Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando
Overview
Blue Springs is the closest spot for manatee kayaking near Orlando, just about an hour from the airport! Each year, record numbers of manatees (over 600) migrate to the warmer 72-degree waters during the colder months. Join me for a paddle on Florida’s longest river, the St. Johns, as we search for these incredible creatures alongside other wildlife like alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. From November to March, during manatee season, the Blue Springs run transforms into a manatee sanctuary and is closed to swimmers and paddlers. My sit-on-top kayaks offer the best view of these gentle giants as they glide by. (there is a max weight limit of 250lbs for the single kayaks and 450lbs for the tandem)****Please note if you need a two person tandem****My kayak tours are capped at 6 kayaks per tour, perfect for families and smaller groups!
What's Included
- Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.
- Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone
- Local Knowledgeable Guide
- Bottled water
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better
- Hat (there is no shade on the water)
- Tip for you guide(if you had an amazing time!)
Meeting Location
2399 West French Avenue
Orange City, FL 32763, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
One of the main reasons visitors flock to Blue Springs is the chance to see manatees up close. During the colder months, typically November through March, hundreds of manatees migrate to the spring’s warm waters, creating a truly magical experience. While the spring itself is closed to paddlers during manatee season to protect these gentle giants, the St. Johns River offers excellent opportunities to spot them as they swim near your kayak during this guided tour.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(11)Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-378934P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Everglades and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (11)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Everglades customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Everglades’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.
- Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone.
- Local Knowledgeable Guide.
- Bottled water.
- Sunblock.
- Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better.
- Hat (there is no shade on the water).
- Tip for you guide(if you had an amazing time!).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- not wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour near Orlando will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Everglades. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.
- Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone
- Local Knowledgeable Guide
- Bottled water
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better
- Hat (there is no shade on the water)
- Tip for you guide(if you had an amazing time!)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- not wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
