Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour for Small Groups near Orlando
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*
Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour for Small Groups near Orlando
By Venture Outdoors
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: German, English
More
- Top-of-the-line kayak gear (kayak, paddle, PFD)
- A professional medically trained certified kayak guide
- A commitment to make the tour as exciting, challenging, and informative as you like
- Trail snacks and bottled water
- Start:
- 2398 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, USAPlease follow the signs directing you to Blue Spring State Park. Instead of entering the park, continue on the dirt road for approximately 1 mile until you reach the boat ramp. This is where the guide will meet you.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 329335P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- It is recommended you wear quick dry clothes and water/river shoes
- We recommend you bring a swim suit, warm wool or fleece top (winter), waterproof rain jacket or poncho, sun protection (sunhat, sunglasses, sun screen), a camera, and a towel to dry off afterwards.
- There is no restroom at the meeting location. The last public restroom is at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763) about a mile before you arrive the meeting location. We recommend you stop there before your tour.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience 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
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 329335P2
From
$80.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- B5110KZjillr0 contributionsBrilliant experienceBrilliant morning spent with Jimi - he was knowledgeable and great fun to be with. We would thoroughly recommend this experience - blows other kayaking trips out of the water!Written November 15, 2024
- georgesr2840 contributionsSpooktacular tour!Had a fantastic time on the spooktacular tour! It was a wonderful twilight/night tour! Thank you so much for a wonderful time!Written October 21, 2024
- YYYYDC0 contributionsA "Glowing" Experience!I highly recommend booking the bioluminescence tour with Venture Outdoors - the entire experience was fantastic from start to finish! Our guide (and small business owner) Astrid thought of every detail to make it a great experience. Her helpful driving instructions made finding the launch easy, and she was ready to go when we arrived. The tour was amazing - Astrid was very knowledgeable and happy to share information/answer questions. It was like having a tour with an old (and very smart) friend. She accommodated the different needs of our party with ease. It was nice to get out of the kayaks at the nearby island to stand (or swim) to experience the bioluminescence more fully. I loved swishing through it with my hands. I can't wait to go out with her/Venture Outdoors again - either another bioluminescence tour, or the daytime tour with the manatees.Written September 30, 2024
- 131terenceh0 contributionsAn experience of Florida outside of the theme parks.My wife and I went on a kayaking adventure with Venture Outdoors, booked via Tripadvisor, on 9th September 2024. This was during our two week holiday in the Orlando area. We chose the Blackwater Creek tour which took about 3 hours and our guides were Jimi and Susan. Susan pointed out that Jimi was our 'real' guide and she had joined us because she loved kayaking. Regardless, we were very fortunate to have the services of two great guides. We have kayaked a couple of times before in the Orlando area but this was the first time with Venture Outdoors and it was certainly different. We started off paddling upstream but it wasn't long before Jimi took us 'off piste' and through the undergrowth. It was amazing how the plants were just pushed aside, only to re-group behind us. There were the odd tree trunks to maneuver around or over which all added to the interest/excitement. And then we would be back on the river, before the next detour which kept the whole trip interesting. Both Jimi and Susan kept up a dialogue throughout the trip, pointing out plants and animals along the way and telling us a bit about the history. I felt as though we were miles from anywhere but Jimi pointed out that the Blackwater Creek area isnt really that big and that we were no more than a mile from a road. I have only kayaked about 4 times in my life but at no time did I feel uncomfortable or concerned. It was a terrific 3 hours and both Jimi and Susan looked after us very well. If you are interested in learning about Florida outside of the theme parks then I recommend taking a tour with Venture Outdoors. It seems a lifetime ago already!Written September 19, 2024
- Queenvgh0 contributionsGreat tripWonderful experience, Jimi our guide was very knowledgeable. We saw lots of wildlife. The dip in the water was perfect, it’s cold but feels great on a hot dayWritten September 5, 2024
- Y5839FJsharonm0 contributionsAWESOME TIME 10/10 RECOMMENDMy family and I decided to book this last minute and we are so glad we did. Our guide was Sue and she was AMAZING!! Super friendly, and sweet, we absolutely loved her she made our time even better! We learned so much from her and we hope to book with her again.Written August 26, 2024
- LovesTheSunAAAlot0 contributionsBioluminescence… glowing tour!The bioluminescence tour was outstanding! So much fun ! Astrid was a great guide. And even though we had a rare super blue moon (biggest moon ever) the night of our tour, Astrid managed to help us see the bioluminescence despite the bright moon ! Highly recommend this tour !Written August 25, 2024
