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 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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water and a snack
Professional guide
High-quality and stable sit-on-top kayak, paddle & lifejacket
Gratuities for your guide
Options
Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour
Bottled water and a snack
Reviews
273 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Manatee Experience
wdy301,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Had a great time with our guide TJ. Saw some manatee with my son. Very cool experience. Good break from the the theme parks.
Worth the time.
MIDEMC,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great experience for everyone. Beautiful day and knowledgeable tour guide.
A great tour for our family!
Callie B,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day! Sue was the best guide - from clear instructions on where to meet up to fun conversation and lots of great wildlife info as we paddled along. We hit the jackpot in terms of what we saw - so many manatees, fish, gators, birds, and lizards. We even got to see a manatee rescue in progress. All the equipment was in great shape. Highly recommend this tour for your family!
Amazing!
tanyacV5468WO,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sue did an amazing job with our tour. The group was small which was nice! Sue did a great job including everyone and making sure no one was left out or behind. We saw lots of manatees and had Ana amazing time.
Relaxing and memorable
JASON D,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very relaxing, interactive experience. Up close to several manatees in a calm and informative setting. Memorable outing with friendly and knowledgeable guides.
We had an incredible time...
Chris R,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible time spotting all the birds, fish, and the magnificent manatees. Our guide, Jeff, was brimming with extensive knowledge about all the creatures we encountered. I highly recommend this experience; we’re already planning our next visit.
Big guy had even bigger adventures!!!
Ryan D,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We met at the right spot and time. The kayaks were already in the water and everything we needed was ready to go. The guide, Astrid, even had a larger kayak for me as I am bigger that most people. After a brief safety meeting we started on the water. Almost immediately the guide was pointing out amazing wildlife and teaching us how to watch for manatees. After a short time we spotted multiple manatees and one even pushed my kayak a little with its nose. We saw many birds and even a gator, at a distance. The over all experience was more than I could have hoped for and I will be recommending them to everyone. Special thanks to Astrid for such an unforgettable experience!
Wonderful kayak tour with manatees
Christine L,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were right in the middle of a group of manatees playing. I didn’t know they did that! It was much better than just walking the path in Blue Springs Park - you only see they sleeping in the sanctuary. Our guide, Jimi, was very well informed on all the other wild life we saw along the way. It was a wonderful experience!
Great time kayaking with the Manatees.
Douglas F,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I really enjoyed kayaking with the Manatees at Blue Springs on the St. John River. We saw many, a few of whom came right up to our kayak. Jimi our guide was kind, accommodating and full of knowledge about the Manatees and really all the flora and fauna of the area. We saw a lot of other wildlife which added to the enjoyment. A note from personal experience, allow some extra time to get to the site, as traffic in the Orlando area can get very heavy in a hurry.
Manatees, Gators and Birds oh my!
I1249SLwendyc,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time on the water! Saw several gators and loads of manatees - plus birds galore. Guide was very knowledgeable and kept it moving. Would recommend - We had easy to access for the 9am tour on a Friday.
From US$80.00
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Operated by Venture Outdoors