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
358 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Manatee interactions.
Lisa K,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was with Tia. She was so knowledgeable about the Manatees, gators, birds and all things St John’s river. She was easygoing and a great guide.
A perfect kayaking trip to meet a lot of manatees
Go387110,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was terrific. We have seen a lot of birds and manatees. Our guide Ryan is very knowledgeable of the plants and birds around this area. He is so good at spotting the manatees. The manatees are around us and some of them made bubbles close to our boats. The kayaking trip is perfect and we enjoy it a lot.
Once in a lifetime experience, even if you've never been kayaking
laurendU1797VC,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide Ryan was friendly and very patient with my large family. He could not have been more awesome. He even gave us bonus padding time after my family had a slower time getting the hang of paddling. The experience just got better and better, as we went upstream. The manatees came right up to our kayaks! Even my older teenagers said it was a once in a lifetime experience. Do not skip this!
The guide Ryan was...
Lauren D,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide Ryan was friendly and very patient with my large family. He could not have been more awesome. He even gave us bonus paddling time after my family had a slower time getting the hang of paddling. The experience just got better and better, as we went upstream. The manatees came right up to our kayaks! Even my older teenagers said it was a once in a lifetime experience. Do not skip this!
Fab
kbyrne94,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a brilliant time with David. It was so tranquil out on the river, a lovely change from the slightly manic parks. David was really friendly and knowledgeable while being very chill. We saw two manatees munching away and lots of birds, fish, and a few turtles :) 100% would recommend
Kayaking with manatees
392robbiew,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experience was very fun kayaking around the springs and seeing all the wildlife! David was a great guide and was able to knew a lot about the area and where to spot the animals. We saw several manatees and turtles up close.
Jeff is the ideal guide!!
Joachim C,,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00With the right guide and participants, a great experience! Calm and with enormous knowledge Jeff leads the group according to their abilities and desires. Everything was super prepared and worked out great. He got the best out of the leadership and opportunities. We saw many different species of fish and birds, alligators and manatees. What an experience when these gentle giants appear and breathe right next to the kayak! There was plenty of water during and after the tour. Equipment was in very good condition. An all-round great experience. Thank you so much!
Go and see the real Florida.
jakefF6190EF,,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had an great time kayaking at Blue Spring State Park. Geoff and Lauren were laid back guides who created a relaxed vibe while showing us wildlife like gators and manatees in their own habitat. They shared stories and and facts without making it feel too formal, and the whole experience felt like we were just exploring with friends. The scenery was beautiful, and the pace was perfect. Highly recommend this trip for a laid-back exploration away from the typical tourism of Florida.
Amazing time, and great guides.
sethbW2538NM,,Jun 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and even reached out the day before to introduce him self, and help with directions to the meeting point. Will definitely be doing some of their other tours.
Alligators, Turtles and Manatees, Oh My!
Tourist02684050236,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great day with great weather. Jeff, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the location, as well as the wildlife and flora. I saw alligators, turtles, and an owl way up in the tree that Jeff had spotted earlier. When we entered the cove, we saw several manatees that came up to the surface close to our kayaks. I enjoyed all the other paddlers, who were all very friendly. What a great tour!
From US$80.00
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Operated by Adventures in Florida