ORLANDO
Orlando’s best days out.
The 15 most popular wildlife tours around Orlando, from the theme-park gates out to the spring runs and the Space Coast. Prices, run times and who to book each one with.
Wild Florida near Orlando: 30–60 min airboat through 4,200 acres, live alligator demo, and wildlife park admission.
Most Popular“Did not see many gators, but a great day out and kids loved it”
Ride the Banana River eco tour from Cocoa Beach for dolphin and manatee spotting, narrated by a naturalist, with a restroom on board.
“All employees were great. A heads up no Manatee in cold weather. Would have been nice to know ahead of time. Cold morning make sure you dress for it! Did see lots of birds and a few dolphins.”
Paddle through the Banana River at night and watch plankton glow in the dark on a small-group bioluminescence kayak tour.
“The entire trip exceeded expectations. The location, environment, guides, and overall experience could not have been better. A must see if in this area!”
2-hour clear kayak in Silver Springs for $80. See manatees, turtles, and wild monkeys with a guide.
“Steve and the team is great. We get close to nature and see many wildlife. We see other groups that are 8 boats per guide but we are 3 per guide, which is a great plus”
A small-group 2-hour pontoon cruise through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes with wildlife spotting, local history, and photo stops.
“We saw 7 beautiful lakes with nature at their best. Our tour guide was awesome explaining history behind the landscape and different varieties of birds. We left around 10am little windy and chilly so couldn’t see too many alligators but had an awesome experience and would come back in May.”
A 90-minute airboat ride through the Orlando Everglades with small-group wildlife spotting, a creek-origin story, and gator and eagle chances.
Kayak the spring-fed Silver River on a clear kayak. Spot manatees and monkeys with a small-group guide in about 2 hours.
“Great kayaking trip with Aly! It was so much fun! Highly recommend!! Aly was very knowledgeable about the natural history of the area.”
Kayak Haulover Canal for manatees and dolphins on Florida’s Space Coast. Small group wildlife spotting, gear included, calm water.
“We had a wonderful time with our tour guide Brian! It was very fun, peaceful, and beautiful to kayak around surrounded by nature, the flora and fauna.”
Cocoa Beach manatee and dolphin kayak or paddleboard tour through mangroves. Small group, gear included, photos sent after. 90 minutes.
“Wonderful experience and Captin Mike was very knowledgeable about wildlife and fauna. We saw dolphins, cone jellies and Horseshoe crabs on our kayak trip.”
A 1-hour private pontoon cruise through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes for wildlife, local history, and spring-training lore.
“Great activity perfect time great guide! We saw so many birds and gators! Our guide was patient and kind and so knowledgeable”
Self-guided clear canoe at Silver Springs. Paddle the Silver River, spot manatees, gators, turtles, and maybe rhesus monkeys.
“Fun 2 hours! Received texts with clear instructions during the hour or two before our launch time. Do plan on arriving early to purchase park tickets. Saw a few manatees, many gators, wetland birds and turtles. You and your belongings may get a little wet from the paddles.”
30-minute Kissimmee airboat ride through Everglades headwaters, with wildlife spotting, safety gear, and a chance to hold a baby gator.
A one-hour Everglades wildlife airboat tour from Kissimmee with a max-8 group, included ear protection, and a family-run feel for $58.50.
“Amazing experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff”
Kayak Silver Springs with a small guided group to spot wildlife like manatees in clear spring water. Gear included; state park fees extra.
“I can’t recommend this tour enough! Tania is such a wonderful person – eco-conscious and passionate about sustainability, especially when it comes to preserving Silver Springs. We had an amazing time kayaking with her and spotting manatees, birds, turtles, and fish, all while learning about the history of the local flora and fauna. Tania is…”
Sunset kayaking or SUP in Cocoa Beach’s wildlife refuge for possible dolphins, manatees, mangroves, and great photo ops. Small group.
“Ethen did a great job showing us the dolphins, many birds and mangroves. He was knowledgeable about the area. Kayaking was great even though the weather was a little cold.”
From the springs to the Space Coast, and every way to spend the day.
