Top 15 Wildlife Trips

1.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75Our pick

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.”

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2.Tromsø: Winter Sea Kayaking Tour with Wildlife Sightings

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 591 reviews · 5 - 6 hours · from $225

You’ll paddle winter fjords near Tromsø in a small group of up to 10, with drysuits, instruction, transfers, and guides such as Lauti, Jenka, and Eamon. Expect about 2.5 hours on the water, possible seals and sea eagles, and hot drinks and snacks by the fire afterward.

“Activity was great. Most in the group did not have any kayak experience, but that did not impact the experience. Already started with a seal in the place where we entered the water, and after approximately 1hr we found a big group of seals. Thanks to our guides, who set a nice pace and kept good tracknof us.”

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3.Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 467 reviews · from $99Top rated

Paddle the Kaikoura Peninsula with guides such as Loz, Cam, Brad, or Rosie, learning sea kayaking while watching fur seals and seabirds. Dusky dolphins and blue penguins are possible extras, but not guaranteed. The tour runs about three hours, with roughly 90 minutes on the water.

“This is an excellent paddling adventure with knowledgeable friendly guides. We paddled with Holt and Finn who had the answers to our questions about NZ history and Māori culture as well as many details about the various bird species that Read more”

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4.Silver Springs Clear Kayak Manatee, Monkey & Wildlife Adventures

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 419 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Paddle through Silver Springs State Park for about two hours in a clear kayak, solo kayak, tandem kayak, or paddleboard. Guides such as Chris, Steve, Ashley, and Justin point out manatees, turtles, alligators, birds, fish, monkeys, and sunken movie relics while sharing the spring’s history.

“It was a great experience, the clear kayaks make for an amazing experience. Our guide was great, pointed out all sorts of wildlife I would have a missed on my own.”

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5.Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 390 reviews · 3 hours · from $95

Join Kaikoura Kayaks for a three-hour coastal paddle with 1.5 to 2 hours on the water. Guides such as Cam, Emma, Holt, Loz, and Ollie teach beginners the basics, lead you toward fur seals, and watch for dusky dolphins and blue penguins. Bring quick-dry clothes, water, and sandals.

“This activity is a must-do while you're in Kaikoura. A huge shout to our guide, Holt. He was a saviour. My son felt seasick in the middle of kataking and was unable to kayak anymore. Holt ensured his safety and pulled his katlyak and got my son to the shore safely. It's a huge effort on Holt's part and it is truly appreciated. Thanks you for an amazing experience.”

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6.Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife – 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · from $115

Travel from Noosa by ferry and 4WD along Great Beach Drive to Double Island Point. With guides such as Tyron, Vince, Cam, and Nick, you’ll learn sea-kayaking basics, look for dolphins and whales, and enjoy time in Great Sandy National Park.

“It was absolutely beautiful out on double point! The gides were fabulous and very helpful. Even though we didn't see any wildlife it was still a blast! Thanks Steve and Pete ❤️”

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7.Rookery Bay Kayak Adventure – Mangroves, Wildlife & Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

At Capri Paddlecraft Park, you’ll kayak through Rookery Bay’s mangrove channels with guides such as Matt, Jessica, Elliott, and Tyler. Expect a two-hour outing with wildlife spotting, paddling instruction, safety gear, dry bags, and tour photos. Single and tandem kayaks are available.

“I love the mangroves. The tour guides are knowledgeable and make it very enjoyable. It was my third tour.”

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8.Silver Springs: Clear Kayak Wildlife Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 247 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Join Ecoventure Tours for a two-hour guided paddle on the Silver River in a tandem clear kayak. Guides Aly, Josh, and Emma point out wildlife and spring features while you look through the boat at the water below. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags are provided.

“Really fun experience even had Josh the guide to ourselves. Really cool to see all the wildlife on the River and have Josh’s knowledge and experience to guide us around”

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9.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

You’ll paddle a provided kayak through Haulover Canal near Titusville with a guide such as Brian, Zach, or Terrance. Expect calm water, manatees, dolphins, birds, and possible alligator sightings, with several start times and a 90-minute route.

“Zach was amazing. He knew the history behind the canal, the manatees, the dolphins and the Native American history that began the canal. We were the only ones on that particular tour so he let us spend as much time as we wanted with the dolphins and in the cove were the manatees were sunning. We saw blue herons and other birds. He even knew the the history of the mangrove trees. It was relaxing and beautiful. Zach Roush was the most awesome guide ever.”

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10.Los Cristianos: Kayaking and Snorkeling with Marine Wildlife

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 210 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Paddle from Rays Bay in Los Cristianos toward Palm-Mar with an instructor, then spend about 30 minutes snorkeling for fish and possible turtles. Guides including Val, Rasta, Andrew, and Chris are praised for calm, helpful instruction. Hotel pickup, equipment, and insurance are included.

“under great guidance of Vesco we spotted 5 dolphins during the kayaking after which we got to swim with two lovely big turtles. Vesco was lovely and very helpful. We can really recommend this trip!”

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11.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Best value

Launch at Haulover Canal near Cocoa Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak or paddleboard trip through mangroves and the Indian River Lagoon. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Mike point out manatees, dolphins, birds, alligators, and smaller sea life. Photos arrive by text or email within 48 hours.

“Awesome tour with our guide Noah. Even in the chilly overcast weather he made the tour fun. Saw lots of manatees, an alligator, and a few dolphins.”

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12.Wildlife Kayak Tour in Santa Barbara Harbor (2 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Launch from Santa Barbara Harbor with a guide such as Spencer, Caco, or Forest, learn basic paddling, then cruise past Stearns Wharf, the pier, boats, and beach. Expect calm harbor water, possible sea lions and seals, and a beginner-friendly paddle of about one to two miles.

“This was a fun activity to do on a beautiful sunny day. It’s not over adventurous but we saw a sea lion and a bunch of harbor seals. Our guide, Caco, shared a lot of the Native American history of the area, as well as interesting information about the development of Santa Barbara.”

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13.Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 130 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67

Join an English-speaking guide such as Cam, Amelia, or Marti for a 90-minute evening paddle from the Banff Canoe Club. You’ll learn about local wildlife, help paddle a 12-seat canoe, and may spot elk, osprey, beavers, muskrats, deer, or bald eagles.

“It was a fun activity. Didn’t see any wildlife but still fun!”

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14.Day Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · from $89

Spend 3.5 hours cruising the Bay of Islands from Paihia, with two island stops chosen for the day’s wind. Hike to viewpoints, swim, snorkel, or paddleboard with gear supplied. Guides such as Zac, Nicola, Cass, and Josh add local stories and help keep the outing personal.

“Great tour. Fun boat ride and awesome stops to climb up to viewpoint on Robertson island. Water sports were really fun - saw lots of fish and sting ray. Brought an infant - worked well with chest carrier (not for prams).”

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15.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join the Banff Canoe Club for an easy 90-minute paddle along the Bow River. Your guide handles navigation and shares local wildlife and conservation stories while you look for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, herons, and perhaps bears. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Operators were very nice and the canoe ride was relaxing but you don’t see much wildlife. I wouldn’t recommend.”

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