Get ready to slip into a kayak and leave the buzz of the city behind as you paddle into the stillness of a moonlit lagoon, where every stroke through the water sets off an electric blue-green glow beneath you. The salty air carries the faint scent of warm sea grass and mangroves, while the soft splash of your paddle and the distant calls of night herons create a soundtrack that’s both peaceful and wild. As fish dart beneath your boat, they leave glowing trails, and if you’re lucky, a manatee or dolphin may stir the water with a burst of light. You'll feel the warm breeze on your face, the cool splash of water on your hands, and an overwhelming sense of wonder and calm as nature puts on a show like no other. It's a truly unforgettable experience—one that stirs your senses, quiets your mind, and leaves you glowing inside and out. <p style="margin-top:40px;text-align:center;padding:20px;background-color:#e4fbff60;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">🏆 Bioluminescence Guaranteed — Only with Us. No Other Tour in the Area Offers This Promise.</span>We’re the only tour operator in the area that guarantees you’ll see bioluminescence—or receive a return voucher valid for three (3) years. You can book with total confidence knowing your glow-filled adventure is backed by our promise.</p> <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
There’s something magical about being on the water… Whether it’s the heart-pounding excitement of spotting a massive manatee gliding just beneath your kayak, the quiet wonder of watching hundreds gather in the crystal-clear spring, or the pure joy of seeing one surface beside you with a gentle puff of air. With calm, scenic waters and Florida’s incredible wildlife all around, you’ll feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as alligators bask lazily on the banks, hear the distant cry of an osprey soaring overhead, and breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of towering cypress trees. Whether you're here for the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter or the peaceful escape into nature’s beauty, you’ll leave with a deep sense of wonder—and memories to last a lifetime. <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
This crystal clear run is a paddle into the past, through land still as it was when the Timucuan tribes inhabited the area. Truly emerald in color this section of Rock Springs Run is a breathtaking natural beauty. It winds through lush jungle-like nature, sand pine scrub, and pine flatwoods. The area is rich in wildlife and it is possible to see turtles, alligators, river otters, white-tailed deer, black bears, fish, a variety of birds, and more. This is an out-and-back paddle. The first part your guide will lead you upstream over and under trees and through the twists and turns of the river until you reach the bridge at Kelle Park. At this point, you will have a chance to jump into the crystal clear river to play and/or to refresh yourself. Afterward, we let the current take us back to the launch point. <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
rcaagreco
May 16, 2026
We booked a manatee kayak tour through Viator, and TJ was our tour guide. From start to finish, TJ was friendly, personable, professional, and extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife, natural habitat, and surrounding ecosystem.What really stood out was how educational the tour was without ever feeling boring. TJ did an excellent job explaining the area, the manatees, and the importance of protecting the environment, while still keeping the entire experience fun and relaxed.There was also a family on the tour with two young children, and TJ was absolutely phenomenal with them. He made sure they were engaged, safe, and having a great time, which says a lot about the quality of the experience he provides.To be honest, my wife booked this excursion for us, our son, and his new wife, and I went into it thinking it would simply be “something to do.” I did not expect it to be one of the best excursions I have ever taken. I was completely wrong. This tour was an absolute blast.Whether you rate it 5 out of 5 or 10 out of 10, it deserves the highest rating possible. I highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it. Take the tour, you will not be disappointed.I would absolutely do this excursion again the next time I am in the area, especially if TJ is the tour guide.Thank you, TJ, for a great experience.Robert H.Sacramento, CA / Portland, OR
Celeste Caraker
Jul 11, 2026
TJ was an exceptional guide! Saw oodles of manatees, plenty of time out on the water, very helpful and knowledgeable. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
Dylan Caraker
Jul 11, 2026
TJ was fantastic! We had a great time, and I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone.
David Collins
Jul 10, 2026
TJ was an awesome guide!
Vincent B
Jul 7, 2026
Magnifique balade en kayak sur la rivière avec Jimi…super guide 👍à recommander, top activité.
