Florida’s extensive waterways offer the perfect setting for paddling adventures, with options ranging from tranquil springs to wildlife-rich coastal routes. The Everglades present intimate encounters with nature, while spring-fed rivers showcase the state’s crystal-clear waters. Experienced paddlers can rent equipment and go solo, but guided tours provide the richest experience.
We especially love the small-group tours through mangrove tunnels near Naples and St. Petersburg, where naturalist guides share insider knowledge about local ecosystems. The manatee tours in Crystal River during winter months are particularly worthwhile, offering close-up views of these gentle giants.
Let’s explore the best canoe and kayak tours Florida has to offer.
Key Points
- Personalized group sizes up to 10 travelers for immersive wildlife spotting experiences, including manatees, alligators, turtles, and diverse bird species.
- Expert-guided tours providing kayaking instruction and educational insights into Florida’s unique ecosystems, such as mangrove tunnels, cypress swamps, and intercoastal waterways.
- Flexible cancellation policies and inclusive pricing, with equipment provided and some tours covering state park entry fees.
- Specialized experiences like the GLOW Clear Kayak Tour, Everglades Hiking + Kayaking, and Manatee Discovery Tour, catering to diverse interests and accessibility needs.
- Advance booking recommended due to limited availability, with optional hotel pickup/drop-off and safety ensured by certified instructors and knowledgeable guides.
Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades
One of the most immersive and exhilarating ways to explore the Everglades is through a full-day kayak adventure.
This highly-rated tour offers an exclusive experience for up to 10 travelers, led by expert guides passionate about the ecosystem. Paddling through cypress domes and mangroves, you’ll have the opportunity to spot alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and a variety of birds.
Reviewers praise the guides’ knowledge and the tour’s ability to provide a deep connection to the Everglades. With moderate fitness required, this adventure is suitable for ages 5 and up.
Bring your own lunch and water, and prepare for an unforgettable day immersed in the Florida wetlands.
Read our full review: Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades Review
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Wekiva Wildlife Kayaking Adventure Tour
The Wekiva Wildlife Kayaking Adventure Tour offers an immersive opportunity to explore the serene Wekiva River and its surrounding natural habitats.
Priced from Kč 1,315 per person, this 1.5-hour guided tour allows you to observe a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, turtles, otters, deer, and possibly alligators and manatees.
The tour is limited to 9 participants, with a maximum of 6 kayaks, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Participants can relax in the natural setting, perfect for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
The tour includes a 1-mile upstream paddle and a drift back to the launch point.
Advance booking is recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Wekiva Wildlife Kayaking Adventure Tour Review
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Clear Kayak Tours in Fort Pierce
Clear Kayak Tours in Fort Pierce offer visitors a unique and immersive experience on the waters surrounding the coastal town. Located in Florida’s Treasure Coast, the tours provide guests with a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence.
Visitors can expect to explore the area’s diverse mangrove ecosystems and wildlife, including sea turtles, crabs, and various bird species. The tours accommodate up to 10 travelers per group and are suitable for beginners.
Guides are knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the educational aspect of the experience. With clear kayaks, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the aquatic world beneath them.
The tours are accessible, wheelchair-friendly, and offer a fun, relaxing way to connect with nature.
Read our full review: Clear Kayak Tours in Fort Pierce Review
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Jupiter: Loxahatchee River Scenic Kayak Tour
Nestled along Florida’s southeast coast, the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter offers visitors a scenic kayak tour that showcases the region’s natural beauty and rich history.
This 2-hour adventure, limited to just 6 participants, allows paddlers to explore the cypress swamps and spot local wildlife.
Led by an experienced guide, the tour provides insights into the area’s history and folklore as you glide through the same waters inhabited by the Seminole people for centuries.
With convenient amenities, flexible booking, and a focus on safety, this Loxahatchee River excursion is a must-try for nature enthusiasts visiting the Sunshine State.
Read our full review: Jupiter: Loxahatchee River Scenic Kayak Tour Review
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Clear Kayak Tours in Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee’s Clear Kayak Tours offer a truly unique ecotourism experience, allowing visitors to glide through an estuary and the renowned Weeki Wachee River in tandem clear kayaks.
Rated 4.8 stars from 380 reviews, the tour boasts a 96% recommendation rate. Guests can encounter local wildlife like dolphins, manatees, otters, turtles, and fish while learning about the ecosystem.
The tour includes all fees, safety equipment, and a knowledgeable guide. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, the experience is intimate and personalized.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, Clear Kayak Tours provide a fun and educational adventure for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Read our full review: Clear Kayak Tours in Weeki Wachee Review
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Marco Island: Guided Manatee-Watching Kayaking or SUP Tour
The Marco Island: Guided Manatee-Watching Kayaking or SUP Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the pristine waterways surrounding this picturesque Florida destination.
This 2-hour activity allows participants to paddle alongside gentle manatees and spot other wildlife in the crystal clear waters. Priced from $65 per person, the tour includes all necessary equipment and a knowledgeable guide to share insights about the area’s history and ecology.
