Orlando Alligator Paddle Tour: Little-Big Econ Cypress Forest

Paddle through ancient cypress, rest under live oaks, eat lunch on the Florida Trail

Paddle a canoe 8.5 miles through the Little-Big Econ State Forest near Orlando, a moss-covered cypress forest that winds from tight channels into a lazy river. A professional guide leads the trip, stops for rest every hour, and serves a picnic lunch at the Boy Scout Bridge. All equipment, water, and instruction for beginners are included.

The experience

How do you get out on the water near Orlando without driving to a theme park? You paddle. The Little-Big Econ State Forest is one of the few stretches of Orange and Seminole Counties that hasn't been paved over, and the canoe launch sits right there waiting. You meet the guide, get fitted into a kayak sized to your height and weight, and push off into the upper forest where the channel narrows and the cypress closes in. If you've never paddled before, instruction happens at the start. If you have, you'll feel the difference between a crowded tourist lake and a river that actually moves.

The paddle itself is the point. The tightly winding upper portion slowly opens into a widening, lazy river as you move downstream. High sandy banks shade you with enormous live oaks, pine, palmetto, and ancient cypress. The kind of trees that have been there longer than the city behind you. You stop for rests every hour or whenever someone needs one. There's no rushing. At the Boy Scout Bridge on the Florida Trail, the guide sets out a picnic lunch, and you eat on the bank before paddling the final stretch back to the launch. Complimentary photos of your group come with it, and you get a free sticker on the way out.

The whole trip runs about five hours from start to finish. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and clothes that can get wet and dirty. The water is real, not a pool. You need to be comfortable sitting in a kayak for multiple hours and able to swim. Kids as young as three can come along if they meet that standard. Bottled water is included, and the guide is there the whole time, not just at the beginning.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, and life vest.
• bottled water and a picnic lunch served at the Boy Scout Bridge.
• professional guide for the full five hours.
• complimentary photos of your group.
• free sticker.

Information

Lasts 5h, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 175 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

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

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Adventures in Florida

Is this one for you?The launch is right at Little-Big Econ, so you don't need a car to get on the water. Just show up and paddle. If you're staying in Orlando without a rental, this is how you actually get into the forest instead of staying in the city.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What's the actual paddling distance on this trip?

The paddle covers 8.5 miles through the Little-Big Econ State Forest, starting at the launch and ending back there after lunch at the Boy Scout Bridge.

Do I need to know how to paddle a kayak before I go?

No. Instruction is given at the start for anyone new to paddling, and the guide stops for rests every hour, so the pace is manageable for beginners who can swim.

What happens if I'm not sure I can sit in a kayak for the whole five hours?

The guide stops for rests every hour or whenever needed, so you're not paddling continuously. You should be comfortable with multiple hours in the kayak overall, but breaks are built in.

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

The kayak, paddle, life vest, bottled water, lunch, professional guide, and complimentary group photos are all included. Bring a swimsuit, towel, waterproof camera if you have one, and clothes that can get wet and dirty.