Vincent Biselx
Jul 7, 2026
Superbe balade dans une région magnifique…Jimi était un super guide…merci pour tout 👍
Nicole Buesse
Jul 5, 2026
Tj was an amazing guide! Such a cool experience!!
Renee B
Jul 5, 2026
We had a terrific time exploring St. John’s River and snake river. Our guide was knowledgeable and we had an opportunity to see gators, turtles, a variety of fish and birds and even manatees! We would highly recommend and are looking forward to going on another tour with our guide!
julie hensinger
Jul 3, 2026
Our trip was Amazing! TJ our guide was the best! Very chill, knowledgeable and personable. It was like meeting up with a friend you haven't seen in forever. If you're at all nervous about anything he will instantly put you at ease. This was a perfect way to end our trip. It was very laid back and relaxing. We saw several Manatees both in the springs and the river as well as alligators, turtles, blue herrings and other wildlife. I would recommend the earlier time especially on a weekend as the springs fill up with swimmers and other kayakers/canoes quickly. We had a 0900 trip and were able to beat the rush. If you are thinking about checking it out it's worth it! Ask for TJ you won't be disappointed.
Amanda D
Jul 2, 2026
Sam was an awesome tour guide! Being summer, we weren’t sure we would see a Manatee but we found several. We even had one come up to our kayak.
Oscar Pereira
Jun 30, 2026
Jimi was great! Very knowledgeable & entertaining. You can definitely tell he loves his job. The views were amazing! Recommend it 100%
Oscar P
Jun 29, 2026
Jimi was great! Very knowledgeable & entertaining. You can definitely tell he loves his job. The views were amazing! Recommend it 100%
Elissa Hoberg
Jun 28, 2026
TJ was an amazing tour guide. Highly recommend.
Tyler Gudeman
Jun 23, 2026
Astrid is a very patient instructor and her feedback has helped tremendously to advance my kayaking!
Rick Luze
Jun 23, 2026
Awesome, TJ was a great guide
Finley Luze
Jun 23, 2026
great tour guide saw lots of manatees! TJ was our guide
Presley Luze
Jun 23, 2026
Very fun! Saw lots of manatees. TJ was our guide!
Kirsten Antonelli
Jun 21, 2026
TJ was a great guide. He sees everything and points it out. We saw manatees and alligators. Fish and birds and he was able to tell us something about all of them. A really lovely morning!
karen humphries
Jun 21, 2026
Tj was awesome!! Wonderful guide on a very warm day!!
Desiree Arenas
Jun 20, 2026
We had a nice time kayaking, we saw a lot of Manatíes and wildlife. TJ , our guide was very nice and very knowledgeable of everything around and very connected . We recommend 💯
pam
Jun 17, 2026
The trip was awesome, great family experience and Jimi was very knowledgeable and a great guide. Highly recommend for a family trip.
Carlos Dieguez
Jun 15, 2026
We went Kayaking today with TJ at blue spring. The experience was great , he was personal, professional, very knowledgeable and passionate about the wild life.It was a very enjoyable experience and recommended highly.
Maria S
Jun 14, 2026
This was my first time kayaking in Florida. I’m so happy I went with Venture Outdoors. Our guide, Jimi, was very cool and knowledgeable. He gave us some great kayak tips!
Gail Asche
Jun 10, 2026
TJ took us on an amazing adventure this morning! Our tour to find Manatee was a success even though we are out of season, so kudos to TJ for his patience and expertise. The paddle into the spring to see the big hole was spectacular too. All in all a solid 5*, highly recommend the adventure and requesting TJ! We saw alligators, manatee, a plethora of different fish, great blue heron, little heron, osprey, turkey, vultures… and a rooster!
simbadoo
Jun 10, 2026
This was a great experience. We were lucky to have Astrid all to ourselves and she was very knowledgeable. It wasn’t too difficult to get to grips with the kayaking and the lower river was very peaceful. Would recommend
Sarah Kent
Jun 9, 2026
Great trip! TJ was an excellent guide! We saw a few manatees and lots of other wildlife! Very knowledgeable and friendly! Would recommend!!!
