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Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando

5.0 ★ · 38 reviews · from USD65

Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando

Blue Springs is the closest spot for manatee kayaking near Orlando, just about an hour from the airport! Each year, record numbers of manatees (over 600) migrate to the warmer 72-degree waters during the colder months. Join me for a paddle on Florida’s longest river, the St. Johns, as we search for these incredible creatures alongside other wildlife like alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. From November to March, during manatee season, the Blue Springs run transforms into a manatee sanctuary and is closed to swimmers and paddlers. My sit-on-top kayaks offer the best view of these gentle giants as they glide by. (there is a max weight limit of 250lbs for the single kayaks and 450lbs for the tandem)****Please note if you need a two person tandem****My kayak tours are capped at 6 kayaks per tour, perfect for families and smaller groups!

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What Travelers Say5.0 ★ · 38 reviews
  • Small-group kayak tour with guide Aaron is the standout feature, with reviewers consistently calling him knowledgeable, funny, and dedicated to finding manatees.
  • Aaron keeps groups intentionally small (often just a handful of people, sometimes private tours), which reviewers say makes for a more personal and flexible experience.
  • Manatee sightings are frequent and up-close, with several reviewers describing manatees swimming right up to or under their kayaks along with sightings of alligators and varied bird species.
  • Free photos and videos sent after the tour are mentioned repeatedly as a thoughtful touch that lets guests stay present during the paddle.
  • Aaron honors bookings even for solo travelers, with multiple reviewers noting he ran private tours rather than canceling for low turnout.
  • Consistently five-star across this sample, with many reviewers calling it the best experience of their Florida trip.

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.

What's Included

✓ Local Knowledgeable Guide

✓ Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.

✓ Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone

✕ Bottled water

✕ Sunblock

✕ Tip for you guide(if you had an amazing time!)

✕ Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better

✕ Hat (there is no shade on the water)

Meeting Point

When you put in Blue Springs State park into your maps app, go past the entrance of the park, do NOT enter the park, go to the end of the dirt road where there is a boat ramp. That is our launch location for the tour. PLEASE DO NOT GO INTO THE PARK!

Good to Know