Kayaking near Orlando: Manatees at Blue Springs

Paddle past manatees in their winter sanctuary

Kayak the St. Johns River near Orlando during manatee season (November through March) with a local guide who knows where to find them, paddling a sit-on-top kayak in a small group of no more than six. The river offers close views of manatees, alligators, turtles and birds without the crowds that gather at the spring itself, which closes to paddlers during these months to protect the animals.

The Experience

You're an hour from Orlando airport when the kayaking starts. Blue Springs sits close enough for a morning or afternoon paddle, and the timing matters: from November through March, when water temperatures drop, over 600 manatees migrate to the 72-degree spring run. The spring itself shuts to swimmers and paddlers during manatee season, but the St. Johns River—Florida's longest—stays open, and that's where the guide takes you. Sit-on-top kayaks give you the sightline to spot them as they move through the water alongside alligators, turtles and wading birds.

The group stays small: six kayaks maximum, which means you're not paddling in a crowd. You get a kayak and paddle, a life vest with whistle, and dry bags for wallet, keys and phone. The guide is local and speaks English, so questions about what you're seeing get answered as it happens. Tandem kayaks are available if you want to paddle with someone else—request one when you book, and it counts as two single-kayak spots in the group.

The paddle lasts about 90 minutes. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses (polarized lenses help you see underwater), and a hat—there's no shade on the water. If you want to tip the guide at the end, that's between you and them.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• sit-on-top kayak and paddle.
• life vest with whistle.
• dry bags for personal items.
• small group capped at six kayaks.
• tandem kayak available upon request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AWA Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're visiting Orlando during manatee season and want to see them in their natural habitat without the crowds at the spring itself—the river paddle puts you close to the animals while keeping the group small and manageable for a morning or afternoon outing.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

38 verified traveler reviews

5 ★38

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

When is manatee season at Blue Springs near Orlando?

Manatee season runs from November through March, when hundreds of manatees migrate to the warm 72-degree waters. This is also when the spring itself closes to swimmers and paddlers to protect them, but the St. Johns River stays open for kayaking.

How many people paddle in each group?

Groups are capped at six kayaks per tour, keeping the experience small and manageable for families and smaller groups.

What kayak should I choose—single or tandem?

Single kayaks work for most paddlers and give you full control. Tandem kayaks are available if you want to paddle with a partner; request one when you book, and it counts as two spots in the group of six.

What's included in the kayaking tour?

The tour includes a sit-on-top kayak, paddle, life vest with whistle, and dry bags for your wallet, keys and phone. A local English-speaking guide leads the group and helps you spot manatees and other wildlife.

How long is the paddle?

The kayaking lasts about 90 minutes on the St. Johns River.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses (polarized lenses help you see underwater), and a hat, since there's no shade on the water. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.