Délano van de Wiel
Jun 7, 2026
We absolutly loved it! Our tour guide TJ was so nice and knew a lot about the area and animals. Defenitly reccomend this tour!
Bimo Wagner
Jun 6, 2026
Ein super schöner Ausflug, absolut empfehlenswert. Thanks for the Trip 🌴😊
Pal Holi
Jun 1, 2026
We had an amazing time on our kayak tour! The springs were absolutely beautiful, and the entire experience was so much fun. A huge shoutout to our tour guide, Jimi—he was incredibly nice, super helpful, and made sure we felt safe and comfortable the whole time. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a great adventure!
Rebecca O
May 29, 2026
Jimi was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive and kept the 3 hour tour well paced, time flew by. Saw manatees, lots of crocs, vultures, kites, hawks and turtles, absolutely incredible
Martin Drechsel
May 27, 2026
TJ war ein super Guide. Obwohl keine Manatee Saison war haben wir zumindest von weitem Manatees gesehen. TJ hat uns ganz viel gezeigt und erklärt und wir haben viele unterschiedliche Vögel, Schildkröten und auch Alligatoren gesehen. Man hat ihm angemerkt, dass ihm die Natur am Herzen liegt. Es war ein tolles Erlebnis, wir würden es jederzeit wieder buchen. Daumen hoch!!!!
Massi F
May 27, 2026
Tj was realy good
Voyager56660907935
May 25, 2026
We had a great time kayaking with Sue! She was really friendly, informative, and made the whole experience enjoyable. We got to see several alligators and even some manatees, which was amazing. Sue shared lots of interesting information throughout the tour and made sure we were comfortable. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and we would definitely recommend this tour!
Dana Gordon
May 24, 2026
We had a great day on the water with TJ as our guide. He took us all the places we needed to go to see the long nose gar, catfish and other fish. I was truly amazed to see them all just swimming around. Nothing could have prepared me for the manatee that came right up beside me. The best thing was when he or she looked up at me. They had the sweetest face. I will forever remember this adventure. Thank you TJ for a wonderful trip.
Marcos M
May 24, 2026
Great experience, got to learn a lot from Florida’s flora and fauna. Lots of fun. Jimi was a great guide
Marcos Melendez
May 24, 2026
Great experience and a lot of fun. Jimi was a great guide
T Ball
May 23, 2026
TJ was awesome with knowledge and a caring guide. He cares about the Manatees very much. Also loves you as a customer.
Paiten I
May 23, 2026
Our tour guide TJ was awesome! We saw manatees, alligators, and other wildlife. Highly recommend.
Raq
May 22, 2026
TJ was an amazing guide who led us to see manatees, gators, birds, and fish! It was our first time seeing manatees and we got to see them playing together and enjoying the springs. Was an amazing way to end our time in Florida!
Lea Munoz Lopez
May 22, 2026
Such a great experience and even better tour guides thanks to Astrid and Sam! Even though we went earlier in the season, we still got some great views of the bioluminescent , great facts and info, and a wonderful experience!
Erin S
May 20, 2026
Sam is an informative, friendly, and knowledgeable tour guide, and we had a lot of laughs throughout the trip. We truly appreciated her energy and the effort she put into making sure we both had a great time. Even though we went outside of manatee season, we still got to see one along with lots of other wildlife! She made the trip memorable, and I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable experience. I would definitely go again and would absolutely request Sam as our guide!
Roger Pelletier
May 19, 2026
TJ was awesome
Louise Pelletier
May 19, 2026
TJ was awesome
Rebecca Mcdonald
May 19, 2026
Rock springs guided tour with Jimi was amazing If you are interested in knowing the wildlife and ecosystem Jimi is your guy!!! I’d give 10 stars
Scott T.
May 19, 2026
Wonderful people and sharing knowledge about the environment and interesting facts not in media or social posts. Will do another trip with Venture Outdoors.
Joshua Welsh
May 18, 2026
TJ is the man and super knowledgeable! Best tour guide I have had so far in my life.
