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“We absolutely loved the airboat ride and our guide! 100/10 would recommend!”
Ride the Banana River eco tour from Cocoa Beach for dolphin and manatee spotting, narrated by a naturalist, with a restroom on board.
“This was a great experience going on the Banana River looking for wild life, it ended up being little long but still fun. Thank you!”
Paddle through the Banana River at night and watch plankton glow in the dark on a small-group bioluminescence kayak tour.
“I loved this so much! When you paddle, all these jellyfish light up! We caught some in a clear jar and it was as bright as a lamp! Our guide Faith was awesome and hilarious! She’s da BOMB BIGGETY!”
2-hour clear kayak in Silver Springs for $80. See manatees, turtles, and wild monkeys with a guide.
“Excellent Ashley was very informational and made it fun! We saw many fish, a manatee, turtles and many close up gators!”
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.
“It is an easy float and easy to paddle. Aly helped my wife get in and out of the canoe who is physically challenged at times”
Kayak Haulover Canal for manatees and dolphins on Florida’s Space Coast. Small group wildlife spotting, gear included, calm water.
“This tour was amazing! We saw manatees, dolphins, alligators and many birds. The kayaking was easy and the water was calm. Our guide Terrance was very knowledgeable and told us a lot of history of the area and about the wildlife. He even took photos of us throughout the adventure for no additional cost. This…”
Cocoa Beach manatee and dolphin kayak or paddleboard tour through mangroves. Small group, gear included, photos sent after. 90 minutes.
“Our family really enjoyed the kayak tour with Logan! He was a great tour guide, knowledgeable and kept the entire family entertained. 5 stars!”
A 1-hour private pontoon cruise through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes for wildlife, local history, and spring-training lore.
“It was a great way to learn a little about the lakes and how so many are connected by tunnels, also the wildlife and history of a few of them.”
Self-guided clear canoe at Silver Springs. Paddle the Silver River, spot manatees, gators, turtles, and maybe rhesus monkeys.
“Very friendly, shared good map and information so that we could see the animals and stay safe. Boat was clear enough that we got great videos of underwater sea life.”
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.
