Orange City is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters. Unlike busy theme parks or crowded beaches, this area offers genuine nature experiences that stand out. For example, the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter in Orlando is a highlight, especially for those eager to see Florida’s gentle giants up close. We love that many tours cater to different interests—from paddling in spring-fed waters to exploring via Segway. The variety means there’s something for every traveler, whether you’re seeking a relaxing paddle or an active wildlife adventure.
Orange City’s natural parks and waterways are perfect for outdoor lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The tours listed below showcase the region’s biodiversity and scenic beauty, making them ideal for photographers, birders, or families wanting a memorable experience. Whether you prefer kayaking, SUP, or Segway rides, each tour offers a unique perspective on the local environment.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights five top tours in Orange City, covering a range of activities and scenery. From guided kayak trips to Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) at Blue Spring, and even Segway tours exploring hidden park corners, these options cater to different interests and fitness levels. Prices range from $65 to $80 per person, with durations mostly around two hours. Click the links for full details on each experience.
Now, let’s explore each tour and what makes it special.
1. Orlando: Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter
At number 1, this kayaking adventure in Orlando combines wildlife watching with a peaceful paddle through spring waters. For just $80 per person, you’ll spend about 2 hours navigating a clear spring run, where heaps of wildlife —including manatees, gators, and turtles— glide beneath your kayak. The tour is designed for beginners, so no experience is necessary, making it accessible for almost everyone.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to see manatees in their natural habitat. These gentle giants are especially active in winter, and your guides are experts at spotting them. Plus, after paddling, you can relax at the nearby state park, enjoying a picnic, or even swim and snorkel in the spring. The tour boasts a 4.7-star rating from 178 reviews, with many travelers praising the wildlife sightings and friendly guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife lovers and families, this tour offers a relaxing, camera-ready experience that’s easy to fit into a day. It’s particularly good if you want a mix of paddling, wildlife, and a bit of swimming or picnicking.
2. Orange City: Blue Spring State Park Guided Kayak Tour
Coming in at number 2, this guided kayak tour of Blue Spring State Park offers an immersive look at Florida’s biodiversity along the St. Johns River. For $75 per person, you’ll explore the lush waters with naturalist guides who point out local flora and fauna. The tour lasts 2 hours and is perfect for birders, photographers, and nature lovers.
What makes this tour exceptional is the chance to spot wading birds, manatees, and even alligators in their natural environment. Since it’s a small-group experience, you get personalized attention and plenty of opportunity for questions. The park itself is renowned for being a winter sanctuary for manatees, making this trip a winter highlight. Reviewers note that the guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, elevating the experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting an educational, nature-focused paddle, this tour offers a relaxed pace and intimate wildlife viewing in one of Florida’s most scenic parks.
3. Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour
At number 3, this SUP and kayaking tour in Blue Spring State Park combines the best of both worlds. For $65, you can learn how to paddle on a stand-up paddleboard or try kayaking in the warm, protected waters. The tour is 2 hours long and is especially appealing to those wanting a more active experience.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on getting up close to manatees in their designated refuge. You’ll also see bald eagles and sandhill cranes, adding to the sense of connection with nature. The guide will teach beginners how to paddle and help you feel comfortable on the water. However, with only 3 reviews and a 1-star rating, this experience might need some refinement—so check current reviews before booking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers or those trying paddleboarding for the first time, this tour delivers a peaceful environment and wildlife encounters, though it’s important to confirm the current quality.
$65 per person
4. Orange City: Guided Segway Tour in Blue Spring State Park
Number 4 offers a unique way to explore Blue Spring State Park—on a Segway. For $75, you spend 1.5 hours gliding through scenic areas that are otherwise inaccessible to regular visitors. The tour starts with a quick 10-minute training, making it accessible even if you’ve never tried a Segway before.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to discover hidden corners of the park while enjoying a smooth ride. The guide will point out natural features, and you’ll have plenty of stops for photos. Since the rating is not provided, it’s worth reading recent reviews or trying it out if you want a mix of tech fun and nature.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a different perspective of Blue Spring, and those who want a fun, low-impact activity that’s suitable for most fitness levels.
$75 per person
5. Orlando: Blue Springs Manatee Kayak Tour
Finally, at number 5, this kayak tour from Orlando offers a shorter, 1.5-hour paddle for $65. Exploring the St. Johns River, you’ll have the opportunity to spot manatees, alligators, turtles, and native birdlife**. This tour is perfect if time is limited but wildlife viewing remains a priority.
The tour is small, with a maximum of 6 kayaks, ensuring personal attention from your guide. Many reviews mention the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, especially during the manatee season. It’s an easy paddle suitable for most skill levels, making it a good choice for families or solo travelers looking for a quick, wildlife-focused outing.
Bottom Line: An excellent, budget-friendly option for wildlife sightings close to Orlando, especially during winter months when manatees are most active.
$65 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If wildlife viewing tops your list, the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter or the Blue Spring Manatee Kayak are excellent options. For a more active experience, the SUP & Kayaking tour offers a good workout and close wildlife encounters, but check recent reviews to confirm quality.
If you’re curious about hidden park spots and want a fun, relaxed ride, the Segway tour provides an unusual perspective. Budget travelers and those with limited time should consider the shorter tours, but always check current ratings and reviews before booking.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like winter for manatee sightings and spring or summer for birdwatching. Remember to dress appropriately for water activities, and bring your camera!
Final Thoughts
Orange City offers a variety of engaging, nature-focused tours that suit different interests and activity levels. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter is hard to beat, while those seeking a more active challenge might prefer the SUP & Kayaking experience. If you want a fun, low-impact way to explore, the Segway tour adds a playful twist to nature exploration.
No matter which tour you choose, early booking is wise to secure your spot. These experiences promise a genuine taste of Florida’s wildlife and scenery, making your visit to Orange City truly memorable.