Central Florida’s Orange City delivers two standout paddling experiences worth your time.
Blue Spring State Park’s guided 2-hour tour stands as our favorite, offering intimate views of a protected manatee refuge while spotting diverse wildlife like bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
We also love the Manatee Encounter tour from Orlando to French Landing – it’s well-organized and consistently yields excellent wildlife sightings.
Both outfitters provide quality equipment and expert guides who know these waters inside out.
Consider these tried-and-tested tours for your Orange City water adventure.
Key Points
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Blue Spring State Park Kayaking Tour offers a guided experience through a manatee refuge, with opportunities to see diverse wildlife like bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
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The Orlando Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter provides a scenic drive to French Landing in Orange City and a chance to observe a variety of animals.
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Both tours are suitable for experienced and novice paddlers, with all necessary equipment provided, and offer insights from knowledgeable guides.
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The Blue Spring State Park Kayaking Tour is priced at $65 per person, while the Orlando Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter is priced at $80 per person.
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Advance reservations are recommended for the Orlando Kayaking Tour due to its popularity, and a free cancellation policy is available up to 24 hours prior.
Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour
One of the popular water-based activities in Orange City is the guided kayaking or standup paddleboarding (SUP) tour at Blue Spring State Park. Priced from $65 per person, this 2-hour tour offers the chance to paddle through a protected manatee refuge and spot wildlife like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will share insights about manatee habitats and the park’s ecology. The tour includes all necessary equipment – paddleboards or kayaks, paddles, and life vests – as well as entry to Blue Spring State Park.
It’s a great opportunity for both experienced and novice paddlers to practice their skills. However, the tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers. Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.
Despite the appealing activity, reviews have been mixed, with some customers reporting last-minute cancellations, location changes, unhelpful guides, and disappointment in the wildlife sightings.
Read our full review: Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Orlando: Kayaking Tour With Manatee Encounter
The kayaking tour with manatee encounter in Orlando offers visitors a unique opportunity to paddle through the clear spring run and observe a variety of wildlife.
This 2-hour activity, priced from $80 per person, allows guests to see manatees, otters, wading birds, turtles, alligators, deer, and even black bears. The tour guide provides insights about the lake and surrounding wildlife, and participants can take advantage of photo opportunities throughout the experience.
The tour departs from French Landing in Orange City and involves a scenic drive along I-4. Single and tandem kayaks, both sit-in and sit-on tops, are available for guests.
Participants should come prepared with sun protection, clothing that can get wet, and a waterproof camera. With an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 142 reviews, this kayaking tour is likely to sell out, so visitors are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.
The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior also provides added flexibility.
Read our full review: Orlando: Kayaking Tour With Manatee Encounter Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Orange City and Orlando offer fantastic canoe and kayak experiences. Blue Spring State Park provides an idyllic setting for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, while the Orlando tour allows visitors to encounter manatees up close. These water-based adventures are perfect for nature lovers, providing a chance to take in the area’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, these activities are sure to leave you with lasting memories.