Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour near Orlando
Description
Explore Blue Spring State Park, one of Florida's premier destinations for observing wild manatees, on a small-group wildlife tour led by expert naturalist guides. Our small-group tours create a more personal and immersive experience, allowing guests to observe wildlife while learning about the ecology, wildlife behavior, and unique freshwater habitats of Blue Spring State Park through expert naturalist interpretation. While manatees are the highlight, every tour offers the opportunity to experience the remarkable diversity of native wildlife that makes Blue Spring State Park one of Florida's most unique freshwater ecosystems. Designed for all skill levels, this beginner-friendly experience combines expert interpretation with an authentic connection to Florida's wild places. Every tour follows ethical wildlife viewing practices that prioritize the well-being of the animals while creating authentic, meaningful encounters in nature.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Upon arrival you'll check in with your guide and they will get everyone fitted with comfortable, high-quality life jackets. We'll then proceed with a quick introduction to the day's adventure, safety tips, and paddling basics for those who need a refresher.
Your guide is an experienced nature enthusiast who knows these waters inside and out. As you paddle through the peaceful waterways of Blue Spring State Park, they’ll share fascinating insights about the manatees, alligators, and diverse bird species you encounter. Expect a relaxed, immersive experience, whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler. Besides manatees, you may spot alligators, bald eagles, herons, otters, and more.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Wear quick-dry clothing and water shoes or sandals.
- Bring sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after your tour.
- There are no restroom facilities at the meeting location. The nearest public restrooms are located at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763), approximately one mile before the meeting location.
Reviews(309)
Jimi was our tour guide and we had such an amazing experience with him. Jimi has incredible knowledge and passion for the area and wild life. We had an amazing encounter with Manatees, other reptiles and bird life. Jimi showed us some bush tucker we tried and taught us amazing things about the foliage and plant life. I really encourage anyone to book with Jimi for an incredible experience and memorable time. I I’ll book again with him next time we are in Florida.
We had such a great time kayaking and saw manatees and alligators. Our tour guide, TJ, was awesome! He was so friendly, informative, and made the experience unforgettable. He even stayed with us until our Uber arrived. Highly recommend TJ!
This was one of the best experiences while my Orlando vacations. T.J. is an excellent guide. He found Manatees in august. Normally it's not the time for Manatees. The Manatees came to our Kajaks to play. It was amazing. We saw also many alligators near our Kajaks. And o lot of different birds and fishes and also Turtles. T.J.explained very well and answered all our questions. Most of the people of our group never was in a Kajak before. But after the good leading and explaining from T.J., everyone could do. We had a lot of fun. I can really recommend this experience and TJ our Guide. Thank you very much!
We had a terrific time exploring St. John’s River and snake river. Our guide was knowledgeable and we had an opportunity to see gators, turtles, a variety of fish and birds and even manatees! We would highly recommend and are looking forward to going on another tour with our guide!
Thank you, Renee — we’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the St. Johns River and Snake Creek, seeing so much wildlife along the way, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure!
Sam was an awesome tour guide! Being summer, we weren’t sure we would see a Manatee but we found several. We even had one come up to our kayak.
Thank you, Amanda — we’re so glad Sam helped make your summer tour such a success, and having a curious manatee come right up to your kayak is a moment you’ll never forget!
Amazing experience that saw couple of Manatees and alligators. Jimi explained a lot and very detailed.
Thank you, Fion — we’re so glad you had an amazing experience with Jimi and enjoyed learning about the wildlife while seeing both manatees and alligators!
Jimi was great! Very knowledgeable & entertaining. You can definitely tell he loves his job. The views were amazing! Recommend it 100%
Thank you, Oscar — we’re so glad you enjoyed Jimi’s knowledge and enthusiasm, and we truly appreciate your 100% recommendation!
Very pretty and learned a lot. Jimi was a great guide, I would recommend him to anyone wanting to do this.
Thank you — we’re so glad you had an awesome adventure with Jimi, learned something new, and truly appreciate your recommendation!
Tj was a wonderful guide!! Great spotter! We managed to see a couple gators and manatees!! Even on a hot day we had a great time!!
Thank you, Karen — we’re so glad you had a great time with TJ and enjoyed spotting manatees and alligators, even on a warm Florida day!
Absolutely amazing trip! Had the best time, and have equally beautiful pictures. Wish we had more time there!
Thank you, Jennifer — we're thrilled you had such an amazing time, and “Better than Disney” might just be one of our favorite compliments ever! 😄
