Fort Lauderdale Kayak and SUP Tour: Mangrove Wildlife Paddling

Paddle calm mangrove channels, watch for manatees and turtles, learn how these waterways protect the coast.

A guided kayak and paddleboard activity in Fort Lauderdale's mangrove ecosystem where you paddle through calm waterways, spot wildlife including manatees (in season), manta rays, turtles, iguanas and native birds, and learn about local flora and fauna from a live guide. Groups stay small, up to eight guests, and include fresh fruit, non-alcoholic drinks, sunscreen and a complimentary instant photo at the end. Children are welcome from age 5. Infants sit on an adult's lap at no extra cost.

The experience

You meet your guide at the designated meeting point and get fitted with a kayak or paddleboard, life jacket and paddle. A short demonstration gets you comfortable on the water before you push off into Fort Lauderdale's mangrove channels. The waterways are calm and sheltered, surrounded by the dense green of the mangroves themselves: the trees that stabilize Florida's coastline and create habitat for everything moving through them.

As you paddle, your guide points out what lives here: manatees in season, manta rays, turtles, iguanas, fish, crabs and the variety of coastal birds that nest in the canopy. You learn how mangroves work: why they matter, what they filter, how they connect to the ocean. There's time to relax, take photos and float while you sip fresh fruit and non-alcoholic drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, spring water, sparkling water or Gatorade) that stay chilled on the water. Sunscreen is provided, and your belongings stay in safe storage on shore.

The group stays under eight people, which means your guide can answer questions and adjust the pace without herding a crowd. At the end, each party gets a complimentary instant photo to take home. The whole outing runs about two hours.

What’s included

• Kayak or paddleboard, life vest and paddle.
• short paddling demonstration.
• local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• fresh sliced chilled fruit and sweet snack.
• non-alcoholic drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Canada Dry Ginger Ale, spring water, sparkling water or Gatorade).
• sunscreen.
• safe storage for belongings.
• complimentary instant photo souvenir.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rio Santos

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Fort Lauderdale without a car. The launch point is walkable from public transit, and groups stay under eight so your guide can answer questions about the wildlife you spot.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my five-year-old on this kayak tour in Fort Lauderdale?

Children are welcome from age 5. Infants under 5 can sit on an adult's lap at no extra cost, and specialized infant seats are available if you request one when you book.

What wildlife might I actually see paddling through the mangroves?

Manatees appear in season, and you may also spot manta rays, sea turtles, iguanas, fish, crabs and native coastal birds. Your guide points out what's moving in the water and canopy as you paddle.

Do I need paddling experience to book this activity?

No, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You get a short demonstration before you paddle, and your guide leads you through calm waterways at a pace the group can handle.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The kayak or paddleboard, life vest, paddle, sunscreen, fresh fruit, non-alcoholic drinks, safe storage for your belongings and a complimentary instant photo are all included. Bring a change of clothes and a towel. Public transportation options are available near the meeting point if you don't have a car.

How long does the whole tour take?

The activity runs about two hours from start to finish, including the equipment setup, paddling time, wildlife spotting and refreshments on the water.