Kayak & canoe · USA KAYAK TOURS

The 15 Best Kayak Tours in the USA

188 tours  ·  from $25 a head

American paddling splits four ways: clear-bottom hulls over Florida springs, manatee and dolphin flats, desert canyon water below the dams, and island launches in Hawaii and the Keys. These 15 cover all four, with prices and how far you paddle.

Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area - Shell Key Preserve and the beach stop
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Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

1.Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,800 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Tierra Verde to Shell Key Preserve with guides such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, or Chris. Expect mangroves, sandbars, shells, birds, and possible dolphins in a group capped at 10. Bring water, sun protection, and shoes that can get wet.

“We had an amazing experience on this guided kayak tour of the Shell Key Preserve with our 2 sons. Our guide, Chris was friendly and helpful as well as very experienced and knowledgable about the ecosystem. We enjoyed seeing conch and fish and birds swimming under our kayaks. I highly recommend this tour with or without children. We will make this one of our regular activities whenever we visit the area.”

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Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup - Getting fitted at Willow Beach
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Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

2.Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,978 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle four miles through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave with a small group and guides such as Michelle, Preston, Gabby, or Ryan. Expect calm water, desert cliffs, wildlife, a short hike, snacks, swimming, and optional transport from Las Vegas.

“Visiting in the winter was a risk we were prepared to take to take, and it was so worth it. The sun shined, it was the perfect day and we had a great time. Preston was very knowledgeable, kept it light and fun and made everyone feel comfortable. We would recommend this to all our family and friends.”

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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle - Launching at Willow Beach and learning the basics
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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

3.Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,858 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $89

Escape Las Vegas for a guided 5-mile paddle from Willow Beach through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave. Choose a single or double kayak, learn from guides such as Juston, Kwame, or Robby, and enjoy snacks, water, scenic stops, and optional Mandalay Bay pickup.

“Our guide was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. We had a great time! The water around the cave is beautiful.”

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Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour - Swimming in the spring water
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Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

4.Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,459 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Paddle the clear, cool waters of Rock Springs Run into Emerald Cut with a guide such as Jacob, Dani, Megan, or David. Expect a shaded upstream route, wildlife watching, photo stops, and an optional swim or rope swing. The tandem kayaks hold two people and the full outing lasts about 2.5 hours.

“It was a wonderful experience. Never kayaking like this before. The guide Jacob was nice, friendly and knowledgeable. Will recommend tis experience to my family and friends!”

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Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour - Entering the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels
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Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

5.Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,440 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Join Sea Life Kayak Adventures for a two-hour guided paddle from 190 Taft Drive through Little Sarasota Bay and South Lido’s mangrove tunnels. Choose a single or tandem kayak, learn about local wildlife from guides such as Ian or Kenny, and keep watch for manatees, dolphins, rays, and birds.

“It was simply great. Our guides Kenny & Ian were knowledgeable and funny. We has some first time kayakers and they would do it again after this experience. We also saw a manatee”

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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip - What the unguided format means on the river
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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

6.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57

Launch from Saguaro Lake Ranch on a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, then float unguided for about two hours to Foxtail. Expect calm water, a few swift sections, desert scenery, and possible wild-horse sightings. A group safety briefing, equipment, shuttle, water, and towels are provided.

“We had a great experience it was so much fun, beautiful scenery. Take sun screen! We learned our lesson we were sunburned later…”

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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach - Under seven bridges and around the island
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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

7.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle Daytona Beach’s calm bay under seven bridges, around an island, and through yacht-lined canals with guides such as Brock, Dallas, Fletcher, and Spencer. A ground lesson, kayaks, and all gear are included, making this a relaxed wildlife outing for beginners.

“The guide was awesome! My daughter was struggling to get through a spot with a current and he came right over to help us. After that, the pace was leisurely. We did see a pod of dolphins, which made the trip. Beautiful and fun!”

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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour - Arriving at Hurricane Hole Marina
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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

8.Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,205 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Join Lazy Dog Adventures at Hurricane Hole Marina for a relaxed two-hour paddle through Key West mangroves. Guides such as Rachel, Heather, Brett, and Bethany explain local geology and wildlife while you look for sea stars, jellyfish, sharks, birds, and crabs. Single and double kayaks are available.

“Previous experience is not necessary, but do follow instructions. Good equipment and expert guidance. Our leader has exceptional knowledge of the waters, aquatic life, birds and boats. Planes overhead often made it difficult to hear her and it would have helped for her to wait while all boats were very close to continue her stories. She had us handle interesting live creatures. Definitely recommend this tour, especially for families with teens.”

