Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour near Orlando
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Small Group Experience
Our tour groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people, ensuring a personalized and high-quality experience that allows for better wildlife encoutners.
Up-Close Manatee Entounters
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.
Guided by Local Experts
Our professionally trained guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, making your trip an unforgettable and inspiring adventure.
Safety First, Always
Your well-being is our top priority, with high-quality gear, stable kayaks, and expert guides ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, you can relax and focus on the adventure, knowing you're in good hands.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour departure.
It is recommended you wear quick dry clothes and water/river shoes/flip-flops
Bring 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water and a snack
Professional guide
High-quality and stable sit-on-top kayak, paddle & lifejacket
Gratuities for your guide
What To Expect
Upon arrival you'll check in with your guide and they will get everyone fitted with comfortable, high-quality life jackets. We'll then proceed with a quick introduction to the day's adventure, safety tips, and paddling basics for those who need a refresher.
Blue Spring State Park
Your guide is an experienced nature enthusiast who knows these waters inside and out. As you paddle through the peaceful waterways of Blue Spring State Park, they’ll share fascinating insights about the manatees, alligators, and diverse bird species you encounter. Expect a relaxed, immersive experience, whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler. Besides manatees, you may spot alligators, bald eagles, herons, otters, and more.
Options
Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour
Bottled water and a snack
Reviews
195 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Manatee kayak tour
Melandcourt,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jimmy was an amzing tour guide! Saw lots of manatees and he even took us to a spot to see a huge gator ! 10 out of 10 would recommend !
A Wonderful Experience!
angiecI3470AW,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I signed up for the small group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour near Orlando. It ended up being us and our guide Jimi who also brought along a fellow guide, Sue, which was fine with us! They were both very knowledgeable and made it a fun experience! We got to see manatees and a variety of local birds, fish and vegetation. At the end of our tour, Jimi snd Sue also gave us tips for other great places to explore, and also gave us recommendations for restaurants where the locals eat. We tried The Swamphouse Grill and it was great! We highly recommend this tour. It was the highlight of our vacation. We would definitely go again.
Great Experience
A1887NNcherylm,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TJ did a great job of showing us the manatees and making the experience relaxing and fun. We even got to see a day old calf and bald eagle.
Kayaking at Blue Spring Park
nsB4844ML,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00TJ provided an excellent tour! We paddled out a short distance on the St. John's river before turning into the Spring. Whilst we were there we saw several manatees, turtles and various other wildlife. One tip, book the early tour as you are likely to see more manatees in the Blue Spring.
MANATEE-N out of 10 experience 💦
Jennilee B,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful morning kayaking with the manatees! We were originally booked for an excursion at noon, and our guide TJ called to recommend we switch to 9am and I’m so glad we did! We ended up being the only ones who signed up for this day and time so we had our own private tour. We were on the water for 2 hours and saw tons of wildlife including many manatees and an alligator! *Shout out to my girl, Calliope* The meet location is all the way down the dirt road on the water’s edge. There is no facility or lockers, so only bring your essential items. Water and a fruit snack was provided. Highly recommend… - Wear something you can move in and get wet - A waterproof phone case so you can capture memories without worry you might lose or ruin your phone. - A dry bag if you have one TJ was a wonderful guide. Friendly and knowledgeable 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Overall beautiful views, serene moments on the water, plus a little workout! I would definitely do this experience again ✨
Wildlife adventure for young family
mypenfriend,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, and worked really well for us as a family with young kids. Saw manatees, alligators, bald eagles and a host of fish and birds and plant life. Beautiful location, accessible, wild enough to be a healthy and exciting challenge, and the tour guide’s knowledge and support was first rate - a memorable and incredible experience. A must add to an Orlando / central Florida itinerary.
Highly recommend Astrid & Venture Outdoors!
Angela B,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.009/2/2025 Astrid is a very patient & kind tour guide. She accommodated the time my husband & I preferred as well as taught us the basics of kayaking to make our trip more enjoyable in our tandem kayak. She is very knowledgeable about the wildlife, nature, etc, and personalized the experience to cater to my husband’s & my needs & interests. She took fabulous pics along the way that you can purchase later at a reasonable, low cost. We were lucky enough to see 1 lone manatee in the springs area (swam right under our kayak) as well as gators in the river! I would highly recommend Astrid & her company!
Manatee Kayak Tour
SANDRA K,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00TJ was amazing, my sister has a lot of anxiety and he was so patient with her. We had the best time he was very informative about the animals we saw Mantees and even an alligator it really was a fantastic experience!
Great guide, TJ is...
Alvin C,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide, TJ is awesome, nice easy kayaking, saw manatees which was priority and learned a bunch about the area .
Peaceful
hannahcV9730DY,
Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great experience! I was looking for something to do away from Orlando and the theme parks with my kids, ages 6 and 8. Well worth the drive from Orlando. So quiet and beautiful. Our tour guide Astrid, was so informative and kind. She took a lot of pictures, answered all of our questions, and let us move at our own pace. We saw manatees, which were AMAZING, and watched for a while. We kayaked over an alligator, huge fish, spotted turtles, and beautiful birds. No doubt I will do this again!
From $80.00
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Operated by Venture Outdoors