Top picks · USA KAYAKING TOURS

USA Kayaking Tours: the 15 Best to Book

199 tours  ·  from $15 a head

The 15 best usa kayaking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one earns its place; start there.

Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area - Meeting at Billy’s Stone Crab in Tierra Verde
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Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

1.Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,800 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Meet your guide at Billy’s Stone Crab in Tierra Verde for a two-hour clear kayak trip to Shell Key Preserve. Paddle tandem kayaks through open water and mangroves, stop for shells and photos, and watch for dolphins, pelicans, spoonbills, manatees, fish, and crabs. Guides such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, and Chris add useful local insight.

“Relaxing kayaking experience out to a Gulf key. Ben was a great tour guide, he was very informed and provide a great tour.”

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Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup - Choosing hotel pickup or driving to Willow Beach
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Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

2.Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,978 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle four miles through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave on a gentle Colorado River route. A guide such as Michelle, Preston, Gabby, or Ryan handles safety, wildlife stories, photos, snacks, and pacing for beginners. Choose a single or tandem kayak, self-drive to Willow Beach, or add Las Vegas hotel pickup.

“We loved getting out of the city and kayaking along the Colorado. We learned a lot of interesting information and got to see big horn sheep as well! Ryan was an awesome guide. Overall great experience!”

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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle - Paddling the Colorado River through Black Canyon
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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

3.Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,858 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $89

Escape Las Vegas for a guided 5-mile paddle on the Colorado River. You’ll kayak through Black Canyon, stop for a short history hike, and visit Emerald Cave. Guides such as Juston, Kwame, and Robby are praised for clear instruction and good photos. Choose a single or double kayak, with shuttle pickup from Mandalay Bay or self-drive to Willow Beach.

“An absolute must! Amazing views, all at a relaxed pace. Our guide, Juston, was brilliant, knew his stuff regarding the area and also Kayak safety. Thank you Juston, you made a great day, an amazing day *****”

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Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour - What you can see beneath the clear kayak
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Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

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

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

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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Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour - Meeting at 190 Taft Drive
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Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

5.Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,440 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Launch from 190 Taft Drive for a two-hour guided kayak trip through Little Sarasota Bay and South Lido’s mangrove tunnels. Choose a single or tandem kayak, follow guides such as Ian, Kenny, or Dinko, and watch for manatees, dolphins, rays, crabs, and birds. Equipment and a USCG life jacket are included.

“We had a great time on the mangrove kayak tour with Kenny as our guide. He was very informative, pointing out wildlife and sharing fascinating insights about the ecosystem. The pace was perfect—relaxing yet engaging—and the scenery was fantastic. A fun, peaceful way to connect with nature. Highly recommend!”

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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip - The safety briefing before launch
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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

6.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57

Launch from Saguaro Lake Ranch on a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, then float about two hours down the Salt River to Foxtail. Expect desert scenery, birds, possible wild horses, and a few swift sections where you may get wet. No guide accompanies you, but a group safety briefing comes first.

“Awesome tour, they give great instructions. It’s nice that you don’t have a guided tour so you can go at your own pace. Beautiful scenery and we saw a couple wild horses. This is our second trip with the ranch in 3 years. We would definitely do it again!”

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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach - Around the island, yacht club, and canals
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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

7.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle through Daytona Beach canals, beneath seven bridges, around an island, and past yachts while looking for dolphins and manatees. Guides such as Brock, Dallas, and Spencer teach beginners on calm water, with kayaks available if standing feels uneasy. Morning departures offer cooler weather and better wildlife conditions.

“Spence was an awesome guide!!! Very caring and attentive!!! We didn’t see any wildlife but very scenic tour.”

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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour - Entering the mangrove creeks
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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

8.Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,205 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

At Lazy Dog Adventures, you will spend about two hours paddling shallow mangrove creeks near Hurricane Hole Marina. Guides such as Rachel, Heather, Brett, and Bethany point out sea stars, crabs, jellyfish, birds, and other marine life while explaining the geology and ecology of the Florida Keys. Single and double kayaks are available, and all guests must know how to swim.

“It is a wonderful way to understand the ecosystem of the mangroves of Key West. We had Bethany who was a stellar guide.”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - November to March: the best window for manatees
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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

9.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour small-group clear kayak tour with an English-speaking guide such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, or Cami. From April 1 to November 14, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim. From November 15 to March 31, focus on manatees in warm spring water, with no need to get in.

“Dmitri our guide was phenomenal! Despite the super cold weather, and limited sun, we still saw manatees! He was very knowlegable about the area, manatees and we learned so much while having a lot of fun! Highly recommend!”

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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - Kayaking through the mangrove backcountry
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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

10.Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,683 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Set out from 255 Front Street with Danger Charters for a four-and-a-half-hour outing that combines schooner sailing, guided kayaking through mangroves, and reef snorkeling. Expect a small boat group of up to 20, fruit, snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, snorkel gear, and winter wetsuits. Choose morning or afternoon, with sunset included on the PM trip.

