Paddle Blue Springs: Manatee Tour from Orlando

Paddle among manatees and native wildlife in the clearest springs water in Florida

A two-hour paddle boarding or kayaking activity on Blue Springs near Orlando, where a local guide leads small groups through crystal-clear water to spot manatees, bald eagles, herons, turtles and otters. The tour includes on-ground instruction for first-time paddle boarders, high-quality boards or kayaks, paddles and life vests. Children from age four are welcome.

The experience

You start on the ground with a lesson before touching the water. Most guests have never paddle boarded before, so the guide walks through the basics (balance, paddle technique, how to move across the surface) on dry land first. Once you're confident, you push off into the natural springs. The water is so clear you can see straight through it, and the guide leads the group at an easy pace, stopping to point out the wildlife that lives here: manatees drift past in the cooler months, bald eagles perch in the trees, great blue herons wade in the shallows, turtles sun themselves on logs, sandhill cranes call from the banks, and otters hunt in the deeper channels.

The tour uses high-quality paddle boards built for stability, so you're not fighting to stay upright: that means you can actually look around instead of gripping the board. If paddle boarding isn't your thing, one- or two-person kayaks are available. Either way, you get paddles and a life vest. The guide shares facts about the local ecology and the history of the springs as you float through, and the whole route takes about two hours from start to finish. The operator has been running tours here for over twelve years and trains guides specifically to teach people of all ages and skill levels.

What’s included

• Paddle board or kayak.
• paddles.
• life vest.
• two-hour guided tour with a local guide trained in instruction for all skill levels.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:30, 12:30 and 13:00Last departure this season: 25 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (7 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 6 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours

Is this one for you?The tour moves at an easy pace on calm water, so you're not fighting current or waves. This suits anyone who wants to be on the water without the physical intensity of ocean paddling or whitewater.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 6 years). Children under 4 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.

Can I paddle board if I've never done it before?

Yes. Every tour starts with an on-ground lesson covering balance, paddling technique and water entry, so beginners learn the basics before you push off. The guide is trained to teach all skill levels, and the boards are designed for stability.

What wildlife might I see on the water?

Manatees, bald eagles, great blue herons, turtles, sandhill cranes and otters are common sightings. The guide will point them out and share facts about each species and the local ecosystem.

What's included in the tour?

Paddle board or kayak, paddles, life vest and a guide who leads the group and shares information about the wildlife and history of Blue Springs.

How long does the tour take?

The full tour is two hours from the time you arrive at the launch point.