USA · CANOES & KAYAKS

15 Kayak Trips in the USA That Repay the Ticket

63 tours  ·  from $47

Think of this as the shortlist you would text a friend the week before they fly: 15 kayak trips, what each costs, and the one thing to know before you commit.

Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area - Shell Key beach, sandbars, and the shell search
Canoes & Kayaks, Clear Kayak & Glass Bottom Tours, Florida Tours, Kayak Tours in Tampa & St Petersburg, National Parks, Tampa & St Petersburg Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 a guide such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, or Chris. Expect mangroves, shallow water, seabirds, fish, dolphins, and a beach stop for shells. The two-hour tour suits beginners and families, but wind can make open-water paddling strenuous.

“Insanely beautiful! Jada was very knowledgeable and shared great fun facts about all of the wildlife we saw. Would definitely recommend. Also very much appreciated the cold water provided”

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Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup - Paddling through Black Canyon
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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 on a calm Colorado River route. A guide such as Michelle, Preston, Gabby, or Ryan handles safety, local stories, wildlife spotting, and photos. Choose a single or tandem kayak, bring shoes that can get wet, and add hotel pickup from Las Vegas for an easier day.

“This amazing from the bus pick up to drop iff! Michelle was the best, when I recommend this to my friends I'm going to say they have to get a tour with her!! The tour was beautiful, she took photos of everyone the whole time, answered all our questions, and was genuinely such a nice person. 10/10 will bedoing again when I'm back in town!”

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Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle - The Colorado River: the real star of the tour
Canoes & Kayaks, Cave & Cavern Tours, Kayak Tours in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Leave Las Vegas for a guided five-mile paddle from Willow Beach through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave. You’ll get a kayak, life vest, instruction, water, snacks, and a short shore hike. Guides such as Juston, Kwame, Robby, and Justin are praised for clear safety help and lively local stories. Choose shuttle pickup from Mandalay Bay or drive yourself.

“This was our second time doing this tour and we would do it again. Our tour guide Kwame was great. The tour was energetic and informative. Loved every minute!”

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Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour - The upstream paddle into Rock Springs Run
2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Clear Kayak & Glass Bottom Tours, Eco Tours, Florida Tours, Orlando Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Meet behind Kings Landing in Apopka for a small-group clear kayak tour through Rock Springs Run’s Emerald Cut. Guides such as Jacob, Dani, Megan, and David lead the paddle, point out wildlife, and help with technique. Expect shaded water, a cool swimming stop, and roughly 2 to 2.5 hours on the spring.

“The whole thing was absolutely amazing, Jacob was very friendly and funny and made the experience incredible. Loved it and would definitely do this again for sure.”

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Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour - Across Little Sarasota Bay
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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

Meet Sea Life Kayak Adventures at 190 Taft Dr for a two-hour guided paddle through Little Sarasota Bay and South Lido’s mangrove tunnels. Choose a single or tandem kayak, with Ian, Kenny, Joe, Dinko, or another guide leading the way. Expect calm water, local ecology, and possible manatee, dolphin, ray, and bird sightings.

“Do it! We had a great time and our guide was very knowledgeable about the native plants and aquatic life.”

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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip - Two hours on the Lower Salt 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

From Saguaro Lake Ranch, you’ll paddle an unguided two-hour stretch of the Lower Salt River in a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard. Expect forest views, possible wild horses and birds, a few swift sections, and a shuttle back to the ranch. Basic instruction is provided, but you must manage your own boat.

“Nice combination of rapid water and slow-moving river gave us the opportunity to paddle and also float. Weekends have a great party vibe. Weekdays are good for nature watching. Staff is friendly and really knows the river.”

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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour - A relaxed two hours on the water
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Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

7.Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

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

At Lazy Dog Adventures, you’ll paddle quiet mangrove creeks near Hurricane Hole Marina with guides such as Brett, Rachel, Heather, and Bethany. Expect shallow water, tropical fish, crabs, sea stars, jellyfish, birds, and stories about Florida Keys geology. Single and double kayaks suit beginners, families, and dogs.

“Our time with the Lazy Dog team was relaxing and informative. Highly recommended. This is an adventure you will remember for sure.”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - Launching from Kings Bay Park
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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

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

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

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour, small-group clear kayak tour led by guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, or Cami. From April 1 to November 14, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim when conditions allow. From November 15 to March 31, focus on manatees gathered in the warm spring water.

“Great experience! Weather was great, and the guide was great! Clear kayaks made the trip extra special!”

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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset - Kayaking around mangrove islands
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Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

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

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

Spend about four and a half hours with Danger Charters sailing from 255 Front Street, snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and kayaking around mangrove islands. The crew, including guides such as Mary, Micah, Katie, and Laura, supplies gear, wetsuits in winter, snacks, and drinks. Choose morning or afternoon, with sunset on the PM trip.

“It was good. The guides were nice and accommodating. Had a good time and it was a good beginners ride.”

