Kayaking Adventures Central Florida

Enjoy the outdoors and explore the rivers, springs, islands, beaches, lakes, swamps and marshes throughout Central Florida on our kayaking tours.

Paddle with Dolphin, Manatee, Otters, and yes, Alligators (but don't worry, you are not on their menu). You may well spot such magnificent birds as the southern Bald Eagle, White Pelicans, Red Headed Woodpeckers, and Great Blue Heron.

Florida Kayaking Tours

  • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge home to the largest number of endangered plant and bird species of all US refuges.
  • Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon paddle through this estuary island hoping where at least seven distinct Indian cultures, Spanish explorers, and civil war troops have occupied as early as 7000 BC.
  • Canaveral National Seashore recognized as one of our country's most beautiful beaches.
  • Loxahatchee River Canoe Trail cruise along Florida's only federally designated natural wild and scenic river.
  • Pelican Island our nation's first national wildlife refuge established in 1903.
  • Econlockhatchee/St. John's Rivers snake along these windy rivers in the Florida back country gliding through hardwood and cypress forests.
 

Kayaking Review:
By Joy Atkinson (Summer Intern)

Did someone mention nature? I had the opportunity to witness it first hand by going on a kayaking adventure in Titusville, FL. Just 45 minutes from Orlando, pretty close to Cocoa Beach. It's located on the Atlantic Ocean, so beaches are very plentiful. There are no beaches in Orlando, making it that much more appealing. It's also near the Kennedy Space Center. For all those knowledgeable space lovers.

The water was warm. This was a nice surprise. It was pretty shallow, which made it perfect if I was to lose control of the kayak. However, I soon found out that to tip a kayak over, I have to be trying to flip a kayak over. So, that was encouraging to find out. We kayaked to a bird sanctuary. This island had thousands of birds scattered along the shoreline. Bird watchers can view Southern Bald Eagle, Roseatte Spoonbill, Redish Egret, Limpkin, White Pelican, ood
Stork, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron and very endangered Scrub Jay . Since I was paddling myself, I was able to view what birds I wanted to because I was the captain of my kayak.

He then led me into the no wake zone of the trip. This was the special manatee area. It even has a short boardwalk for people to walk out to see the manatees because they are known to eat in this large water holding off of the ocean.You will also encounter alligators, fish, stingrays, crab,s jellyfish and otters.

Wildlife you can expect to see are Wild Hogs, Deer, Black Bear, Racoon, Bobcat.

Continuing down the waterway, we spotted an otter hanging out along the rock edge. The kayaking itself was very enjoyable and exciting. There was not a strong current, causing little resistance to propel the kayak. The scenery was beautiful. Since I went so late in the evening, the sky was magnificent. All the green trees and blue green water just set a pictorial scene of the real Florida. Nothing man made, just pure nature to capture my attention. It created a stress free, worry free, healthy environment. After the 45 minute drive from Orlando, it felt wonderful to do some exercise in a place where you did not see concrete everywhere you turned. The trip was at my own pace allowing me to enjoy every aspect.

My advice to you, bring sunscreen. More then likely the sun will be at it's strongest when you are paddling around in the water. Since you are so close to the water, the water acts as a mirror causing the sun to be that much stronger. Bring water and possibly some food for afterward. I would suggest cameras that have a case of some sort. There is a good possibility that you will not get wet, but there is always a slim chance that you will. There are plenty of photo opportunities; I took advantage of them myself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Day Tours:

Manatee Tours - Make contact with Florida's most endangered species.
2 hour trip on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge east of Titusville Florida.
There are few places in the world where an endangered species will approach you and ask for a backrub. Dolphin and many wading bird sightings on this excursion.
March 1-October 31 with "Guaranteed Manatee sighting April -October"
Level of Difficulty: "Easy"
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Lil Econ River - Tour the true old south swimming-hole experience combined beauty of Florida. rope Swings,swimming holes,jump from overhanging trees and splashing your friends.Tour last 4.5 hours but groups can easily spend 5-7 hours depending on the schedule and desire. This trip is reserved for groups of 10 or more. Please email us with desired date.
Year Round
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Tour - The habitat is filled with the most consistent populations of migratory and native bird life available anywhere. Tour last 2-2.5 hours with a rookery island just off our launch site, the chances of seeing that spoonbill,heron,or egret are pretty good. This 90 minute focuses on the rookery island. June & July are a must see for avid birders with all the fledgling birds wandering the shore of the rookery.
November 1-February 28
Difficulty: Easy
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Silver River - one of the most beautiful rivers in Florida. Paddle upstream before dark and enjoy a beautiful tropical experience with the feel of Old Florida. Plenty of wildlife to see - even bands of monkeys from older theme park days. At sunset we have a bite to eat before the return trip under a full moon. Total trip length about 4 hours.This trip is reserved for groups of 10 or more. Please email us with desired date.
Year Round
Difficulty: Easy
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Bioluminescent Night Tour - During the warm summer months in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with Bioluminescence.Every movement produces light! From the swirl of your paddle or the trail of a speeding school of mullet(which look very much like hundreds of blue-green underwater bottle rockets),to the ghostly glow of a slow moving manatee or stingray every movement is illumined. this 2 1/2 that is a must see tour.
June - October
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Moonlight Paddles - During the weekends of the full or almost full moon,we will choose one of several rivers and enjoy a moonlight paddle. Its always different and we never really know what creatures we will encounter or which of several paths we will take. Dolphin and manatee are regulars. Lots of birds too, including owls and night herons.
March-December
Difficulty: Easy
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Space Shuttle Launch Tour - Paddle out for an unobstructed view of the Space Shuttle during launch just seven miles away. During launches you have the best seat in Brevard County. We put in at our Haulever canal launch site, and within a short paddle to Mosquito Lagoon. The atmosphere of the water is electric as we find ourselves a part of a flotilla of the many vessels gathered on the lagoon. As the shuttle lifts off, the sound waves travel across the water mixing with the shouts from observers adding to the trill of the moment. During the paddle to lagoon and back we frequently see manatees and dolphins.
Shuttle Launch Schedule
Difficulty: Easy
Price:
Adults $32
Children $24 (age 5-11)
Schedule
Photo's
Reservations

Custom Tours - We can plan a custom trip for you,your family or a large group to most any location in Florida. We have kayaked from Okefenokee to the Keys and would love to explore new places with you. Send us an email and we will research the trip and get back to you with details and a projected cost. We do all the work - you simply paddle and enjoy.

Kayak Rentals:

Fishing Kayaks - Ocean Kayak Prowler 15' with Scotty rod holders.
$50 full day; $35 half day/4 hours (You Pick up and drop off)

Single Kayak - Sit op top or or sit in.
$30 full day;$20 half day (You Pick up and drop off)

Double Kayak - sit in (Kepwee or Old Town Loon)
$45 full day;$35 half day (You Pick up and drop off)

* If you transport we have the equipment to secure kayaks to your vehicle at no additional cost.
* If you would like us to transport kayaks to your launch site there will be an additional fee. Fee determined by the number of kayaks needed and launch site requested.
* All rentals include paddle,life jacket and whistle (required by U.S. Coast Guard).