Amy Rice
May 18, 2026
TJ was an incredible tour guide. We learned a lot and saw so many cool things out in the water. Both a relaxing and adventurous experience. Highly recommend
Kelly McGrath
May 17, 2026
TJ is amazing! Super knowledgeable, kept everyone safe during our tour and shared a lot of information that we did not know! Definitely recommend! It's worth every penny for the beautiful scenery! 10/10! We will definitely be returning thank you again so much for making my Mother's Day so special!
HuWi
May 17, 2026
We had a great day with an experienced and knowledgeable guide - Jimi . The nature there is fantastic and the water is christal clear. We have seen Aligators, different birds, turtles. Would book it again.
Kelly M
May 17, 2026
TJ was amazing! I highly suggest booking a tour with him. My son and I had a great Mother's Day. He's very knowledgeable and kept everyone safe during the tour definitely recommend! 10/10!
rcaagreco
May 16, 2026
We booked a manatee kayak tour through Viator, and TJ was our tour guide. From start to finish, TJ was friendly, personable, professional, and extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife, natural habitat, and surrounding ecosystem.What really stood out was how educational the tour was without ever feeling boring. TJ did an excellent job explaining the area, the manatees, and the importance of protecting the environment, while still keeping the entire experience fun and relaxed.There was also a family on the tour with two young children, and TJ was absolutely phenomenal with them. He made sure they were engaged, safe, and having a great time, which says a lot about the quality of the experience he provides.To be honest, my wife booked this excursion for us, our son, and his new wife, and I went into it thinking it would simply be “something to do.” I did not expect it to be one of the best excursions I have ever taken. I was completely wrong. This tour was an absolute blast.Whether you rate it 5 out of 5 or 10 out of 10, it deserves the highest rating possible. I highly recommend this tour to anyone considering it. Take the tour, you will not be disappointed.I would absolutely do this excursion again the next time I am in the area, especially if TJ is the tour guide.Thank you, TJ, for a great experience.Robert H.Sacramento, CA / Portland, OR
Celeste Caraker
Jul 11, 2026
TJ was an exceptional guide! Saw oodles of manatees, plenty of time out on the water, very helpful and knowledgeable. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
Why We're The Unique Option For Kayaking In Orlando
Kayaking at Orlando state parks and public waterways doesn't have to be expensive or stressful ordeal. We hire only the best guides in the industry for our all-inclusive hiking and kayaking tours, ensuring they have the proper training and certifications to ensure a safe and memorable trip. So, not only will you have a knowledgeable guide to lead you to hidden gems like Rock Springs Run and dark cypress swamps, but you won't have to worry about what it takes to kayak in Orlando.
We believe that connecting intimately with the natural world through immersive outdoor adventures not only educate and inspire but also fosters a deep sense of responsibility to protect and preserve our environment for current and future generations.
We're passionate about sharing this experience with all of our customers, so we have created experiences that will allow you to get close to nature in an intimate way. Our team is committed to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while on our trips.
When it comes to our kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) lessons, we take pride in our commitment to excellence. Our kayak and SUP instructors, certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and British Canoeing, embody our dedication to providing top-notch training experiences. Their stringent qualifications ensure that your kayak and SUP lessons are not just educational but also safe and enjoyable. Whether you're mastering the art of kayaking or honing your skills in the world of SUP, our certified instructors are your guides to a seamless and enriching learning journey. So, you can dive into these aquatic activities with confidence, knowing you're under the expert guidance of our certified professionals.
Our tours never disappoint when nature lovers come looking for adventure. You'll discover hard-to-reach locations full of jungle-like landscapes that will make you feel a million miles away from the h...
Our tours never disappoint when nature lovers come looking for adventure. You'll discover hard-to-reach locations full of jungle-like landscapes that will make you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the amusement parks in Orlando. Glide along still waters in the midst of the stunning Emerald Cut, the most beautiful section of Rock Springs Run, explore the storybook-like whimsy of Lake Norris, get up close with lovable manatees on our Manatee Discovery tour, and even embark on a nighttime journey to discover bioluminescent wonders in the dark!
Because we keep our tour groups small, you get to enjoy a more intimate experience in the wild. Every tour aims to take visitors deep into the Orlando area's natural habitats, leaving the city's hustl...
