Orlando Kayaking: Manatees on the St. Johns River

The St. Johns River is over 310 miles long and home to hundreds of manatees you'll paddle past.

Kayak or paddle board the St. Johns River near Orlando with a live guide leading you down Florida cypress waterways for two hours. You'll see manatees on more than 90% of tours here, hear the history of Orlando as you pass old industrial railways, and learn about local wildlife. The guide starts with a water safety lesson; all equipment—paddle boards, kayaks, life preservers and paddles—is provided. Suitable for all ages and skill levels from age 4 up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Manatee kayak and history tour

• Receive safety and tour briefing
• Board kayaks or paddle boards
• Paddle through Florida cypress waterways
• Observe manatees in the St. Johns River
• Listen to local wildlife facts and history
• Pass under old industrial railways

The Experience

Two hours on the water starts with a safety briefing on shore, then you're situated on your kayak or paddle board and pushing off into the cypress waterways. The St. Johns River borders twelve different counties and is Florida's longest river, and the guide navigates you through it while pointing out the manatees that make this stretch famous. You'll paddle under old industrial railways that shaped Florida's expansion, and the guide fills the route with facts about the wildlife and the history of the city.

What sets this launch apart is the manatee sighting rate—the operator reports seeing them on more than 90% of departures here. The paddle boards are Three Brothers brand, and the river itself is calm enough for all fitness levels, though the operator notes it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Children are welcome from age 4, so families can book together on the same departure.

What’s included

• Paddle boards and kayaks.
• life preservers and paddles.
• water safety lesson with the guide.
• two hours on the St. Johns River with a live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle on your own instead of watching from a boat, and if seeing manatees in their natural habitat is the main draw—the sighting rate here is high enough that the operator guarantees it on 90% of departures.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How often do you actually see manatees on this kayaking trip?

The operator reports seeing manatees on more than 90% of tours on the St. Johns River, where hundreds live year-round.

What's included in the kayaking rental?

Paddle boards, kayaks, life preservers and paddles are all provided; the guide also gives a water safety lesson before departure.

How long is the kayaking trip?

The paddle lasts two hours on the water, starting after the safety briefing on shore.

Can children go on this kayaking adventure?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up; the trip is suitable for all skill levels.

What's the history you'll learn about while paddling?

The guide shares facts about Orlando and Florida as you pass under old industrial railways that sparked the state's expansion during the early industrial era.