Paddling adventures in Orange City, Florida get straight to the point with two standout options.
The practical 2-hour Manatee Encounter excursion puts you right where you want to be – gliding through crystal-clear spring waters alongside gentle manatees and native wildlife.
At Blue Spring State Park, a well-organized SUP & Kayaking Tour delivers excellent value with knowledgeable guides and frequent wildlife sightings, including West Indian manatees and bald eagles.
We love both tours for their quality equipment, expert guidance, and consistently strong reviews.
Let’s explore these top water adventures in detail.
Key Points
- Blue Spring State Park offers guided 2-hour SUP and kayaking tours to observe diverse wildlife like manatees, bald eagles, and turtles.
- Kayaking tours on clear spring runs and rivers in the area provide opportunities to see manatees, alligators, otters, and other wildlife up close.
- Both tour options include all necessary equipment and a guided experience, suitable for various skill levels.
- Flexible cancellation policies and generally positive customer reviews suggest a reliable and enjoyable water sports experience.
- Preparation tips like bringing sun protection and a waterproof camera can enhance the wildlife viewing and photography aspects of these tours.
Orlando: Kayaking Tour With Manatee Encounter
A popular kayaking tour option in the Orlando area is the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter. This 2-hour activity allows participants to paddle through the clear spring run and river while observing a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, turtles, otters, wading birds, deer, and even the occasional black bear.
Priced from $80 per person, the tour includes a knowledgeable guide, a kayak, paddling gear, water, and the necessary permit. Participants can choose from single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and sit-in or sit-on-top models.
While jeans aren’t allowed, guests are encouraged to bring sun protection and a waterproof camera to capture the ample photographic opportunities.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 142 reviews, this tour is a must-do for those seeking a relaxing and wildlife-filled experience. The only area for improvement suggested by customers is better access to photos taken by the guides during the tour.
Read our full review: Orlando: Kayaking Tour With Manatee Encounter Review
Book now: Check availability
Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour
Located just a short drive from Orlando, the Blue Spring State Park in Orange City offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to explore the park’s serene waterways via a guided SUP (Standup Paddleboard) and kayaking tour.
The 2-hour tour, priced at $65 per person, allows participants to paddle through a designated manatee refuge, observing the iconic West Indian manatees and other diverse wildlife like bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and turtles.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as paddleboards or kayaks, paddles, and life vests, as well as entry to the state park.
While the reviews for this tour are generally positive, some customers have reported last-minute cancellations, misleading location changes, and issues with equipment and customer service.
The tour’s cancelation policy, however, offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers.
Read our full review: Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Orange City and the surrounding area offer a range of exciting water-based activities. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Blue Spring State Park provide opportunities to spot manatees and explore the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, these experiences are sure to create lasting memories.