Because we keep our tour groups small, you get to enjoy a more intimate experience in the wild. Every tour aims to take visitors deep into the Orlando area's natural habitats, leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind so you can truly feel one with nature. Our professional guides will take care of everything so you can sit back and enjoy. Whether you're in a kayak gliding through still waters or following along a nature trail we offer some of the most immersive experiences around.
Each guide on our team is trained professionally by experts in the field, so you can rely on your tour guide to not only know the best way to navigate the trails and crystal clear waters you'll encoun...
Each guide on our team is trained professionally by experts in the field, so you can rely on your tour guide to not only know the best way to navigate the trails and crystal clear waters you'll encounter in the wild but they'll also have the knowledge required to answer your burning questions about the ecosystem, wildlife, and other information about the area. Our guides will even snap pictures for you to commemorate your experience in nature.
Countless outdoor activities are available to soak in as much warm weather as possible while you're in the Orlando area. From kayaking in Orlando to visiting one of the state parks for a hike or picnic with your loved ones, there's something for every nature lover to indulge in here.
At Venture Outdoors, we focus on keeping our tour groups small so you can be fully immersed in the natural beauty of Central Florida on a hike or kayaking through stunning hundred year-old cypress trees and around hanging Spanish moss.
Join us on a leisurely trip down the Wekiva River or Emerald Cut at Rock Springs Run when kayaking in Orlando, or follow our expert guides into the natural habitat of Central Florida's local wildlife for an amazing hike you'll never forget.
One of our most popular experiences is the Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour, where we take you out on the water to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Not confident with watersports just yet? Sign up for our kayak and SUP lessons, and you'll be a pro at navigating the water in no time!
Orlando is a truly special location in the United States with a blissfully humid subtropical climate nature lovers flock to in the winter months. Not only does the nearly year-round pleasant weather make Orlando a unique location to visit, but you'll find some of the most delicious Cuban cuisines, world-famous theme parks, and unbeatable shopping malls.
There are also kayaking tours and hiking trails that leave a lasting impression on visitors looking for something more adventurous to do in the area. Whether you decide to rent some kayaks for a day on crystal clear water or embark on a hike on one of the many hiking or nature trails in the area, you're sure to capture some of the most stunning sights of the lush Florida backcountry and exotic wildlife.
Blue Spring State Park is located in Greater Orlando and is considered one of the most significant winter homes for manatees across the globe. Looking for other wildlife like wild turkey, gopher tortoise, or white-tailed deer? Head to Silver Springs State Park to find these and all the other critters who call the park home.
Most frequent questions and answers
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and consider a swimsuit or quick-dry shorts. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes or sandals with a secure strap.
Yes, kayak tours are generally safe when conducted by experienced guides. They provide safety instructions and equipment. Always follow their guidance and wear a life jacket.
While wildlife sightings are common, they can't be guaranteed. Guides do their best to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Many kayak lesson providers offer lessons for children and families. The minimum age may vary, so check with the provider for specific age requirements.
The difficulty of hikes varies, so there are options suitable for all fitness levels. Guides can recommend hikes that match your physical abilities.
Essential items include sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack, water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit. Follow your guide's recommendations.
Yes, many guided hikes are family-friendly. Guides can adjust the pace and route to accommodate children and ensure safety.
Our guides do accept tips, and they are greatly appreciated. Tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 15%-20% of the trip cost is the common gratuity in Orlando.
July 13, 2026
For many people, work is something to get through. For TJ, it's something to look forward to. Every morning, instead of commuting to an office or star...
Read More: Meet TJ, The Manatee Whisperer Who Traded a Desk for Rivers & Wildlife
May 28, 2026
There’s a big difference between kayak tour companies when it comes to group size. Booking with a big group can be impersonal and can sometimes feel l...
Read More: What to Expect on a Small Group Kayak Tour
March 25, 2026
There’s something different about the Everglades. It’s a place that requires you to fully step away from the modern world and into something raw and u...
Read More: Into the Wild: A Recap of Our Everglades Expedition
Escape the Ordinary! Kayak the Extraordinary!
