Manatee Discovery Tour

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A delighted paddler captures a moment with a manatee hugging his kayak during a fun day on the water.
A man in a kayak points out a manatee to his friends, who are all smiling and enjoying the moment.
A kayaker enjoys a close encounter with a manatee, capturing a peaceful moment in nature's aquatic landscape.
A manatee swims underwater, facing the camera with its flippers folded.

Trip Highlights

Get up close and personal with Florida manatees in their natural habitat, without the stress of crowds just 40 minutes from Orlando.

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.

Important...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.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 10
Price starts at
$70
Languages
English, German
Meeting Point

2398 W French Ave Orange City FL

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Why Venture Outdoors

👥 Small Group Experience

Enjoy a more personal and intimate adventure with small group sizes that allow for better wildlife encounters. You’ll feel connected to both nature and your fellow adventurers in a relaxed, immersive setting.

🐋 Up-Close Manatee Encounters

Watch in awe as manatees swim right next to your kayak, sometimes even gliding directly beneath you. This rare, magical experience brings you face-to-face with these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

🌟 Ideal for All Skill Levels

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, this tour is designed for ease and enjoyment. With stable kayaks and expert guidance, you can focus on the experience, not your skill level.

🧭 Guided by Local Experts

Our knowledgeable guides enhance your journey with fascinating insights into the ecosystem and its wildlife. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty and its delicate balance.

🌴 For Visitors & Locals Alike

Whether you're discovering Florida for the first time or have lived here for years, this tour offers a fresh, eye-opening experience. You’ll see nature in a whole new way, uncovering hidden gems and wildlife encounters that most never get to experience.

🛶 Skip the Crowds, Get Closer

While most visitors watch from a crowded boardwalk, you’ll glide through the water for a front-row seat to manatees in their natural habitat. Experience the thrill of seeing these gentle giants up close, without the barriers.

 

Book With Confidence

The Lowest Price. Period.

Book directly with VentureOutdoorsFlorida.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours and rentals. Find it cheaper? We'll refund the difference!

Free Cancellations

Plans change? No worries! With Trip Protection, cancel up to 8 hours before your tour for a FULL refund. Enjoy peace of mind when booking.

What's Included?

  • Bottled water and a snack

  • Professional, local guide

  • Your choice of a single or double sit-on-top kayak

  • Lifejackets (mandatory)

What's Not Included?

  • Gratuities for your guide

Frequently asked questions

While we cannot guarantee a sighting, our tours take place in areas known for frequent manatee activity. Our experienced guides know the best spots and times for manatee sightings, significantly increasing the chances of encountering these gentle giants. Remember, the goal is not just to see a manatee, but to have an enriching and enjoyable experience.
Manatees are most commonly seen in the winter months, from November to March, when they seek warmer waters. However, sightings are possible year-round, and our guides are skilled at finding them even outside the peak season.
Safety is our top priority. While alligators are part of the natural environment, our experienced guides are trained to maintain a safe distance and ensure your safety throughout the tour.
Absolutely! Our tours are beginner-friendly, and our guides will provide all necessary instructions to make you feel comfortable on the water.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in, get your gear, and go through a quick safety briefing.
We run tours rain or shine – though we’ll reschedule the tour in the event of unsafe or extreme weather. Florida’s weather can change quickly, and rainstorms often pass in a short time. In many cases, a brief wait is all that’s needed before continuing the tour.
Our tandem kayaks have a total weight capacity of 500 pounds, and single kayaks can hold up to 350 pounds. Please let us know if you have specific concerns.
Our tours are suitable for ages three and up. If you have specific concerns, feel free to reach out.
We strive to accommodate all guests. Please contact us in advance to discuss any mobility concerns so we can make necessary arrangements
Not at all! Our tours are designed for people of average fitness levels. If you’re worried about paddling, we can pair you in a tandem kayak with a partner who can help.
Yes, for your safety, life jackets are required by law. We provide comfortable Type III life jackets designed for ease of movement so you can paddle comfortably!
You might! Kayaking is a water activity, so expect a little splash, but you won't be fully submerged unless you choose to swim or tip over (which is rare).
There are no restrooms at the launch site, so we recommend stopping at Valentine Park, about a mile before our meeting point, where the closest public bathrooms are located.
Yes! Free parking is available at the launch site. Please park on the left side when you arrive to keep the area clear for loading and unloading kayaks.
Absolutely! A waterproof case or dry bag is a great idea to keep it safe.
We’re often asked if it’s appropriate to tip your tour guides and what a reasonable amount might be. While we’ve considered building gratuities into the tour cost, we believe that recognizing great service should always be a personal choice. If you feel your guide(s) provided an exceptional experience, gratuities are absolutely encouraged—and appreciated—at the end of the trip. A typical tip is 15–20% of your ticket price — about $12–$14 per guest — and it’s shared among the guides who led your trip.
Yes! We are proud to be Guardian Guides, certified by the Save the Manatee Club, recognizing our commitment to responsible wildlife viewing. We follow strict no-touch policies, keep a respectful distance from manatees and other wildlife, and educate our guests on ethical nature interactions to help protect Florida’s delicate ecosystems.
Yes, we recommend booking ahead, as tours fill up quickly! Same-day bookings are subject to availability.
We don’t offer a shuttle service, but most guests find Uber, Lyft, or a rental car to be the easiest way to get to the launch site.
If you purchased Trip Protection at checkout, you can cancel or reschedule your tour up to 8 hours before your tour's departure and receive a full refund, minus the cost of Trip Protection and processing fees. Without Trip Protection, you may cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's departure to avoid fees. Refunds are not possible for cancellations within 72 hours of your tour's depature, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.
We’d love to help! Simply call us at (407) 267-9950 if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Things to know

What to Wear?

⦁ Quick dry clothing
⦁ Water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
⦁ Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses)

⦁ Quick dry clothing
⦁ Water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops
⦁ Sun protection (sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses)

What to Bring?

⦁ Towel and a change of clothes
⦁ Waterproof camera or cell phone
⦁ Cash to tip your guides

⦁ Towel and a change of clothes
⦁ Waterproof camera or cell phone
⦁ Cash to tip your guides

Cancellation Policy

⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 8 hours before your tour with Trip Protection (highly recommended).
⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's depature without Trip Protection. Refunds are not provided for cancellations within 72 hours, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.

⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 8 hours before your tour with Trip Protection (highly recommended).
⦁ Cancel or reschedule up to 72 hours before your tour's depature without Trip Protection. Refunds are not provided for cancellations within 72 hours, however, we will make every effort to accommodate rescheduling your booking to another date.

Guide Qualifications

Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and kayaking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.

Your tour will be led by a trained, experienced professional with a solid guiding background, years of personal wilderness and kayaking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes.

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