Kayaking in Orlando: Florida wildlife and fishing

Your guide is a University of Florida naturalist who photographs the trip for you.

Kayak the St. Johns River near Orlando with a University of Florida naturalist guide, paddling four to five hours to spot eagles, alligators and water birds while fishing for bream and largemouth bass. The kayaks have integrated seat backs and carbon fiber paddles designed for comfort on the water. All gear, instruction and artificial baits are included. You'll need a Florida fishing license (three-day non-resident license costs $17).

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour and wildlife viewing

• Purchase fishing license online
• Meet certified naturalist tour guide
• Paddle on St. Johns River
• Observe wildlife: eagles, alligators, birds
• Fish for Bream and Large Mouth Bass
• Receive photos of your adventure

The experience

The St. Johns River holds enough wildlife that your guide, a CPR-certified naturalist, can point out what moves through the water and sky without rushing. You paddle at a slow pace, which means you're watching, not just moving. The kayaks themselves are built for people who spend hours in them: integrated seat backs take pressure off your lower back, and the carbon fiber paddles are light enough that your arms and shoulders don't tire. You bring a fishing rod and cast for bream and largemouth bass between the wildlife moments, though the catching is never guaranteed and often beside the point.

The tour runs four to five hours, which fits a morning or an early afternoon but leaves the rest of your day open. Your guide takes pictures throughout, so you have images to share afterward. Children from age five are welcome. You'll need to purchase a Florida fishing license before you arrive: a three-day non-resident license costs $17 and is required by state law. There are no exceptions or refunds if you show up without one.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddles, life jacket and dry bag.
• fishing pole and artificial baits.
• expert instruction from a University of Florida naturalist guide.
• photographs of your adventure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 80 years) · Youth (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 17

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kayaking Florida

Is this one for you?The four to five hour commitment means you can paddle in the morning and still have afternoon time in Orlando, or reverse it. If you're looking for a full-day excursion, this leaves room for other stops. If you want a shorter outing, this fills a solid half-day without leaving you rushed.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (5 to 9 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.

What wildlife will I actually see on the St. Johns River?

Eagles, alligators and water birds are common sights. The river holds bream and largemouth bass, which is what you'll be fishing for, though the wildlife viewing often matters more than the catch itself.

Do I need my own fishing license, or is it included?

You must purchase a Florida fishing license before the tour. A three-day non-resident license costs $17. Florida residents can buy an annual license for the same price. This is state law and there are no exceptions.

How long is the kayaking, and will I be exhausted afterward?

The tour runs four to five hours at a slow pace, so it's informative rather than strenuous. The kayak design and light paddles are built to keep you comfortable over that span.

Can my five-year-old come along?

Children are welcome from age five. Life jackets and all other gear are provided, and the slow pace suits younger paddlers.