- Razoona_rz0 contributionsEmerald cut TourHave 2 kayak tour was amazing in emerald cut Astird was so wonderful. She did all her best so we can enjoy me my husband and kids. This is not the first time we go to adventure tour last year we had also same tour with her.Written August 22, 2024
- chrissI3685NH0 contributionsWorth experiencing but nothing like the photos suggestBioluminescence is fascinating however, it’s nothing like the photos suggest. Forget the glowing blue water images. The water sparkles when agitated. Tiny flashes of light appear if you run your hand across it or if you splash some on your clothes. The trip was relaxing and great fun and it’s worth seeing bioluminescence in real life rather than the strange glowing photos.Written August 22, 2024
- Coastal241484330940 contributionsGreat Paddle in Blackwater CreekGreat organization - and very accommodating with respect to date changes and flexibility due to the weather. Jimi was an amazing guide - so knowledgeable about everything having to do with Blackwater Creek (and the entire Central Florida paddling opportunities). He's also an expert in wildlife and just about everything else that you would want to know during your paddle.Written August 13, 2024
- Odyssey551955343790 contributionsWonderful Learning ExperienceThis was a wonderful experience. Took my 10-year daughter old along for a 3 hour lesson and while I learned some things the attention and care that was given to my 10-year-old was amazing. She had a great time, Astrid helped her overcome any nervousness and she learned a lot. I had been nervous about teaching her myself but now we can't wait to plan father/daughter kayaking outings. We are already talking about taking more advanced lessons together.Written August 9, 2024
- L4133CEtinap0 contributionsThe one event you HAVE to do!This was an absolute serene and beautiful experience! I will definitely be recommending it to friends! I can’t wait to do it again! Highly recommended! Astrid is so full of knowledge but her love for the water, animals and the science of it was energetic yet calming.Written July 29, 2024
- RMHG0 contributionsGreat experience; well worth doing.Brilliant. Simple to book and a great experience from start to finish. Really knowledgable guide. Lots to see. Well worth doing!Written July 16, 2024
- Trip105946546650 contributionsJune bioluminescence kayak tourWe Had the most amazing time with Astrid on the bioluminescence tour! The dolphins were constantly beside us. Lovely location. Astrid was so knowledgable and taught us so much! Seeing the water glow was amazing! Would definitely recommend this activity! Must do activity for those that like to d something different! I would certainly do it again!Written July 10, 2024
- mskara540 contributionsPerfect NightAbsolutely amazing experience! This was our second tour with Venture Outdoors and with Guide Astrid. We learned a ton and laughed a lot. Highly recommend Venture Outdoors!!Written July 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Judy L
Roseville, CA7 contributions
Astrid, our guide, is very knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystem at Blue Springs. She shared all kinds of information while we searched for manatees. During our 3 hour excursion, we saw 3 manatees (1 with tracker from afar), 5 alligators, 3 turtles, and various birds, including a bald eagle. We spent at least 20 minutes with one manatee who was very playful and curious about us. At one point, it was difficult paddling against the wind and current, but we were able to get to a protected area fairly quickly. Kayaking through the snake river was cool, with working our way through a mangrove forest. Overall, the tour was excellent and I recommend it for all who enjoy wildlife and kayaking
Written February 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Judy! We're thrilled to hear about your fantastic experience, encountering a variety of wildlife and navigating through the cypress forest, and we greatly appreciate your high recommendation for our tour—hope to welcome you back for more wildlife adventures soon!
Written February 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
StampNation C
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Incredible experience! The park was popular that day and there was a long line of cars to get in, so we were 15 mins late. Keep that in mind, it may be up to an hour to wait in line to make it back to the boat launch!
Astrid was very knowledgeable and pointed out so many birds - we saw little blue heron, ibis, wood stork, and a bald eagle!
Astrid told stories- personal and factual - about the animals, trees, etc…which were fun.
We spent a lot of time at the springs where over 300 manatees were counted there that day. They swam up to, under and around our kayaks. It was amazing!
Wear shorts or pants (no jeans) that you can pull over your knees as you’ll get a bit wet and it could be chilly. Flip flops or water shoes are preferable as well.
Definitely book this trip with Astrid, you won’t regret it!
Astrid was very knowledgeable and pointed out so many birds - we saw little blue heron, ibis, wood stork, and a bald eagle!
Astrid told stories- personal and factual - about the animals, trees, etc…which were fun.
We spent a lot of time at the springs where over 300 manatees were counted there that day. They swam up to, under and around our kayaks. It was amazing!
Wear shorts or pants (no jeans) that you can pull over your knees as you’ll get a bit wet and it could be chilly. Flip flops or water shoes are preferable as well.
Definitely book this trip with Astrid, you won’t regret it!
