11 Orlando Kayaking Tours for Every Kind of Paddler

1.Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,459 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115Our pick

Paddle a 100% clear tandem kayak upstream through Rock Springs Run’s Emerald Cut with a guide such as Jacob, Dani, Megan, or David. Expect blue-green spring water, shaded trees, wildlife sightings, photo stops, and an optional swim or rope swing. The 2 to 2.5-hour outing includes gear and suits reasonably fit paddlers age 3 and up.

“It was a wonderful experience. Never kayaking like this before. The guide Jacob was nice, friendly and knowledgeable. Will recommend tis experience to my family and friends!”

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2.Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 943 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Meet your guide at KP Hole Park in Dunnellon for a two-hour clear-kayak trip on Rainbow River. You’ll receive paddling instruction, then follow guides such as Sara, Andres, Sam, and Bria through crystal-clear water, with chances to see turtles, fish, birds, otters, and alligators. The group is limited to 10 people.

“Had an absolute wonderful time. Our guide, Sarah, was fantastic. Such a fun experience and would 100% recommend.”

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3.Glass Bottom Kayak Tours of Silver Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 580 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $84

Meet guides such as Josh, Bry, or Sam at Silver Springs State Park for a 1 hour 30 minute to 2 hour small-group tour in tandem clear kayaks. You’ll learn basic paddling, follow your guide through spring water, and watch for manatees, monkeys, alligators, turtles, birds, fish, and river otters. Park and launch fees cost extra.

“Google maps puts you past the entrance you should take. The park needs to let you put up a business name sign. Very confusing with the amount of rental companies out there. Josh the guide was excellent, if you get him you're lucky. Very informative about the water and full of information. I don’t know what you pay him but give him more.”

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4.Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 419 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Spend about two hours on Silver Springs with guides such as Ashley, Steve, Chris, and Justin. Paddle a clear-bottom kayak, solo kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard while looking for manatees, turtles, alligators, fish, birds, monkeys, and sunken movie relics. The spring is 90 minutes from Orlando.

“It was a great experience, the clear kayaks make for an amazing experience. Our guide was great, pointed out all sorts of wildlife I would have a missed on my own.”

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5.Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 344 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Paddle the Fort King trail at Silver Springs State Park in a clear kayak or on a paddleboard. Guides such as Stevie and Roger point out wildlife, local history, and the spring head while taking photos, including underwater clips when conditions allow. The two-hour outing costs $80, plus a $6 park and launch fee.

“We had a great time with Rodger and Ben on this kayaking adventure. We saw lots of alligators, manatee, and learned some local history. Highly recommend!!👍👍”

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6.Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend about two hours paddling Silver River in a clear tandem kayak with guides such as Aly, Josh, or Emma. The small group, capped at eight, follows the spring-fed river in search of manatees, monkeys, alligators, otters, turtles, fish, and birds. Kayak, paddle, life jacket, and dry bag are included.

“Wonderful experience! Crystal clear water, beautiful surroundings and so mane manatees. It was truly magical. What made the experience even more special was our tour guide, Josh , who led our small group. He had a wealth of information to share and was very respectful of the wildlife around us.”

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7.Sassy’s Silver Springs Kayak and Paddleboard Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 229 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Sassy’s Silver Springs tour takes you about two hours along the clear Silver River by kayak or paddleboard. Guides such as Brad, Sassy, Maria, Carrie, and Destanie explain the springs, wildlife, and local past while helping with paddling and photos. Boats, paddles, life vests, and dry bags are included. Expect a small group of up to 16 people.

“Fantastic experience at Silver Springs, highly recommended tour with very knowledgeable guide. Everything was explained prior to and during the tour. Questions and interactions encouraged throughout the experience. We started on time and ended up going over time as our guide wanted us to experience everything on offer. Location is amazing, and you get to see alligators within feet of the kayak. Would go again tomorrow if we could. A defo must if in the area.”

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8.Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour near Orlando

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Paddle the calm waters of Blue Spring State Park near Orlando in a stable sit-on-top kayak, with a guide such as Jeff, TJ, Jimi, or Astrid leading the way. The two-hour trip includes safety instruction, equipment, bottled water, and a snack. Winter offers the best chance of seeing large numbers of manatees, along with alligators, turtles, herons, and bald eagles.

“This manatee kayak trip was great. Small group- just 5 of us along with the guide. Guide - TJ- was great- knowledgable, friendly, personable, and attentive. Saw tons of alligators and blue heron and manatees!”

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9.Florida Bioluminescent Kayak & Paddle Board Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)

Paddle the Indian River lagoon from Merritt Island in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard with guides such as Nate, Jeff, or Jess. Summer brings glowing dinoflagellates, while winter brings comb jellies. Expect a relaxed 1-hour-45-minute outing, photos, bug spray, and a small group capped at 12.

“Nate was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable and safety minded. Seeing the bioluminescent water was thrilling. The mosquitoes were terrible when we got there but Nate gave us some bug spray and we were fine for the entire trip.”

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10.LED Glow in the Dark Clear Kayak or Paddleboard in Paradise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Spend about two hours on Lake Ivanhoe in a clear, LED-lit kayak or paddleboard. Guides such as Mike, Savannah, Bryce, Rich, and Bob provide instruction, local stories, and photos. Choose a single or tandem kayak, bring your phone in the supplied dry bag, and expect calm water, sunset views, and a relaxed night out.

“We had an amazing time. Everything started on time and the guide was awesome. Next time in Florida, this will be our go to place for fun.”

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11.Orlando: Clear Kayak and Paddleboard 2-Hour Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 26 reviews · 2 hours · from $45Best value

Meet the Epic Paddle Adventures team at the Lake Ivanhoe boat ramp, choose a clear single or two-person kayak or paddleboard, and spend two self-guided hours exploring three connected lake areas. You receive safety gear, a dry bag, and a short lesson. The route offers downtown views, natural scenery, turtles, fish, birds, and calm, gator-free water.

“The two guys running it were fantastic very down to earth and helpful. Would definitely recommend. 5star”

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