Dora Canal Tour: Paddle Through Scenic Waterways

Explore the breathtaking Dora Canal with our kayak rentals. Discover the beauty of century-old cypress trees, abundant wildlife, and enjoy the charm of Tavares afterwards.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 210 E Ruby St - Embark on a self-guided adventure through the picturesque Dora Canal, known as one of Florida’s most scenic waterways, with our single kayak or stand-up paddle board rentals. Located in the heart of downtown Tavares, “America’s Seaplane City,” our waterfront location offers easy access to explore the canal and the stunning Harris Chain of Lakes.

Before setting off, we’ll provide you with a detailed map and recommend the best routes for a memorable paddle experience. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, our team will offer instruction to ensure you’re comfortable on the water. For your convenience, we offer water, dry bags, floating phone totes, hats, and sunscreen for sale at our kiosk, and public restrooms are available on-site.

For the most peaceful experience, we highly recommend booking during the morning hours when motorboat traffic is minimal, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the canal before exploring the charming downtown area. Tavares’ waterfront park is perfect for a post-paddle stroll, with dining options, waterfront watering holes, and even seaplane tours available nearby. We welcome you to the small and FUN town of Tavares!

What's Included
  • All essential equipment provided, including kayak or paddle board, paddle, life vest, and map
Additional Information

Breathtaking Scenery: Paddle through the Dora Canal, often hailed as “the most beautiful mile of waterway in the world.”

Majestic Cypress Trees: Glide beneath a canopy of century-old cypress trees, draped in elegant Spanish moss.

Abundant Wildlife: Encounter a variety of wildlife, including herons, egrets, cormorants, anhinga, osprey, turtles, fish, and playful otters.

Charming Downtown Tavares: After your paddle, enjoy the small-town charm of Tavares, with local restaurants and bars within walking distance of our location.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to inclement weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • Alcohol is not permitted.
Location
210 E Ruby St
East Ruby Street
We are located inside Wooton Park, Tavares with the seaplane touring company Jones Brothers Seaplanes. Look for the building with the large murals on it near the waterfront. Check in at the front of the building facing the lake.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
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Mmsgottago
Aug 2, 2024
Outdoor Adventures - The 2 hour tandem kayak trip was incredibly tranquil and scenic. Saw many wading birds. A couple homes has interesting gnome villages. Katrina saw us off in a friendly, helpful and upbeat way. We’ll be back.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ting_c
Jul 29, 2024
Good price, memorable experience - The owner of the business is very experienced and caring about us. The kayaking experience is memorable. Kids loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Judithg17
Jul 20, 2024
A perfect adventure - This was a really nice adventure in the Dora Canal! We used the 4 hours to comfortably drive through the canal and a side arm (in which no motorboats were allowed) to Lake Eustis. We were traveling slowly, listening to the sounds of nature and seeing many animals (birds, turtles, even an alligator). We are mediocrely experienced in kayaking and managed well. There were many motorboats on Saturday afternoon, but everyone was very considerate and friendly and the canal is wide enough at all points to pass each other. At Fish Camp Lake Eustis we took a refreshing break with live music and some snacks. That was just right that we were able to tackle the way back quite quickly (about 1h). Before heading home there was an ice cream at Poppys Icecream in town - super delicious! We were accompanied by Adventure Outdoor Paddle very well, the equipment was perfect for our needs, everything worked out well. I can only recommend this adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristen
Jul 14, 2024
Relaxing and memorable day in the Dora Canal! - We had an outstanding day kayaking and wildlife watching in the Dora Canal! The kayaks were comfortable, the staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. We’ll definitely be back soon!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maureen_j
May 19, 2024
Peace in the wild - Just hanging out as a family. Seeing wildlife and not consumed by electronics. Very peaceful. Loved it. Thanks Katrina! Had a great time. Made some wonderful memories with my sons.
Review provided by Viator
Ronald_c
May 12, 2024
Great experience - Seeing nature enjoying the quiet environment from every day life it is a great getaway from all the things we do every day
Review provided by Viator
Doreen_k
Apr 2, 2024
Paradise - This was absolutely gorgeous place to paddle and Katrina who was a person of contact the sweetest nicest lady. Loved it here.
Review provided by Viator
Feiling2024
Mar 30, 2024
Great Experience - Great kayaks and paddles and great service too! The canal view is great, we went on a busy Saturday, so many boats around.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Frecklesm2023
Oct 8, 2023
Great time - We went with another couple. We had a great time. Katrina was very helpful and accommodating. It was a relaxing paddle. Beautiful scenery on the river. We saw lots of birds. Very fair price. We've already recommended them to friends and family.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M9973iumeganc
Sep 7, 2023
Labour Day Weekend Paddle - We enjoyed your Dora Canal experience immensely. It was peaceful first thing and was beginning to build up through the paddle. We were the only people on our trip so we got to really enjoy the experience. Katrina was a fantastic guide, she had a lot of knowledge about the area and the wildlife. She worked hard at spotting things for us to see, and we had a lot of respect for her attitude towards the waterways generally. For a spur of the moment Labour Day weekend excursion we couldn't have chosen better and would definitely recommend others give it a go!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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