With a high likelihood of selling out, it’s best to check availability and book in advance. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, and no upfront payment is required to secure a spot.
Read our full review: Marco Island: Guided Manatee-Watching Kayaking or SUP Tour Review
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2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue
What makes the Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue a must-try experience for visitors to the Santa Fe River in Florida?
The 2-hour tour offers a unique perspective of the area’s crystal-clear springs and diverse wildlife. Guests paddle in transparent kayaks, allowing them to view the underwater world below.
The small-group excursion visits 5 freshwater springs, including the stunning Gilchrist Blue. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour provides personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.
Priced at $72 per person, the tour includes essential equipment and access to the Rum Island County Park.
Wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation, this eco-adventure is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with specific medical conditions.
Read our full review: 2 Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Gilchrist Blue Review
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Silver Springs Manatee Kayaking Tour
Visitors to Silver Springs State Park in central Florida can embark on a captivating 1.5-hour kayaking tour that promises an up-close encounter with the park’s resident manatees.
Priced at Kč 1,554 per person, this guided tour lets guests explore the park’s clear waters and witness diverse wildlife, including the chance to spot the park’s 7 year-round manatee residents.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, park fees, and even photo souvenirs.
Though not suitable for young children or those with weight restrictions, the small group size of up to 9 participants ensures an intimate and personalized experience.
With an impressive 5/5 rating from previous guests, this kayaking adventure is a must-do for nature lovers visiting the area.
Read our full review: Silver Springs Manatee Kayaking Tour Review
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Pedal Kayak Tour
A Pedal Kayak Tour in Nokomis, Florida offers visitors an exhilarating way to explore the region’s stunning waterways.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour lets you choose from single or dual kayaks to spot dolphins, manatees, and birds.
The tour provides bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and motor assistance for mobility-challenged guests.
Starting at $65 per person, the tour departs from the North Jetty Park and ends back at the same point.
Reservations are required, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
This private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Read our full review: Pedal Kayak Tour Review
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Glass Bottom Kayak Guided Tour: Silver Springs
For a unique and captivating experience, the Glass Bottom Kayak Guided Tour at Silver Springs State Park offers visitors the chance to glide over crystal-clear springs and explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
During this 2-hour adventure, you will view underwater caves, abandoned shipwrecks, and an array of wildlife, including monkeys, manatees, alligators, turtles, fish, and birds.
The tour is limited to 10 participants and includes an instructional briefing for beginners. Guests must be in good physical condition, and certain items like pets and sunscreen are prohibited.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 24 reviews, this glass-bottom kayak tour promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Florida’s natural wonder.
Read our full review: Glass Bottom Kayak Guided Tour; Silver Springs Review
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Sunset Clear Kayak Tour
The Sunset Clear Kayak Tour in Fort Pierce, Florida, offers a captivating opportunity to explore the area’s intercoastal waterway, mangrove tunnels, and shallow areas as the sun dips below the horizon.
With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the tour provides a personalized experience and the chance to spot marine life like turtles, fish, and dolphins. Guests can enjoy sunset views while wading at a sandbar and receive a basic kayaking lesson.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, and the $6 state park entry fee is covered in the booking price of $75 per person.
Wheelchair accessibility, weight limits, and cancellation policies make this tour accessible and flexible for various travelers.
Read our full review: Sunset Clear Kayak Tour Review
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Orlando: Small Group Scenic Wekiva River Kayak Tour
Kayakers seeking a serene and diverse natural experience will find it on the Orlando: Small Group Scenic Wekiva River Kayak Tour.
The 2.5-hour excursion offers a chance to paddle through the Wekiva River, one of Florida’s two National Wild and Scenic rivers. Led by certified ACA instructors and Wilderness First Responders, the tour promises encounters with wildlife like alligators, manatees, and bobcats.
After a safety briefing, participants enjoy an hour of guided kayaking, followed by an optional swim or snorkel. With a maximum of 10 guests, the small group size ensures an intimate and personalized adventure.
Conveniently located near Orlando, this tour provides a rejuvenating escape into nature.
Read our full review: Orlando: Small Group Scenic Wekiva River Kayak Tour Review
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GLOW Clear Kayak Tour
A unique and mesmerizing experience awaits adventurers on the GLOW Clear Kayak Tour in Fort Pierce, Florida. Offering a 5-star rated activity with 100% traveler recommendation, this tour provides participants with crystal-clear kayaks, life preservers, and paddling instructions.
Situated within the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, the tour’s meeting point is easily accessible, with a $6 entry fee required. Accommodating a range of abilities, the tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly, though not recommended for those with back problems.
With a maximum group size of 10 and weight limits per person and kayak, guests can enjoy a personalized and safe journey through the stunning Florida waterways.
Read our full review: GLOW Clear Kayak Tour Review
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Blackwater Creek: Exclusive Nature Escape Kayak Adventure
An exclusive nature escape awaits adventurous kayakers on the Blackwater Creek Kayak Adventure.
