Orange City offers some of the most inviting canoe and kayak experiences in Central Florida, thanks to its proximity to Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River. What makes these excursions stand out is their focus on wildlife viewing—manatees, alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species—plus options for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Among the list, we particularly like the Orlando: Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter, for its chance to see these gentle giants up close in a beginner-friendly setting. Whether you’re into photography, wildlife, or just paddling in a peaceful environment, Orange City has a tour for you. To start planning, take a look at our top picks below.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of kayaking and paddling tours, each with unique features. For a wildlife-focused experience in Orlando with the chance to see sunbathing gators and turtles, check out the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter. For those who prefer guided explorations with a naturalist, the Blue Spring State Park Guided Kayak Tour offers a small group experience on the St. Johns River. If you’re interested in trying standup paddleboarding along with kayaking, the Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour might be your best fit—though it’s the least highly rated. Lastly, for a shorter, more casual paddle focused on manatees from Orlando, the Blue Springs Manatee Kayak Tour is an easy choice.
1. Orlando: Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter
At number 1 on our list, the Orlando: Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter offers a fantastic chance to see wild manatees in their natural habitat. This 2-hour beginner-friendly paddle takes place in a clear spring run where you can observe marine wildlife gliding beneath your kayak. The tour includes a visit to a nearby state park where you can enjoy a picnic, swim, or snorkel. It’s perfect for first-timers or families looking for an easy, wildlife-rich outing.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to capture photos of manatees, turtles, and even sunbathing alligators. The guides are experienced and focus on providing a safe, educational experience. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for those new to kayaking or wildlife photography. Cost at $80 per person, this tour offers a good balance of value, considering the wildlife encounters and scenic setting. The reviews average 4.7/5 from 178 travelers, with many praising the opportunity to see manatees in their natural habitat close-up.
Bottom Line: This tour is excellent if wildlife observation, family-friendly paddling, and the chance for memorable photos are your priorities.
2. Orange City: Blue Spring State Park Guided Kayak Tour
Next, the Blue Spring State Park Guided Kayak Tour offers a more immersive experience exploring the diverse ecosystems of the St. Johns River. This 2-hour guided tour is led by naturalist guides, making it especially appealing for birders, photographers, and nature lovers. The tour’s focus is to uncover the incredible biodiversity of the area, from wading birds and herons to gentle manatees and elusive alligators.
This experience is limited to small groups, providing personalized insights about the local flora and fauna. It’s a great way to learn about the environment in an engaging setting. Priced at $75 per person, it offers a chance to see Blue Spring State Park’s wildlife in action, often with close encounters. While reviews are limited (3 reviews, 4.5/5), those who have been say that the guides’ knowledge makes the experience especially memorable.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking an educational, intimate tour exploring Florida’s rich river ecosystems.
3. Orange City: Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour
At number 3, the Blue Spring State Park SUP & Kayaking Tour offers a relaxing paddle combined with standup paddleboarding (SUP). For $65 per person, this 2-hour tour provides an introduction to SUP, suitable for beginners and those looking to try something different. The tour takes you through a designated manatee refuge, where you can see these peaceful creatures up close.
Highlights include the opportunity to spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and other birdlife, along with learning how to paddle on a SUP. While the ratings are low (1/5 based on 3 reviews), it remains a popular pick for those wanting a less intense, more relaxed experience. The guides focus on safety and technique, making it accessible even for newcomers.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a gentle introduction to paddleboarding with wildlife viewing in a calm setting.
$65 per person
4. Orlando: Blue Springs Manatee Kayak Tour
Closing our list is the Orlando: Blue Springs Manatee Kayak Tour, offering a short, 1.5-hour paddle on the St. Johns River. This tour is designed for manatee sightings during the winter months and includes the chance to see alligators, turtles, and native birds. It’s especially well-suited for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick, wildlife-focused outing.
The tour’s small group size (maximum 6 kayaks) ensures a personalized experience. While reviews aren’t provided, the description suggests an informative and relaxed paddle, perfect for beginners or families. The price is quite affordable at $65 per person, offering good value for a focused wildlife encounter.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a quick, wildlife-rich kayak trip that concentrates on manatees and river wildlife.
$65 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Canoe & Kayak Experience
When choosing between these tours, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If wildlife photography and a comprehensive wildlife encounter are your goals, the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter offers a fantastic all-around experience. For a more educational, nature-focused trip, the small-group Blue Spring State Park Guided Kayak Tour is an excellent choice.
If you’re interested in trying standup paddleboarding alongside kayaking, the SUP & Kayaking Tour provides a relaxing alternative, though it’s less highly rated. For a shorter, easygoing wildlife viewing paddle, the Blue Springs Manatee Kayak Tour is perfect.
Booking early is advisable during peak winter months when manatees gather at Blue Spring. Consider your fitness level and whether you prefer guided or independent paddling experiences. Most tours are suitable for beginners, but each offers a different focus, so choose based on whether your priority is wildlife, education, or trying a new sport like SUP.
Final Thoughts
Orange City truly offers a diverse set of canoe and kayak experiences. Whether you want to see manatees in Orlando, explore the biodiversity of Blue Spring State Park, or simply enjoy a relaxing paddle, there’s something for all. For wildlife lovers, the Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter and the Blue Spring State Park Guided Tour stand out as top choices. Travelers on limited time or seeking a quick fix will appreciate the shorter options like the Manatee Kayak Tour.
No matter which tour you pick, booking early will help ensure you secure a spot, particularly during the busy winter months. These paddling adventures are a wonderful way to connect with Florida’s natural beauty and get a different perspective on its wildlife. So pack your camera, put on some sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy some memorable paddling in Orange City.