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear about your incredible experience and appreciate the insightful tips for future participants, and highlighting our guide's knowledge and the amazing encounters with birds and manatees – we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable trip!
Written December 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doug F
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
Astrid's kayak tour was amazing. We decided on the 9:00am trip which had fewer people on the water, calm winds, and just enough sun to keep us warm without getting sunburned. The Manatee's didn't dissappoint as they came right up to our kayaks, rolled over beside us and cruised right under us. The birdwatching was equally breathtaking with Astrid pointing out dozens of different species. She is a wealth of knowledge regarding everything we saw. PS. She takes spectacular photos / videos (over 200 on our trip) which are a fantastic value. Highly Recommend having Astrid as your guide.
Written February 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience on your kayak tour, enjoying the serene morning and close encounters with manatees and diverse bird species, and we appreciate your high recommendation—thank you for choosing Venture Outdoors!
Written February 18, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kris D
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
Signed up solo while the hubs was in meetings all day. This is a 3 hour guided kayak tour. Astrid, our guide for the 8 of us, was fantastic! She was knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to assist anyone that needed more assistance, as there were a couple kayak newbies in the group. She took lots of pics and videos which was awesome bc I didn’t have to keep pulling my phone in and out of the waterproof bag except for when the manatee came right up to my kayak and I took that shot! The picture package was reasonably priced there were SO many great shots and now I can share the whole experience with my friends and family. If you are on the fence. DO THIS TRIP!!! Such a great afternoon with nature!!
Written March 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kris, thank you for such an enthusiastic review! It sounds like our guide made your solo adventure unforgettable with her expertise and the special moments captured, making it a memorable experience you can share with your friends and family.
Written March 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Audrey B
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
We did the manatee tour and our tour guide, TJ, was outstanding! He had a ton of knowledge about both the area and manatees themselves, and we got to learn a bunch of fun facts about manatees. He also knew a cool, more secluded spot where the manatees like to hang out. We first stopped in an area where the water is clear and you can see the manatees swimming under the water, and then we went to the more secluded spot and saw them playing and sticking their noses and tails out of the water with less clear water. He also showed us an alligator, turtle, and a few different types of birds along the way, telling us fun facts about those as well.
Written December 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Audrey! We're so glad you enjoyed your tour with TJ and had the chance to see manatees up close in both the clear and secluded spots—sounds like an unforgettable adventure filled with wildlife and fun facts!
Written December 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon_W_Olson
Spokane, Washington, United States1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Couples
What an incredible time making memories with one another! My husband and I signed up for this tour and then were joined by four other participants at the site. The entire experience was wonderful! So much laughter, so many awe-inspiring moments. The manatees, birds, and being on the river at eye-level with nature was the perfect serenity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
All this, and then add to it our guide, Astrid, who was full of insights, interesting information, a gifted instructor in all things kayaking and nature, and capable of leading our crew. We appreciated Astrid's lighthearted sense of humor, her knowledge, and ability to navigate questions, concerns, or any spontaneous moments that arose while on the water.
If you've found your sense of wonder waning or you would like a fresh injection of wonder, this is your experience!
All this, and then add to it our guide, Astrid, who was full of insights, interesting information, a gifted instructor in all things kayaking and nature, and capable of leading our crew. We appreciated Astrid's lighthearted sense of humor, her knowledge, and ability to navigate questions, concerns, or any spontaneous moments that arose while on the water.
If you've found your sense of wonder waning or you would like a fresh injection of wonder, this is your experience!
Written January 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear that you had an incredible time making memories on our tour, especially appreciating the serenity amidst the holiday rush, and we're grateful for your kind words about your guide's insights, humor, and expertise in kayaking and nature – thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!
Written January 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DougNRMT
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Me, my daughter and my wife were lucky enough to go on a kayak tour with Astrid last March. It was an absolute blast! First off, all of the equipment was in great shape and clean. Astrid, our incredible guide, knows the wildlife so well. She took a bunch of amazing pictures which we were able to purchase for a very small fee after our trip. This made it more enjoyable as we didn't have to worry about getting pictures ourselves. She also provided the perfect lunch, taught us how to paddle and steer the kayaks, took us up to the manatee discovery center, answered all of our questions about pretty much everything and was just the friendliest and most knowledgeable guide we could've ever hoped for! She even removed a big spider from my daughter's end of our two person kayak with her hands when my daughter was panicking and about to dump us both out of the kayak!
