
Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour worth booking?
Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Orlando, United States, from $70 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 74 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (74)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Silver Springs kayaking is open all year long, and it’s a fantastic place for adventure whenever you’re ready to go! Manatee season is November through March but there are 7 manatees that call Silver Springs home year ro
What you get
About this experience
Silver Springs kayaking is open all year long, and it’s a fantastic place for adventure whenever you’re ready to go! Manatee season is November through March but there are 7 manatees that call Silver Springs home year round! So we have the possibility to see the occasional manatees. Whenever you decide to take the tour, you can count on blue, crystal clear water and tons of fascinating history about this 200 year-old attraction. Besides the possibility of seeing manatees and monkeys, there are all kinds of wildlife to be seen year round, and I’ve memorized all their hot-spots. I can’t wait to show you! (there is a max weight limit of 250lbs for the single kayaks and 450lbs for the tandem)*Please note if you need a two person tandem. My kayak tours are capped at 6 kayaks per tour, perfect for families and smaller groups!****Same day bookings please call before booking for vessel availability as I may only have single kayaks OR tandems****This tour has a 2 guest minimum.
What's included
Included
- Two Person Tandem available upon reguest with 2 single purchase.
- Kayak and paddle, life vest/whistle, dry bags for wallet, keys, and phone
- Local knowledgeable guide
Not included
- Sunscreen(recommend 50+ spf), water and light snack(if needed)
- Tip for your guide(if you had an amazing time!)
- Parking fees
- Sunglasses(polarized preferred) to see underwater better
- Hat
What you'll see and do
Silver Springs
We will paddle the Fort King loop, looking at all the wildlife along the way. We typically see turtles, manatees, alligators(at a safe distance) and monkeys.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Orlando
Meeting point is to the far right of the big parking lot where the canoe and kayak launch is located. I will be by the staging area against the fence with a company shirt on.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting point is to the far right of the big parking lot where the canoe and kayak launch is located. I will be by the staging area against the fence with a company shirt on.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- AWA Kayak Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
An unforgettable experience!
It was an unforgettable experience! Even though I was the only person signed up, Aaron went ahead with the tour. We met right at the launch site, and after a briefing on how to behave while out on the water, we set off immediately. Aaron skillfully managed to get us really close to the manatees. The animals did the rest themselves: taking curious looks, rubbing against the kayak, and resting their flippers on the boat. We also spotted alligators several times, and we got very close to one near the spring area. Aaron’s wit and interesting stories turned the whole thing into a fantastic, exciting tour. Many thanks, Aaron, I can highly recommend your tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you! Let me know next time you are in town and looking for an Adventure! -Aaron
via Tripadvisor
More than worth it!
Superb day! Aaron is knowledgable, friendly and makes the trip! The wildlife is a bonus!
Response from the operator: Awwe thank you so much! Wildlife is always a bonus and when you paddle you accidently work out. Look us up next time you are in town and want an Adventure! - Aaron
via Tripadvisor
Gliding across calm...
Gliding across calm water, this kayak tour felt both peaceful and adventurous. Our guide was knowledgeable, pointing out wildlife and hidden inlets we would have missed on our own. The pace was perfect for beginners, with plenty of breaks to take photos and soak in the scenery. Equipment was clean and easy to use, and safety instructions were clear. A light breeze kept things comfortable, while sunlight sparkled on the surface. It was a refreshing way to connect with nature and unwind. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a relaxing outdoor experience with just enough excitement to keep it memorable truly.
Response from the operator: Thank you! Come Adventure with us next time you are in town! - Aaron
via Viator
If you’re looking for manatees go elsewhere this time of year.
No manatees around here! Spring is pretty, short glass bottom boat ride
Response from the operator: Hey guys I'm not sure who you went with but it was not my company. Please remove your review. I do not do glass bottom boat rides, I only do kayak tours and they are not clear. Also keep in mind manatee season is Nov-Mar. -Aaron
via Tripadvisor
Aaron was excellent guide...
Aaron was excellent guide and we enjoyed being on the water with him saw manatees alligaters turtles and birds
Response from the operator: Thank you Cathy! Let me know you are ready for your next Adventure! -Aaron
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Orlando.
How much does Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Orlando usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Orlando is not rushed.
Is Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 74 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Orlando, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour?
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Around 26 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Orlando can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Orlando and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Orlando within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Orlando?
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Orlando is a park town with a wetland wrapped around it. Multi-day theme park tickets and skip-ahead passes dominate, but the highest-satisfaction days are often the ones nobody plans: airboat runs on the St. Johns, manatee swims at Crystal River, and Kennedy Space Center on a launch day. We rank on wait-time value and how honestly an operator describes what is included. On Outty we rank every Orlando experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Escape Game Orlando: Epic 60-Minute Adventures on I-Drive, Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Orlando?
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January to April, before the humidity and the afternoon thunderstorms settle in. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Orlando?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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