The 2 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences in New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach offers more than just sun and surf — its interconnected waterways provide an ideal setting for canoe and kayak adventures. Unlike crowded beaches, paddling through the local mangroves and lagoons puts you face-to-face with Florida’s wildlife, from playful dolphins to graceful manatees. Plus, the area’s calm, shallow waters make it perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.
What sets New Smyrna apart is its combination of tranquil scenery and abundant wildlife. Whether you prefer a guided tour where you can learn about the environment or a more relaxed paddle with chances to spot dolphins and sea turtles, there’s a tour built for your style. To help you navigate the options, we’ll compare two highly-rated experiences, so you can pick the trip that’s right for you.
Quick Overview
For an immersive, educational experience in New Smyrna’s waterways, check out the New Smyrna: Half-Day Guided SUP or Kayak Waterways Tour. It’s ideal for those wanting to learn paddleboarding or kayaking with chances to see manatees and dolphins.
If your main goal is wildlife viewing with a more relaxed pace, consider the Daytona/New Smyrna Beach: Unforgettable Kayak Wildlife Tours. This tour focuses on observing dolphins, manatees, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat. Both tours are around 2 hours long and cost $65 per person, making them accessible options for most budgets.
Now, let’s explore each tour in more detail so you can decide which best suits your interests.
1. New Smyrna: Half-Day Guided SUP or Kayak Waterways Tour
This tour offers a hands-on introduction to paddling through New Smyrna’s waterways, with the added bonus of a guide who shares insights about the local environment. It’s a 2-hour experience where you can choose between stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. The tour takes you past pristine islands off the coast, giving you the chance to explore secluded spots perfect for a quick break or photo op.
What makes this experience stand out is the chance to see Florida’s iconic wildlife in their natural setting. Guides will point out manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and crabs as you paddle past mangroves and small islands. Many visitors appreciate how the guide, Michael, shares his knowledge about local animals and ecosystems—”We didn’t see dolphins, but learned a lot about the wildlife,” one reviewer noted, rating it a solid 5/5.
This tour is well-suited for families with children, first-time paddlers, or anyone wanting a moderate introduction to the waterways. The small group size ensures personalized attention.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, informative paddle with the opportunity to explore islands and see wildlife up close, this tour offers excellent value for $65.
2. Daytona/New Smyrna Beach: Unforgettable Kayak Wildlife Tours
This tour dives deep into the Indian River Lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway, two of the most biologically rich habitats in the area. For 2 hours, you’ll paddle through calm waters where dolphins, manatees, and many bird species are often spotted. It’s an ideal choice if your main goal is wildlife observation rather than skills development.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour emphasizes education about the ecosystem and its inhabitants. The reviews highlight the relaxed atmosphere and the guide’s expertise, with one noting: “Very easygoing, with a lot of great info on animals and the area,” and the bonus of free photos to take home.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on marine mammals and birdlife, making it a favorite for nature lovers. It’s a flexible option, with morning or afternoon departures, perfect if you want to customize your day.
Value-wise, at $65, it’s comparable in price but offers a rich, immersive wildlife experience. It’s best suited for those who want to observe animals in a peaceful setting and learn about the local ecosystem.
Bottom Line: For a tranquil, wildlife-centric paddle with expert narration, this tour delivers excellent value and is especially popular among nature enthusiasts.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two options, consider what aspect of paddling excites you most. If you’re interested in learning paddle techniques or exploring islands, the Half-Day Guided SUP or Kayak Waterways Tour might be a better fit. It’s great for beginners or families wanting a guided experience with island stops.
On the other hand, if your goal is wildlife viewing and a more relaxed pace, the Unforgettable Kayak Wildlife Tours offers a deeper dive into the natural habitat, with opportunities to see dolphins and manatees in greater abundance.
Both tours are priced similarly and last about 2 hours, so your choice hinges on whether you want a skills-oriented or wildlife-focused adventure. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
New Smyrna Beach’s waterways offer a range of paddling experiences that suit different interests. For a guided introduction to island paddling, the Waterways Tour is an excellent choice. If wildlife watching peaks your curiosity, the Wildlife Tours deliver a peaceful, animal-packed adventure.
Both options provide chances to see dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species, making your trip to New Smyrna a memorable, nature-filled outing. No matter which you pick, be sure to book early—these tours tend to fill up quickly during the busy season.