“This was such a great experience! The captain and staff were super fun and had a lot of good information about the area during the trip for first time travelers. Would highly recommend this trip!”

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2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour - Wildlife sightings: dolphins, birds, and more
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2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

11.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,620 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Best value

Paddle from Shelter Cove Marina into Hilton Head’s Broad Creek Wildlife Area with a naturalist guide. You’ll receive a short safety lesson, use provided kayaks and gear, and look for dolphins, birds, manatees, and other marsh life. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Miles add local ecology and island history.

“We had a great kayak tour today in Hilton Head. The wind was blowing and the current stronger, so our guide adjusted the tour. We had a great experience and slot of fun.”

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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops - Paddling through Black Canyon
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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

12.Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,522 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle a stable single or tandem kayak four miles along the Colorado River from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave. Guides such as Ryan, Jeff, Calvin, and Maggie share local history, wildlife, and safety tips. Expect a swim stop, snacks, cold water, scenic canyon views, and a small glowing cave made for photos.

“Just got back from an incredible three-hour kayaking tour with Evolution Expeditions to the Emerald Caves on the Colorado River, and I'm already planning my next trip! The experience was absolutely breathtaking. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stunning canyon walls, was an unforgettable adventure. The highlight, of course, was the Emerald Cave itself – a true natural wonder that photos just can't do justice. The guide was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey. She shared interesting facts about the local flora, fauna, and geology, which added an educational layer to the fun. The equipment was top-...”

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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike - Hiking through mud, roots, and shallow crossings
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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

13.Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Join Alii Kayaks for a roughly five-hour trip combining a four-mile Wailua River kayak outing with a 1.5-mile rainforest hike to Uluwehi Falls, also called Secret Falls. Guides such as Cory, K-man, Kai, and Lono share local stories and plant knowledge. Expect mud, river crossings, and a possible swim beneath the falls.

“Be prepared to get wet and walk in the mud! I would also recommend wearing a long-sleeve shirt during the walking portion because you will brush against a lot of different plants, and they said some of them can cause skin irritation (I didn't have any issues, just being cautious). Be prepared and pack everything they recommend! This includes good footwear, plenty of snacks, water, and a towel. I went in January, and while the water at the waterfall was cold, I still jumped in and had a great time! This was my most adventurous day and I'm so happy I went.”

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Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide - Paddling the Wailua River
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Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

14.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Join Duke’s Kayak Adventures for a five-hour paddle and hike to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zack, Brian, and Makayla lead you up the Wailua River, across muddy trails and stream crossings, and into a 100-foot waterfall pool. Expect about four miles of kayaking and up to two miles of hiking, with equipment provided.

“Excellent experience. Beautiful scenery and great physical exercise. This is not for anyone that can’t maneuver slippery surfaces on a hike. My only suggestion would be to make the trip an hour longer so that there was more time to take in all the beautiful scenery. Excellent and knowledgeable guide.”

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Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands - Kailua Beach Park is the real starting line
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Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands

15.Kailua Bay, Oahu: Epic Kayak and Snorkel to Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,311 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $114

Set out from Kailua Beach Adventures with a guide such as Mike, Evelyn, Alex, or Tupre, or paddle independently to Flat Island or the Mokulua Islands. You’ll haul a 70-pound kayak to the beach, kayak several miles, snorkel near Lanikai, explore a bird sanctuary, and finish with a deli lunch, showers, and lockers.

“Friendly helpful staff. Weather was windy thus limiting the activity; however, enjoyable experience.”

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New in USA Kayaking Tours

★ 4.9From Naples, FL: Marco Island Mangroves Kayak or Paddle TourFrom $5981 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Kayak Rental to Emerald Cave Colorado RiverFrom $9910 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Hoover Dam Kayak Trip with 6 Hot SpringsFrom $2246 reviews
★ 4.8From Las Vegas: Guided Emerald Cave Kayak TourFrom $11917 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Shuttle PickupFrom $17318 reviews
★ 4.8From Las Vegas: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Hotel PickupFrom $11922 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Black Canyon Twilight Kayak TourFrom $1999 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Emerald Cave Guided Kayaking TourFrom $8812 reviews
★ 4.9From Cottonwood: Guided Kayaking Tour on the Verde RiverFrom $10379 reviews
★ 4.8From Chincoteague: Guided Kayak Tour to Assateague IslandFrom $7919 reviews
★ 5.0Frisco: Dillon Reservoir Guided Island Tour by KayakFrom $679 reviews
★ 4.8Fort Myers: Guided Sunset Kayaking Tour through Pelican BayFrom $7513 reviews
★ 4.5Fort Myers: Guided Kayak or SUP Tour in Pelican BayFrom $606 reviews
★ 4.3Fort Myers: Guided Standup Paddleboarding or Kayaking TourFrom $6549 reviews
★ 4.6Florida Keys: Key West Kayak Eco Tour with Nature GuideFrom $10312 reviews

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