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2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour - Wildlife is a possibility, not a promise
2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Hilton Head Island Tours, South Carolina Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

10.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

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

Meet your guide at Shelter Cove Marina for a brief paddle lesson, then kayak through Broad Creek’s salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Madison mix local ecology with island history. The pace suits beginners, though wind, current, and wildlife sightings can vary.

“guide Capt.Gerard, very knowledgeable and friendly. Explained everything we saw and then some. We felt very safe.”

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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops - Paddling through Black Canyon
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Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

11.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 four miles from Willow Beach into Black Canyon and Emerald Cave. Your guide handles navigation, shares local history and wildlife knowledge, and pauses for scenery, snacks, and possibly a swim. Guides include Ryan, Jeff, Calvin, Maggie, and Faith. Pickup, lunch, and a Hoover Dam stop are optional.

“Well organized. Was explained everything we needed to know to kayak. Beautiful scenery. Our guide, Jayden was great and gave lots of information about the river. So much fun.”

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Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike - Uluwehi Falls earns the effort
Canoes & Kayaks, Hawaii Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

12.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

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

Paddle about 4 miles on the Wailua River, then hike roughly 1.5 to 2 miles through muddy rainforest trails to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Cory, Kman, Mana, and Lono add local stories about Kauai’s plants, culture, and geography. Bring water, snacks, a towel, and secure shoes that can get wet.

“Be prepared to get wet and walk in the mud! I would also recommend wearing a long-sleeve shirt during the walking portion because you will brush against a lot of different plants, and they said some of them can cause skin irritation (I didn't have any issues, just being cautious). Be prepared and pack everything they recommend! This includes good footwear, plenty of snacks, water, and a towel. I went in January, and while the water at the waterfall was cold, I still jumped in and had a great time! This was my most adventurous day and I'm so happy I went.”

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Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide - Uluwehi Falls, the reward at the end
Canoes & Kayaks, Hawaii Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

13.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Paddle about two miles up the Wailua River, then hike nearly two miles over muddy trails, rocks, and stream crossings to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Mikayla provide instruction, local stories, safety help, and walking sticks. Bring water and secure shoes you do not mind soaking.

“Zach was fantastic! Lots of shared stories about local plants and wildlife. And even a few jokes! He’s a great guy and we had a really fun adventure.”

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Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak - The boat ride to Sandspur Island
Canoes & Kayaks, Florida Tours, Miami Tours, Tour Reviews

Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

14.Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,289 reviews · 2h 30m · from $99

You’ll paddle a kayak or SUP through Biscayne Bay and mangroves, then ride by boat to Sandspur Island, known as Raccoon Island. Guides such as Francis, Sean, Tony, and Alejandra lead the trip, help beginners, and point out wildlife. Expect raccoons, scenic views, swimming time, fruit, drinks, and some wet, buggy conditions.

“This tour was awesome and I would definitely do it again! Ashley & Francis were great guides. Before getting to the island, they take you on a short adventure through the beautiful mangrove trees for some site seeing & a quick photo op. Once you get to raccoon island, they give you some fruit & you’re free to roam. Ashley showed my date & I the best spot for pictures and she took some of the best photos that I have of us! She was so informative and taught us a lot. Hopefully I’ll be back again soon!”

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Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour - Learning to paddle before the glacier comes into view
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Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

15.Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,269 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250

Paddle a stable, motor-free canoe across Mendenhall Lake for about two hours and up to five miles, stopping near Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. A guide such as Luke, Mason, Issy, or Ben leads the way, teaches first-time paddlers, shares local stories, and supplies rain gear, boots, gloves, snacks, and hot drinks.

“Great trip - fun to see the glacier from a f Different perspective. Logan was a great guide. Highly recommend.”

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New in Canoes & Kayaks

★ 5.0Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle OptionFrom $149733 reviews
★ 5.0Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black CanyonFrom $110619 reviews
★ 5.0Self-Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Guided Willow Beach PaddleFrom $99383 reviews
★ 5.0Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado RiverFrom $110516 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak TourFrom $88500 reviews
★ 4.5Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two871 reviews
★ 4.5Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves355 reviews
★ 4.5Key West’s Island Adventure Sandbar Tour with KayakingFrom $119593 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Clear Kayak Eco-Tour Near Key WestFrom $79656 reviews
★ 5.0Key West Full-Day Ocean Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel, SailFrom $152767 reviews
★ 5.0Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key LargoFrom $68604 reviews
★ 5.0Ketchikan Shore Excursion: Eagle Island Sea KayakingFrom $115359 reviews
★ 5.0Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with LunchFrom $155783 reviews
★ 5.0Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided AdventureFrom $145790 reviews
★ 5.0Hanalei Bay Morning Kayak and Snorkel TourFrom $160567 reviews

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Cruises & Boat Tours286Snorkeling94Whale Watching42Dolphin Watching60Airboat Tours30Sunset Cruises42Riverboat Cruises14Glacier Tours16
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