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise - The narrated ride toward Chalmette
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

9.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47Best value

Cruise the Mississippi aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen for about 2.5 hours, with lively narration on New Orleans history and a guided stop at Chalmette Battlefield. Guides such as Charles, Dr. Lauren, and Dr. Tarantino have led recent departures. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

“This was a great tour of the Mississippi River and the battleground of the Battle of New Orleans. Charles is a great storyteller and made all the information about the battle and city of New Orleans very digestible.”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - April to November: paddling toward Three Sisters Springs
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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

10.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Choose a scenic Three Sisters Springs trip from April 1 to November 14, with time to swim, or a manatee-season tour from November 15 to March 31. Guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami lead groups of up to 10 from Kings Bay Park in stable, clear-bottom kayaks.

“For some reason the people never did show up when we were there 15 minutes earlier as requested. When we called they said they did not know where the tour leader was. They did offer us a refund which I have not received as yet. However the kisosk next to them allowed us to rent a paddleboard and a kayak so we did have fun. Hope the tour guide is ok but do want the refund as we received no service thank you”

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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - Paddling into the mangrove backcountry
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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

11.Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,683 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Set sail from 255 Front Street with a crew such as Captain Mary, Micah, or Brian, then snorkel protected reef waters and kayak around mangrove islands. Gear, wetsuits in winter, fruit, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Choose morning or afternoon, with sunset on the PM trip.

“Wonderful variety of water sports to do. Micah, Anthony, and Laura were very knowledgeable about the wildlife that was seen during our trip. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is up to being on the water!”

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2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour - From Shelter Cove Marina to the floating dock
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2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

12.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,620 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Launch from Shelter Cove Marina for a gentle two-hour paddle through Broad Creek’s salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Miles share facts about wildlife, island history, and marsh life. Beginners and families are welcome, with double kayaks required for children 12 and under.

“We were inexperienced kayakers. Casey was very patient and helpful. He pointed out dolphins, manatees, string rays, and lots of birds. He explained all about the ecosystem. It was interesting and entertaining.”

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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops - Willow Beach Marina: where the adventure begins
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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

13.Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,522 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle a stable single or tandem kayak from Willow Beach through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave on a gentle four-mile Colorado River route. Guides such as Ryan, Jeff, Calvin, and Maggie share local history, wildlife facts, and safety tips. Add hotel pickup, lunch, or a Hoover Dam stop if desired.

“The tour guy was excellent very helpful I would definitely recommend a tour guide because we would’ve never been able to do it if we just rented a kayak”

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans - A two-hour ride on the Mississippi River
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

14.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,469 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $107

Board the Creole Queen at 1 Poydras Street for a two-hour Mississippi River cruise with live jazz, an optional Creole buffet, and access to the promenade deck. Expect a relaxed evening with city lights, river breezes, a cash bar, and no formal narration.

“This is a must do! Food was scrumptious and staff were friendly and accommodating. My husband is wheelchair bound and it was his birthday, they made him feel extremely special. Shout out to the band also. Definitely would do it again!”

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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike - From kayak to rainforest trail
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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

15.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Kayak 4 miles on Kauai’s Wailua River, then hike about 2 miles through muddy rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Cory, K-man, Kai, and Mana add local stories and plant knowledge. Bring water, snacks, and secure footwear that can get wet.

“We had a beautiful day kayaking but the hiking part was extremely muddy. We made it without falling and swam underneath the waterfall at the end. We were glad we did it even tho it was muddy”

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New in USA Kayak Tours

★ 5.0Small Group Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour near OrlandoFrom $80224 reviews
★ 5.0Sassy’s Silver Springs Kayak and Paddleboard ToursFrom $75229 reviews
★ 5.0Paddleboard Yoga Class in HonoluluFrom $57120 reviews
★ 5.0Lunar Legends Night Stand up Paddle Kayak Water ExperienceFrom $107141 reviews
★ 5.0Haleiwa River Paddle Board Rental with Blue Planet Adventure Co.From $39215 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Dolphin Eco Tour by Kayak & SUP – Fort Myers Beach, FLFrom $5033 reviews
★ 5.0Mangrove Jungle Exploration on SUP/KayakFrom $99146 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak Adventure of Shell Key Preserve & Island with a LocalFrom $58178 reviews
★ 5.0Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa BeachFrom $65194 reviews
★ 5.0Sunset Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)From $8965 reviews
★ 5.0Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)From $59172 reviews
★ 4.9Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)From $5543 reviews
★ 5.0LED Glow in the Dark Clear Kayak or Paddleboard in ParadiseFrom $75157 reviews
★ 5.0Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour Through Winter ParkFrom $90102 reviews
★ 5.0Semi Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Class at Kalama Beach in KiheiFrom $14016 reviews

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