Kayak & canoe · ISLAND KAYAK TOURS IN THE USA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 island kayak tours in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Paddle from Kailua Beach to Flat Island or the Mokulua Islands on a guided or self-guided outing. You get kayaks, snorkel gear, permits, lockers, showers, and deli lunch. Guides such as Mike, Evelyn, and Tupre add local stories and wildlife tips when available.
“First, Ask for MIKE as your guide. WOW! He kept everyone engaged and energized all day. And the tour was visually awesome”
Choose a kayak or SUP and follow a guide through Biscayne Bay mangroves before a boat ride to Sandspur Island, known as Raccoon Island. Guides such as Francis, Alejandra, Tony, and Sean help with paddling, wildlife, and photos. Expect raccoons, possible rays, dolphins, crabs, and plenty of sun.
“Awesome little experience in Miami! The guide is very fun and knowledgeable! Just a bit on the high side of the price value ratio”
At Capri Paddlecraft Park, guide Rammel introduces you to stable Hobie pedal kayaks or paddle kayaks, then leads a roughly two-hour trip through Marco Island mangroves. Expect wildlife lessons, calm-water exploring, photos, and possible dolphins or manatees. You may get wet, so dress for it.
“Pedal kayaking is the way to go! Our guide Rammel made this trip fun, relaxing, educational and so very enjoyable. It was a beautiful day and we even saw manatees! We would definitely take this trip again.”
So Flo Water Adventures takes you by boat from North Miami Beach to a kayak launch near Sandspur Island, also called Raccoon Island. Guides such as Alejandra, Tony, Sean, Angie, and Liam lead you through mangroves, open water, and a short island visit with raccoons, snacks, drinks, and optional swimming or snorkeling.
“The excursion was great and our guide Sean was very knowledgeable. Our tiki boat driver was also really nice.”
Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with guides such as James, Ian, or Susie. Paddle open lagoons and narrow mangrove tunnels while watching for manatees, dolphins, stingrays, tarpon, crabs, and birds. Your guide takes photos and emails them within 48 hours.
“Equipment was good. Guide was knowledgeable and set a comfortable pace. Saw plenty of critters and birds. About the right length of time on the tour.”
Choose a kayak or SUP in North Miami, then ride out to mangroves and Raccoon Island with guides such as Sean, CJ, Tony, or Alessandra. Expect beginner instruction, wildlife stops, swimming, fruit, and drinks, but less paddle time than the four-hour length may suggest.
“It was great! The little raccoon guys are so sweet. It was well managed and was a great time. It wasn’t the time of year for manatees but that’s okay it was lovely.”
Paddle Naples guides you through Big Hickory Island’s mangroves, open Gulf water, and shell-covered beaches in a standard or CLEAR kayak or SUP. Guides including Hannah, Nick, Victoria, and Zach point out birds, dolphins, shells, and local ecology. The relaxed tour lasts about 2.5 hours.
“Great experience for families and solo travelers. Very informative Guide- we had Nick lead us and I found him to be very patient with inexperienced paddle boarders and knowledgeable! Learned a lot and will absolutely come back again soon for another adventure!”
Join BK Adventure for a 90-minute night paddle through Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo help you spot glowing plankton and comb jellyfish from your kayak. Equipment is included, and groups are limited to eight.
“Was a beautiful night but the bioluminescence was disappointing Also at times can be stressful if you’re not a experienced kayaker because you are bunched up with other kayakers and you might run into them.”
Choose a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and follow an English-speaking guide through North Miami’s mangroves and calm waterways. Expect a short paddling lesson, wildlife sightings, an island break with fruit and drinks, and time to swim or snorkel. Guides such as Sean, Isabella, and Tony are praised for friendly, careful instruction.
“The captain to take us out to where we get on the kayaks was amazing! Liam, our tour guide was excellent! 100% recommend.”
Paddle from Kailua to the Mokulua Islands with a naturalist guide such as Tommy, Austin, Mike, or Will. Expect about an hour of kayaking each way, an island walk to Queen’s Bath, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, lunch, and a real workout in open water.
“Wonderful employees. It was our best vacation ever. Perfect weather. Our sons are really enjoying kayaking for hours.”
Spend about 2 hours and 15 minutes paddling Lofton Creek near Amelia Island with guides such as Madeline, Rob, Corey, or Jessica. You’ll receive a kayak, paddle, safety gear, and instruction while exploring blackwater wetlands, spotting birds, turtles, fish, and possibly alligators.
“Amazing tour with Madeline and Rob. They were very knowledgeable about the wildlife and nature. Would definitely do it again!”
Leave Ketchikan by van for a beginner-friendly tandem kayak trip through Clover Pass and Tongass National Forest. Guides such as Eli, Sarah, Katie, and Mallory provide hands-on instruction as you paddle toward Eagle Island, watching for eagles, seals, starfish, sea lions, salmon, and whales.
“This was my first time kayaking. Sara and Erin were amazing guides! They were friendly, pleasant and helpful. As first time kayakers they gave clear and understandable instructions. They were patient with me my nephew always bringing up the rear ;) I would definitely recommend this excursion to anyone (beginner to expert) looking for something fun, refreshing and exciting to do in Ketchikan, AK”
Launch from Frisco Bay Marina for a guided kayak trip of up to 7 miles on Dillon Reservoir. Guides such as Ty, Julia, Brittany, Carter, and Norris cover local ecology, Native American history, and wildlife. Tandem kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and dry bags are included.
“This was such a wonderful experience. Loved every second of it! Brittany was an exceptional tour guide. Seeing the moose and her baby playing near the water was a bonus.”
Spend about six hours kayaking near San Juan Island with a guide, wildlife sightings, and a beach lunch. You’ll meet at 2 Front St. in Friday Harbor at 10:45 am, visit Lime Kiln Point State Park and San Juan County Park, and return to the same spot. Small groups cap at 10 people.
“Tiffany was a great guide, a small group so we had individual attention. Lovely lunch, great company, gorgeous day and lots of wildlife spotting!”
Join local guides Scott and Karissa for a three-hour kayak trip through Shell Key Preserve near St. Petersburg. Paddle shallow grass flats, pass through mangrove tunnels when tides allow, watch for wildlife, then stop at Shell Key Island for swimming, shells, and beach time.
“I'm a fan of kayak tours and have done quite a few along the east coast, including through mangroves. Scott was easily the best tour guide I've ever had! Gave great easy to follow instructions for new kayakers, incredibly personable and friendly, immediately memorized the names of everyone on the group, and shared really interesting local history and facts on all of the animals, fish, plants, etc. that we saw throughout the trip. He was just extremely engaging and helpful. Karissa brought up the rear, making sure everyone was doing ok and no one left behind. One of the coolest parts was the cormorant birds hanging with the group so…”
Pick the water, the hull or the hour.
