Orlando: Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour

Discover the enchanting Blue Spring State Park with the Orlando Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour. This intimate two-hour adventure offers an up-close encounter with gentle manatees, alligators, and diverse birdlife. Paddling through serene, spring-fed waters, you’ll learn about the park’s natural beauty. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this small-group tour provides a personalized experience you won’t soon forget. Priced at $80 per person, it’s a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting the Orlando area. But the best part? You won’t believe what happens next.

This experience made our article of 15 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences In Florida.

Key Points

• 2-hour small group kayak tour of Blue Spring State Park to observe manatees and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Tour priced at $80 per person with a maximum group size of 10 participants for a personalized experience.
• Guided in both English and German, catering to diverse audiences with accessibility for guests with diverse needs.
• Expect close encounters with manatees, alligators, and birds, along with scenic paddling through lush marshlands and winding creeks.
• Cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, providing a hassle-free experience for all participants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Orlando: Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Blue Spring State Park and witness the majestic manatees in their native habitat.

Priced from $80 per person, this 2-hour tour accommodates a maximum of 10 participants and is available in English and German.

Wheelchair-accessible, the tour boasts a 4.9/5 rating based on over 100 reviews. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and will be guided by knowledgeable experts, provided with necessary equipment, and treated to bottled water and a snack.

Price and Duration

The tour is priced from $80.00 per person and lasts for 2 hours.

This short but immersive experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to discover the wonders of Blue Spring State Park. The tour has a limited group size of 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate adventure.

The highlights of the tour include:

• Close encounters with manatees in their natural habitat

• Diverse wildlife sightings, including alligators, turtles, and various bird species

• Scenic views and peaceful paddling through lush marshlands and winding creeks

• Opportunity for swimming in spring-fed waters during summer months

• Guidance from a certified and knowledgeable tour guide.

Group Size and Languages

Limited to 10 participants, the tour group size ensures a personalized and intimate experience.

This small-group format allows the guide to provide attentive care and create a relaxed atmosphere for participants.

The guided tour is offered in both English and German, catering to a diverse audience.

The guided tour is offered in both English and German, catering to a diverse audience.

With knowledgeable guides facilitating the experience, guests can feel comfortable and engaged throughout the kayaking adventure.

Whether visitors are native English or German speakers, the tour’s multilingual approach makes it accessible and welcoming to all.

Accessibility and Cancellation Policy

Wheelchair-accessible kayaks ensure the tour is inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides customers with peace of mind and the ability to plan accordingly.

Key details:

• Wheelchair-accessible kayaks available

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Full refund for cancellations within 24-hour window

• Suitable for guests with diverse needs and schedules

• Promotes accessibility and hassle-free experience

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Wildlife Encounters

As guests embark on the guided kayak tour, they can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife within Blue Spring State Park.

The calm, spring-fed waters provide a sanctuary for manatees, who can often be spotted slowly gliding through the crystal-clear depths.

The spring-fed waters offer a serene haven for manatees, often seen drifting through the crystal-clear depths.

In addition, guests may catch glimpses of alligators basking on the banks, turtles sunning themselves, and an array of bird species like ospreys, eagles, and vibrant kingfishers.

The tranquil paddling experience allows visitors to enjoy the park’s natural wonders and observe the local flora and fauna up close.

Scenic Paddling

The guided kayak tour takes guests through the lush, winding creeks and marshlands of Blue Spring State Park. Paddlers enjoy scenic views and a peaceful experience as they navigate the serene waterways.

The tour highlights:

• Tranquil marshes and wetlands

• Winding, narrow creeks

• Towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss

• Reflections of the surrounding landscape on the calm waters

• Diverse flora and fauna along the shoreline

The leisurely pace and informative commentary from the guide provide an immersive nature experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of this unique ecosystem.

Tour Itinerary

Guests meet at 2398 W French Ave, French Landing, just outside the entrance of Blue Spring State Park.

After a 10-minute safety briefing, they embark on a guided 2-hour kayak tour through the park’s lush marshlands and winding creeks.

During the tour, they’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, turtles, ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers.

A diverse array of wildlife, from manatees to eagles, can be spotted during the guided kayak tour through the park’s lush marshlands and creeks.

In the summer months, guests can even take a refreshing swim in the spring-fed waters.

The tour concludes back at the 2398 W French Ave. starting location.

Inclusions and Customer Feedback

The tour includes a certified guide, all necessary kayaking and safety equipment, bottled water, and a snack. Gratuities for the guide are also covered.

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the guides for their knowledge and reassurance. Jimi and Astrid, in particular, received high praise.

The tour is recommended for families and nature enthusiasts alike, who appreciate the enjoyable pace and informative experience.

Some key highlights from customer reviews include:

• Guides praised for expertise and making participants feel at ease

• Suitable for all skill levels, with a focus on a relaxed, educational journey

• Abundant wildlife sightings, from manatees to alligators and birds of prey

• Opportunity to swim in the spring-fed waters during warmer months

• Overall 4.9/5 rating based on 109 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

The minimum age requirement for this tour is not specified in the information provided. However, it’s generally recommended that participants be able to safely and comfortably navigate a kayak, which may depend on the child’s age and experience level.

Is Prior Kayaking Experience Required?

No prior kayaking experience is required. The tour provides a brief safety briefing and all necessary equipment, allowing participants of all skill levels to enjoy the manatee discovery experience in a safe and guided manner.

Are Life Jackets Provided, and Are They Mandatory?

Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all participants on the tour. The guides ensure proper fit and safety during the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Phone for Photos?

Yes, participants are welcome to bring their own cameras or phones to capture photos during the tour. The guide encourages guests to take pictures of the manatees and other wildlife sightings to remember the experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?

There is no specific weight limit for participants, but the tour company recommends a combined weight of 450 lbs per tandem kayak. Guests should contact the tour operator if they have any concerns about their weight and ability to participate comfortably.

The Sum Up

The Orlando Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour offers an immersive wildlife experience in the picturesque Blue Spring State Park. With knowledgeable guides, a small group size, and options in multiple languages, this affordable two-hour adventure provides a personalized opportunity to spot manatees, alligators, and a variety of birds while enjoying scenic paddling through serene, spring-fed waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: