Venture Outdoors Celebrates Two Major Awards

We’ve got some exciting news to share! 

Venture Outdoors has been recognized with not one, but two incredible awards, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Our owner recently sat down to talk about what these awards mean, how they came about, and why they’re such a big deal, not just for our team, but for our guests and community as well. Here’s a closer look at both recognitions and why they matter so much to us.

Central Florida Favorites – Gold Winner in Three Categories

The first award came from a public voting process conducted through Central Florida Favorites by the Orlando Sentinel. And when we say public voting, we mean it. Supporters could cast a vote every single day over a span of multiple days.

Thanks to that overwhelming support, Venture Outdoors was named Gold Winner in three separate categories:

  • Land Tour

  • Water Tour

  • Woman-Owned Business

Winning in any one of these categories would have been meaningful. Winning all three? That’s something truly special.

What makes this recognition so powerful is that it came directly from the people we serve. Guests, supporters, and members of our community took time out of their days—repeatedly—to vote for us. That kind of support speaks volumes.

Being recognized as a Gold Winner in the Woman-Owned Business category is especially significant. It’s a highly competitive category with a large number of businesses represented, which makes earning first place an extraordinary accomplishment.

For us, this award confirms something important:
We are making an impact.

It shows that the experiences we create, the care we put into every tour, and the standards we hold ourselves to are truly resonating. It also motivates us to keep raising the bar—continuing to deliver exceptional service while constantly looking for ways to improve.

Most of all, it’s a reflection of our community. Every vote represented someone whose life we’ve touched in some way, and that means everything.

Travel & Hospitality Award: Excellence in the Travel Sector

The second recognition came from the Travel & Hospitality Award UK-based organization that honors outstanding businesses across the global travel and hospitality industry.

Unlike the first award, this one was not based on public voting. Instead, it was determined through an independent, merit-based selection process. A panel of judges evaluated businesses using a variety of criteria, with a strong focus on customer reviews and overall business performance.

The result? 

Venture Outdoors was recognized with a prestigious award for Excellence in the Travel Sector, earning the distinction of:

Tailor-Made Company of the Year – Florida

According to the award announcement, Venture Outdoors was celebrated for:

  • Providing immersive outdoor experiences

  • Showcasing the natural beauty of Florida

  • Bringing an innovative approach to adventure tourism

  • Demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability

  • Prioritizing customer satisfaction

The organization noted that the competition attracted a high caliber of entries from across the international travel and hospitality landscape. To be selected in that environment is incredibly humbling.

What stands out most about this award is the emphasis on reviews. The judges paid close attention to what guests were saying about their experiences. Every review written, every story shared, every kind word posted online contributed to this recognition.

It’s a powerful reminder that reviews matter. They don’t just help future guests, they help businesses grow, improve, and in this case, earn international recognition.

What These Awards Really Mean

While the titles and trophies are exciting, what these awards truly represent is something deeper.

They represent:

  • The thousands of guests who have explored Florida’s natural beauty with us

  • The trust placed in our team to deliver safe, memorable experiences

  • The effort our staff puts in every single day

  • The importance of sustainability in everything we do

  • The power of community support

Both awards, one driven by public votes and one by an independent judging panel, tell the same story from different angles:

Venture Outdoors is making a difference.

We are proud of our team.
We are proud of our guests.
And we are incredibly thankful for everyone who has supported us—whether by voting, leaving a review, or simply choosing to adventure with us.

Looking Ahead

These recognitions don’t signal a finish line. They’re motivation.

They encourage us to:

  • Continue delivering exceptional outdoor experiences

  • Elevate our service standards even further

  • Stay committed to sustainability

  • Keep innovating in adventure tourism

  • And most importantly, keep connecting people with nature

To everyone who voted, left a review, shared kind words, or joined us on an adventure, thank you. These awards belong to you just as much as they belong to us.

Here’s to many more adventures ahead.

A delighted paddler captures a moment with a manatee hugging his kayak during a fun day on the water.
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Manatee Discovery Tour

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.

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$70
Drawing a heart into the bioluminescence.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
3 to 12

Magic After Dark Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

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.

🏆 Bioluminescence Guaranteed — Only with Us. No Other Tour in the Area Offers This Promise.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.

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.

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$75
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure

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.

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.

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
2 to 10

Wekiva River Kayak Explorer

Embark on a wildly fun family adventure with our Wekiva River kayak tour, just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando! The Wekiva River, one of only two National Wild and Scenic rivers in Florida, awaits you with its outstanding beauty and exciting surprises.

Paddle through the captivating landscapes of the Wekiva River, exploring the Seminole State Forest and the Wekiwa Springs State Park. Brace yourselves for the possibility of spotting bears along the way! It's a real treat for the whole family, adding an exciting element to your adventure.

Get ready for a wildlife extravaganza! Depending on the season, you might encounter manatees, alligators, turtles, otters, deer, and even bobcats. The skies above are teeming with Eagles, Osprey, Ibis, Limpkin, and a symphony of Woodpeckers. And don't forget the charming bears that might make a surprise appearance!

As you paddle, marvel at the vibrant riverbanks adorned with Orchids, Bromeliads, Spiderworts, and other exquisite vegetation. Our knowledgeable guides will keep the journey light and entertaining, sharing fascinating facts about the ecosystem and the history of this unique river.

Midway through the tour, take a break for a refreshing swim – a perfect way to cool off and add a splash of excitement to your family adventure. Join us on this eco-friendly, educational, and downright delightful journey along the enchanting Wekiva River!

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.

Couple of kayakers enjoying the callenge of the Blackwater Creek.
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 6

Nature Escape Kayak Adventure on Blackwater Creek

Join us on our exclusive Blackwater Creek kayak tour, where adventure meets solitude in the heart of Seminole Forest!

As the only authorized tour operator for Blackwater Creek in the Seminole Forest, we offer a unique chance to explore this hidden gem which has been featured in several survival reality shows.

Embark on a 3-hour journey through the pristine wilderness of Blackwater Creek, led by our expert guides. With small group sizes of maximum 6 people, our tours provide a personalized experience, rich with opportunities to learn about Blackwater Creek's ecosystem.

Paddle on this gentle river so secluded and peaceful it's highly unlikely you'll encounter another soul allowing you to immerse yourself completely in nature's embrace. You will likely encounter wildlife such as alligators, turtles, Florida black bears, various wading birds and more. The route varies based on water levels, ensuring each trip is unique.

This tour fills up quickly due to high demand and limited space. If you're ready to escape the crowds and discover the untamed beauty of the Old Florida - the REAL Florida - then book your adventure today and get ready for an unforgettable journey.

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.