Did you know outside the crowds and roller coasters, there is an amazing collection of waterways where kayakers can paddle for days on end around Orlando? 

With a blend of calm lakes, winding creeks, and lush natural habitats, the Orlando area offers an amazing experience for paddlers of all levels. Although there are a lot of fantastic places to go kayaking in Florida, Orlando offers great waterways and amazing theme parks, making it the perfect destination for family-friendly fun.

Best of all, you can spend the day on the water, and then relax in the evenings either at a campsite near the water, or at a hotel in Orlando. There are even some incredible vacation rental homes in the area, ideal for large groups traveling together. 

Whether you’re a beginner who just wants to find a great place for a peaceful paddle, or you want a little more adventure with some encounters with Florida wildlife, these 5 destinations promise unforgettable kayaking experiences.

1. Wekiva River

The Wekiva River is a popular river that’s located in Central Florida. It’s a great place that offers paddlers the chance to explore beautiful water that’s surrounded by amazing flowers and other nature scenes. 

Located just a short drive from downtown Orlando, this river is home to otters, alligators, and a large variety of birds. The calm water makes it perfect for those who are new to kayaking while still offering enough fun and adventure for those who have a great deal of experience on the water.

If you’re lucky, you might even see some manatees during your kayaking trip. Wekiva River is also famous for its eco-friendly vibe which allows paddlers to enjoy Florida’s rich ecosystem without having to travel too far from the city. Tandem kayaks and clear kayaks are popular rental options here and offer a unique way to have fun on the water.

2. Rock Springs Run

If you’re looking for an adventurous place to kayak, Rock Springs Run offers a great balance of exciting water and natural beauty. This waterway is well-known for its beautiful green color and fast-moving currents. It’s long been a favorite spot for kayakers that like a little challenge when they’re on the water. The water flows through many areas where you can see otters or even alligators while you’re kayaking.

Rock Springs Run starts off with calm waters, which is great for those who are new to kayaking. The calm waters last for a while before the current starts to move faster, so you’ll have a little time to get used to paddling before the water starts to move faster. You can find kayak rentals, including some really cool clear kayaks which will let you really see the water’s clarity as you paddle downstream.

Another great thing about Rock Springs Run is that you can also enjoy more than 17 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Whether you’re a kayaker, or just love to spend time in nature, this is the perfect place to check out when you’re in the Orlando area.

3. Lake Ivanhoe

Located right in the heart of the Orlando area, Lake Ivanhoe is a calm, relaxing place where you can escape from the busy city. 

Lake Ivanhoe is part of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes in Orlando that includes several other lakes and more than 1000 acres of lake front fun and excitement in the area. It’s a great place for kayaking, especially for those who want a little adventure on calmer waters. Since you can see the downtown skyline from Lake Ivanhoe, it’s a popular lake for daytime as well as night kayak trips.

If you’re new to kayaking and want to start on a lake that’s calm and relaxing, this is the place for you. Its location is perfect as it’s just a few minutes away from the city where you can shop, find great places to have a meal, or rest after your day on the water ends. 

Not only is Lake Ivanhoe perfect for kayakers, but it’s also a great place for paddleboarders as well as other water sports and fun in the sun.

4. Shingle Creek

Shingle Creek has been called the headwaters of the Everglades because it’s the beginning of the freshwater that flows towards the Everglades from Orlando. 

This water runs through a beautiful forest filled with cypress trees. It’s a much needed shady spot to help get you out of the hot, Florida sun when you’re on the water. You’ll possibly be able to see turtles, otters, and wild birds as you kayak down the creek.  

Shingle Creek is a fun place for families and small groups to get together for a little fun on the water. It’s great for single and tandem kayaks, and you can even rent one at a local kayak rental shop. This is a great place for beginners to get on the water as it’s pretty calm and peaceful. If you’re looking for a relaxing area to kayak, away from the city, be sure to check out Shingle Creek.

5. Blue Spring State Park

Blue Springs State Park is about half an hour outside of Orlando, but since it’s so close, it’s a great place to consider when you’re planning a kayak trip in the area. 

The clear waters are beautiful, and you’ll possibly be able to see a few manatees swimming around because they tend to enjoy the waters here. During the cooler months of the year are the best times to see the manatees swimming as they tend to swim to the warm spring waters to avoid the cooler waters in other areas. If your dream is to kayak with manatees, Blue Spring State Park is the best place near Orlando.

Blue Spring State Park offers so much because it’s a natural habitat for many wildlife species. This includes ospreys, eagles, kingfishers, and sea cow fish. You might even see a black bear trying to catch a fish from the banks of the water! 

If you plan your trip between May and October, there is a good chance you’ll be able to see bioluminescence just before, or after, a full moon. This is definitely a wonderful place for beginners to get in the water, and offers a nice, calm and relaxing experience for all.

Local Kayak Tours

Orlando is a great place for kayaking, and if you’re new to kayaking, or new to the area, a guided tour may be the perfect way for you to check out the local kayaking scene and learn about the best waters to paddle on. Here are a few of the local guided tours that you can check out when you’re planning to kayak in the area:

• A Day Away Kayak Tours: Specializing in bioluminescence kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. This is a great place for families and small groups to enjoy guided day tours on the waters in Central Florida.
• Get Up and Go Kayaking: Known for their unique clear kayak tours across central Florida. Individuals and small groups tend to have a great deal of fun when they book tours with Get Up and Go Kayaking. Another great thing is that they offer adventure tours for those who enjoy faster moving waters.
• Central Florida Outdoor Adventures: Offering small group eco-tours in pristine waterways. This guided tour offers calm waters for those who are just beginning to kayak, but also offers some adventurous waters for those who are a little more experienced and crave some excitement on the water.

Where Will You Kayak Around Orlando?

When you take a kayak trip in Orlando, you’ll find a beautiful blend of beauty and accessibility. You really can’t beat the amazing waterways you’ll find in Florida, especially in the Orlando area. 

Whether you plan to paddle on the Wekiva River where you can find a little adventure, or on Lake Ivanhoe where you’ll have a calmer, more relaxing paddle. The beautiful lakes and other waterways in the Orlando area offer a great way to spend the day on the water with family or friends, check out the local wildlife, and enjoy hours on end in the beautiful wilderness of Central Florida. 

When you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, grab your paddle and head to Orlando to check out some of the best places in the country for kayaking and other water fun!