WHERE TO PADDLE · WILDLIFE KAYAK TOURS IN THE USA
Flat water, swell, tide and daylight all change what a paddle is worth. These 15 wildlife kayak tours in the USA are compared on all four, with prices.
Paddle calm Daytona Beach waterways beneath seven bridges while seeking dolphins and manatees on this relaxed, beginner-friendly SUP tour.
“Awesome experience, the guide, Dallas, was knowledgeable and made it fun. We saw dolphins and would definitely recommend this tour.”
Paddle Crystal River in a clear kayak, visit Three Sisters Springs, and spot manatees with a small-group local guide.
“Crosby our guide was great kayaks were very stable. Had a great time. Recommend it highly. Only issue was hard to hear guide at times.”
Paddle Tavernier Creek’s mangrove tunnels on a guided Key Largo kayak tour with wildlife, small groups, and beginner-friendly instruction.
“Amazing experience that we would recommend to everyone. Both relaxing and fun. A great way to see the mangroves and wildlife of Key Largo.”
Paddle St. Augustine’s waters by kayak or SUP, spot dolphins and turtles, and explore Anastasia State Park for $65.
“The communication was very clear and concise. It was easy to find them and they were prepared when we arrived. We were told that Noah was training and he did great job. Ryan was also very knowledgeable and helpful. We were lucky to find some dolphins and hung out with them. Both of the guides pointed out and educated us about the various birds as well.”
Paddle mangrove tunnels near Naples, search for winter manatees, and spot birds, alligators, sharks, and fish with a small expert-led group.
“We had a great trip. Justin was as super guide. Really knowledgable about the area and entertaining. We were lucky enough to see gators, a crocodile and manatees. Would highly recommend.”
Review of Sarasota’s $59 mangrove kayak tour, with manatees, dolphins, a hidden beach, wildlife, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“It was a great experience! Myself and my 3 teenage daughters went on this excursion. The guide was so friendly and knowledgable. I highly recommend this experience.”
Paddle Cocoa Beach’s mangrove tunnels with a small group, seeking manatees, dolphins, birds, and tarpon on a relaxed guided kayak tour.
“Fun, exciting, totally different experience. Kayak took us through Mangroves, seeing manatees along the way. Best time we had in Cocoa Beach.”
Review of Crystal River’s $79 clear kayak manatee tour, with wildlife tips, costs, group details, guide praise, and honest drawbacks.
“Absolutely great tour. Our guide, Cypress was wonderful, very knowledgeable, and made it fun and exciting for our family. Highly recommend this tour.”
See glowing plankton, comb jellyfish, dolphins, and starry skies on a guided night kayak tour through Merritt Island Refuge.
“We drove 3 hours round trip and they told us that we were on a weather delay and waited for an hour and could be waiting all night and our guide said that the likelihood is that we would not be going out. Mind you we already drove close to 2 hours and this company refuses to give any money back, only rain checks which is very frustrating because we were from out of town and left the next day so we got shafted $350 for 5 of us. Very unfortunate that the company wouldn’t work with us or budge”
Review of Maui’s clear kayak and snorkel tour at Makena, with turtle sightings, reef views, practical tips, costs, limits, and booking advice.
“Kyle from Clear Bottom Kayaks was awesome, and we had the best day! The experience was unbelievable and we saw so many turtles! Even when the other family we were with struggled a bit, Kyle was super patient and encouraging, making sure everybody had a great time. We would absolutely recommend this to adventurous families looking to do something unique.”
Paddle Virginia Beach’s Chesapeake Bay at sunset, watch wild dolphins, and reach Cape Henry Lighthouse on a friendly small-group kayak tour.
“Don't miss this tour! Beautiful and peaceful afternoon/evening paddle on the water. Saw lots of dolphins and many varieties of seabirds. Great commentary on sea life and local points of interest by our guide Brantley. Thanks also for the tips on local eateries!! Jake was super helpful and friendly. Tour leader and tour company office were well organized and also communicated effectively with participants. Don't miss this one while in Virginia Beach!”
Paddle New Smyrna’s waterways for dolphins, manatees, birds, and mangrove views on a relaxed two-hour kayak or SUP tour.
“Our guide Spence was incredibly nice and knowledgeable of the area. The tour itself was the issue. We did see a manatee and baby but that’s about it. City scape, lots of bridges. Not impressive at all from a natural perspective. I did get some exercise padding against the current which I enjoyed.”
Paddle a clear kayak at Silver Springs near Orlando, spotting manatees, monkeys, turtles, alligators, fish, and movie relics with a guide.
“I can’t remember his name but I’ll never forget our tour guides spirit. He was truly amazing! The information he provided us on this tour with the history of silver springs and knowledge of the Florida wildlife. He also took photos for us. Very patient, funny, and kind…& did I mention funny? 10/10 highly recommend ! I went in the morning and the manatees were up and about. It’s mating season!! Your was from 10-12, no shoes allowed on the glass kayak. They do provide you a wet back for your property. Wouldn’t bring anything more than a phone or go pro . If you’re a first timer, don’t worry,…”
Paddle Shem Creek with dolphins, shrimp boats, marsh wildlife, and Charleston views on this practical two-hour guided kayak tour.
“Beautiful landscape great wild life Logan our guide was great he is so informative of all the wildlife u see and knows all about the area”
Paddle Virginia Beach with a small group, spot wild dolphins, and learn about coastal wildlife on this family-friendly two-hour kayak tour.
“Unfortunately, there was a threat of thunderstorms that delayed our start, but once we got going all was well. The waves were about a foot high which made paddling more of an exercise but still very enjoyable. We did see a couple if schools of dolphins at a distance which was beautiful. Thank you to our guides who were very friendly and patient.”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