We saw so many different creatures and wildlife. Too much to list but the favorites for us were a baby alligator, a big male gator and 1 Manatee. I should say that we wanted to see the gators. We wouldn't have had to if we did not want to. Astrid obviously can't control the wildlife but she can take you to areas where it's much less likely you would come across a gator. They're just big lizards that are more scared of us then we are of them though so don't be afraid to check them out if you get the chance! The water in the spring, where the manatees hang out in the winter, is some of the cleanest and clearest water I have ever seen and we live right next to Yellowstone national park so that's really saying something! You could easily see the bottom of the river that was at least twenty feet deep! You could see fish and anything that lives in the water there really easily! It was so incredible!
Anyway, this was a wonderful experience for us and we can't thank Astrid enough for taking us on such a fun and informative kayaking trip! We would definitely go again and cannot say enough positive things about Astrid! She was amazing and went above and beyond what is expected! Hopefully we will be able to go again in the near future! Astrid, if you ever read this, thank you so very much! We had a blast and love the pictures!
Doug, Jamie and Emmie
We saw so many different creatures and wildlife. Too much to list but the favorites for us were a baby alligator, a big male gator and 1 Manatee. I should say that we wanted to see the gators. We wouldn't have had to if we did not want to. Astrid obviously can't control the wildlife but she can take you to areas where it's much less likely you would come across a gator. They're just big lizards that are more scared of us then we are of them though so don't be afraid to check them out if you get the chance! The water in the spring, where the manatees hang out in the winter, is some of the cleanest and clearest water I have ever seen and we live right next to Yellowstone national park so that's really saying something! You could easily see the bottom of the river that was at least twenty feet deep! You could see fish and anything that lives in the water there really easily! It was so incredible!
Anyway, this was a wonderful experience for us and we can't thank Astrid enough for taking us on such a fun and informative kayaking trip! We would definitely go again and cannot say enough positive things about Astrid! She was amazing and went above and beyond what is expected! Hopefully we will be able to go again in the near future! Astrid, if you ever read this, thank you so very much! We had a blast and love the pictures!
Doug, Jamie and Emmie
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Doug, for this outstanding review. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful time on your Manatee Discovery Kayak tour. We strive to provide a safe and personalized experience and are happy to hear we were able to take such good care of you and your family. We can't wait to take you out on the water again in the future!
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
anders f
Glasgow, UK11 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
At the planned time of departure, there was thunder and lightning in the air, but luckily our guide, Astrid was incredibly flexible, and we agreed to meet again 1½ hrs later when the weather had well passed.
Astrid recommended a great restaurant (Grama's) down the road; a place our two teenage daughters deemed to be a "real American" experience.
In the mean time, the weather improved, and we went out on a tranquil canoe-trip, with our ever positive and very knowledgeable guide. In addition to several manatees, we spotted an alligator, as well as many different fish and birds (including a vulture) in the most lovely surroundings on the water.
Will recommend for any family with kids old enough to hold the kayak paddle.
Astrid recommended a great restaurant (Grama's) down the road; a place our two teenage daughters deemed to be a "real American" experience.
In the mean time, the weather improved, and we went out on a tranquil canoe-trip, with our ever positive and very knowledgeable guide. In addition to several manatees, we spotted an alligator, as well as many different fish and birds (including a vulture) in the most lovely surroundings on the water.
Will recommend for any family with kids old enough to hold the kayak paddle.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Anders, for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic experience with Astrid as your guide. Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities, and we're glad Astrid was able to adjust the departure time to ensure a pleasant trip for your family. Observing manatees, alligators, fish, and various birds in the serene surroundings on the water sounds like a magical experience. Thank you for recommending our tours to other families with kids. We look forward to welcoming you back for more enjoyable kayak trips in the future!
Written July 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NKH_11
Albuquerque, NM81 contributions
Having Astrid as a guide was amazing. She knew all the birds and was a keen wildlife spotter. We saw alligators, eagles, osprey, turtles, ibis, and some other cool birds. We were able to see manatees because she was flexible and led us to the state park area. While you could rent your own kayak and explore on your own, having a guide who knows the area and wildlife really made the morning special,.
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so glad to hear that our guide's expertise and flexibility made your guided tour special and allowed you to see a rich array of wildlife—thank you for sharing how much having a knowledgeable guide enhanced your experience!
Written March 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlexandraPickle
Huntsville, AL52 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We had a fantastic time on the kayak tour. We saw many manatees, different size alligators, a variety of birds, etc.
It was so much fun! Astrid did a great job of leading the tour and telling us about the animals and their habitat.
I highly recommend this tour. It was a highlight of our vacation.
It was so much fun! Astrid did a great job of leading the tour and telling us about the animals and their habitat.
I highly recommend this tour. It was a highlight of our vacation.
Written December 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time on the kayak tour, encountering manatees, alligators, and various birds, and we appreciate your high recommendation for the tour, making it a highlight of your vacation!
Written December 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.