Orlando: Blue Spring Manatee Kayak Tour with Naturalist Guide

Summary

Kayak the quiet waters of blue spring see manatees up close with a local guide

You’ll paddle through Blue Spring’s clear waters alongside a Florida naturalist, spotting wild manatees swimming right beneath your kayak. Watch birds fishing on Snake Creek and listen for local stories along the way. It’s peaceful but never dull — you’ll leave feeling like you’ve really met this part of Florida face-to-face.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a manatee before?” That’s how our guide, Chris, greeted us at the edge of Blue Spring. He had this sun-faded hat and a way of talking that made me feel like he’d grown up right on the riverbank. I’d only seen manatees in photos — they looked gentle, but I didn’t expect them to be so… huge? We slid into our kayaks, the plastic cold against my legs, and paddled out. The water was clearer than I imagined, almost glassy, with these ribbons of sunlight dancing underneath.

I remember drifting quietly past a cluster of “sea cows” (Chris called them that — apparently everyone does), just floating there like they owned the place. One snorted and rolled over, sending tiny ripples out. The air smelled green — not sure how else to say it — and every now and then you’d catch this earthy whiff from the banks. Chris pointed out birds fishing along Snake Creek and tried to show us some plant whose name I immediately forgot (sorry, Chris). At one point I dipped my hand in; the water was cooler than I expected for Florida.

We watched as a calf nudged its mom under our kayaks. Didn’t realize how quiet everyone got until someone’s paddle clunked against their boat — even Chris just smiled and let us watch. There was something about being on the water with these slow-moving giants that made time kind of stretch out. Afterward, we all joked about who got splashed most (it was me), but honestly, I still think about that silence when the manatees glided by.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak to manatee refuge and wildlife viewing

• Paddle into Blue Spring State Park
• Approach manatee refuge by kayak
• Observe manatees swimming nearby
• Paddle to Snake Creek for wildlife
• Watch manatees graze and birds fish

Top questions

How long is the Orlando manatee kayak tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect to be kayaking for multiple hours.

Is hotel pickup included for the Blue Spring manatee tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the starting location near Blue Spring State Park.

Are children allowed on this day trip to see manatees?

There’s no minimum age as long as each participant can swim.

What should I bring for kayaking at Blue Spring?

A swimsuit, towel, waterproof camera, and clothes that can get wet or dirty are recommended.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need kayaking experience for this Orlando manatee encounter?

No prior experience is needed; it’s suitable for all fitness levels if you’re comfortable sitting in a kayak for hours.

Where can I use restrooms before starting?

The meeting location has no restroom; use public restrooms at Valentine Park (1511 W French Ave) about a mile away.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you cool on the river, guidance from a professional Florida Master Naturalist who shares stories about local wildlife, plus all landing and facility fees so you can just focus on paddling and watching those gentle manatees glide by.