Lasting 3 hours, this guided tour takes small groups of up to 6 participants through a fairytale-like landscape, offering the chance to encounter diverse wildlife like black bears, otters, and alligators.
Expert guides provide in-depth knowledge about the creek’s ecosystem, and birdwatching enthusiasts will delight in the outstanding opportunities.
Priced from $90 per person, the adventure includes essential equipment, snacks, and a permit.
Reservations are recommended due to limited availability, and cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Blackwater Creek: Exclusive Nature Escape Kayak Adventure Review
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Hiking + Kayaking Tour in Everglades National Park W/ Wet Walk!
This immersive Everglades National Park excursion lets adventurous travelers explore the park’s diverse ecosystems through a thrilling combination of hiking and kayaking.
Priced at $275 per person, the tour accommodates up to 12 participants and includes lunch, bottled water, snacks, and equipment like kayaks and an air-conditioned vehicle for transport.
Guests will meet at the South Tip Farm Stand in Homestead, Florida, with optional hotel pickup and drop-off available.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the experience is suitable for most travelers and promises sightings of manatees, crocodiles, birds, and endangered fish.
Highly rated for the guides’ expertise, this family-friendly adventure offers an engaging workout in a breathtaking natural setting.
Read our full review: Hiking + Kayaking Tour in Everglades National Park W/ Wet Walk! Review
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Orlando: Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour
Venturing from the Everglades into central Florida, the Orlando: Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour offers travelers an intimate encounter with these gentle marine mammals.
Conducted at Blue Spring State Park, the 2-hour tour takes a maximum of 10 participants on a guided kayak journey to observe manatees in their natural habitat.
Along the way, the certified guide shares insights into manatee behavior and conservation efforts. Guests can also spot diverse wildlife like alligators, turtles, and birds.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, bottled water, and a snack, plus priority entrance to the park.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guide and value for money, this tour is a must for nature lovers visiting the Orlando area.
Read our full review: Orlando: Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour Review
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Naples, Fl: Manatees, Grasslands and Mangroves Kayak Tour
The Naples, FL: Manatees, Grasslands and Mangroves Kayak Tour offers an exclusive adventure in the serene waters surrounding Naples. Priced from $99 per person, this 3-hour tour takes guests through diverse landscapes, including sawgrass, marshes, and mangrove tunnels.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate experience and the best chance in the area to spot manatees, though their appearance isn’t guaranteed. Guests can choose between single and double kayaks, designed for stability and comfort.
Expert guides with ACA training lead the tours, with a ratio of 1 guide to 8 participants. While certain individuals may be excluded for safety reasons, the tour includes free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Naples, Fl: Manatees, Grasslands and Mangroves Kayak Tour Review
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Participants embark on a 2-hour pedal kayak adventure within Canaveral National Seashore, a pristine barrier island ecosystem on Florida’s central Atlantic coast.
Launching from River Breeze Park, the tour provides access to the national park, where an expert wildlife biologist guide leads the group. Paddlers enjoy the convenience of Hobie pedal kayaks, valued at $2,500 per person, as they explore the serene waterways.
Life jackets are provided, and the tour accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers. While not suitable for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions, the experience is accessible to most.
With a perfect 5-star rating from 5 authentic reviews, this tour offers an immersive and memorable connection with Florida’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Pedal Kayak Tour in Canaveral National Shore Review
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2 Hour Kayak Rental on Lake Stella 65 Miles North of Orlando
Visitors can rent kayaks for an hour on the serene waters of Lake Stella, located 65 miles north of Orlando. The rental service provides everything needed for a peaceful paddle, including life jackets and basic instructions.
The lake offers stunning scenery, with cypress trees lining the shores and the occasional wildlife sighting. Kayakers can explore the calm, mirror-like surface, taking in the tranquil atmosphere.
The rental rate is affordable, making it an accessible option for both families and solo adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a chance to reconnect with nature, the hour-long kayak rental on Lake Stella is a delightful way to experience the beauty of central Florida’s waterways.
Read our full review: 2 Hour Kayak Rental on Lake Stella 65 Miles North of Orlando Review
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Kayak Adventure, Deep Creek
For those seeking a more immersive kayaking experience, Kayak Adventure, Deep Creek offers a guided tour through the serene waterways of Hastings, Florida.
Operated by Earth Kinship Ecotours, the tour provides private groups with touring kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.
The meeting point is the Deep Creek Launch, located under the bridge at the intersection of 207 and 206.
Participants can expect a moderate physical activity level, and the tour ends at the same launch point.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
Booking confirmation is received upon reservation.
Read our full review: Kayak Adventure, Deep Creek Review
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Recap
Florida’s diverse waterways offer a range of exceptional canoe and kayak experiences. From the serene Everglades to the crystal-clear springs, paddlers can enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Whether seeking a full-day adventure or a leisurely tour, these top-rated excursions provide opportunities to explore Florida’s unique ecosystems and encounter its diverse wildlife. With options for all skill levels, there’s a perfect paddling experience for every adventurer.