning kayaking tour this morning with Ryan! Saw lots of birds, gators & manatee. Ryan was very knowledgeable & easygoing.
Kayak Manatee tour
Daydream433669,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on an amazing kayak tour to see the Manatee. Our tour guide Ryan was the best. He had so much information about the wide life. My teenage kids said this was the best day of their vacation, and I agree with them. Getting to see the Manatee up close and personal was an experience none of us will ever forget.
A tour in Florida with it’s own brand of magic
Dlevin3028,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this experience. It’s great to interact with the “real” Florida while we still have it to appreciate. Our tour guide Tia was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about many aspects of the natural theater of the St. John’s River. Had limited experience as a kayaker but you receive some good training and tips so it feels familiar quickly. The individual tour groups are well spaced so the aren’t too many kayaks and vessels in and amongst the manatees so everyone has the chance to admire them.
Sublime, core memory experience
louaym2026,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a sublime experience. The cold weather brought out dozens of manatees. Tia was very friendly and acommodating. We spotted many animals from nught herons to alligators and a bald eagle.
Highly recommended, great tour and tour guide.
Hstcou,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on a very cold day. Our tour guide (Tia) was excellent! She was out there bright and early, ran a fantastic tour, helped us spot lots of manatees and an alligator, and was great with the adults and kid on the trip. I was worried that the tour would cancel because of the cold, so I love that Tia was game to be out on the water with us. It was a really lovely way to see the manatees up close, and the location was great because you can easily do the kayak tour and then pop right into the state park to walk the boardwalk and see the manatees from a different perspective, on the boardwalk. Overall, highly recommend
From US$80.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Adventures in Florida