Manatee Kayak Tour: Close Encounters in Florida

Experience a close encounter with gentle manatees on a small group kayak tour in Orlando. Swim with them in crystal clear springs and enjoy a personalized and safe adventure.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

We paddle to Blue Spring State Park, the winter home for hundreds of manatees during the colder months, and some stay around all year. In the winter month we make close contact with these lovable and gentle creatures as they leave the refuge in search of food. In the summer month we paddle up to the spring head and enjoy the beauty of the crystal clear…

What's Included
  • Top-of-the-line kayak gear (kayak, paddle, PFD)
  • Professional medically trained certified kayak guide
  • Snacks
  • Commitment to make the tour exciting, challenging, and informative
Additional Information

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. In the summer month we paddle up to the spring head where you have a chance to jump into the crystal clear spring to…

Location
2398 W French Ave
West French Avenue
Please follow the signs directing you to Blue Spring State Park. Instead of entering the park, continue on the dirt road for approximately 1 mile until you reach the boat ramp. This is where the guide will meet you.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(122 Ratings)
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Miranda_p
Oct 27, 2024
Amazing experience - George was a great guide! We ended up having a private tour and while we didn’t get a chance to see any manatees, we had an amazing experience!
Review provided by Viator
Jannick_s
Oct 16, 2024
Manatee kayak tour - Our guide Astrid was very at planning our trip, despite the recent hurricane. We got to see everything we wanted to alligators, manatees and turtles. We were lucky that there was no one else on the river. A very beautiful and peaceful experience. We highly recommend Astrid, she could answer all our questions.
Review provided by Viator
Lee
Sep 23, 2024
Amazing Manatee paddle with my teenager - My daughter and I had an amazing time paddling Blue Springs. We were able to see manatees, all kinds of birds and even a small gator. Would highly recommend it to anyone with teens or family. This was so much fun and we learned a lot about the local wildlife.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pat
Sep 1, 2024
Blue Springs manatee kayaking experience - Jimi was a great guide. He was very informative and taught us a lot about the river and flora. We saw alligators, turtles and various birds. We saw the manatees playing and saw the up close. Highly recommend this relaxing experience on the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Manshak2023
Aug 21, 2024
A Great Way to Spend Time in Nature - My family and I took a 9am kayak tour with Jimi and Sue, and it met all our expectations! The river was calm and empty and Jimi was a great nature guide. We saw birdlife, alligators, a turtle, and watched a group of manatees playing in the shallows. One even swam up to our kayak to say hello! This is a wonderful way to get out into the fresh air, spend time on the water, and see the local wildlife. I 100% recommend this tour and am so grateful to Jimi for the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3880tujamesp
Aug 18, 2024
Fabulous nature tour - Our guide, Jimi, arrived promptly, set up kayaks for all of us and took us on a fabulous nature tour. Paddling was easy and not stressful. I have lived in Florida all my life and he pointed out lots of things that I did not know. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Even though it was summer, we were able to see manatees up close. Great experience and a wonderful way to get acquainted with real Florida.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dlx746ci
Aug 3, 2024
The manatee discovery is worth it - Our guide, Jimi, was very knowledgeable. He was patient with new kayakers and took us to the best spots the springs had to offer. Saw alligators, manatees, and more.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthony
Jul 27, 2024
Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with family near Orlando. - Our tour guide Astrid was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the geography of the area and accommodating for us beginners. We certainly appreciated the drinks and snacks provided. Whilst the weather was extremely hot we were honored to see and smell the manatees and the many other forms of wildlife especially the alligators. Great experience, well recommended. Kind Regards AHR
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimim505
Jul 25, 2024
Great tour with Astrid - Great tour with Astrid, who was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the place. We saw manatees playing or mating as well as turtles and birds. Astrid took a bunch of great photos and videos that we bought.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tomsj9733rm
Jul 12, 2024
Excellent Kayak Adventure to see Orlando Wildlife - Astrid, the owner, and guide was fantastic. Delightful trips. Relaxed and comfortable. Saw great wildlife (birds, turtles, multiple manatees, and an alligator) during the day and saw the bioluminescence at night. She was great with my 13 year old who had trouble paddling.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
2 Adult
December 2024
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