Top USA Kayaking Tours

This small-group tour explores the waters off of Makena landing beach with clear kayaks and snorkeling gear—a rare combination. Paddle out to Maui’s “volcanic reef,” learning about Hawaiian culture and the formation of the Hawaiian islands along the way. Set anchor, don your snorkeling gear, and head underwater in search of sea turtles, tropical fish, and other marine life. Media package available for purchase.

Experience Kauai nature at its finest on this kayaking and waterfall hiking tour. Paddle the majestic Wailua River, original home of the first Hawaiians, as your guide shares stories about the flora and fauna of Kauai's most sacred area. Then, hike through the rainforest to Secret Falls where you can enjoy a refreshing dip before a delicious lunch. This challenging tour requires participants to meet health and age guidelines to ensure safety.

Explore the natural beauty of Kauai—and see a side of the island that most visitors miss—with a combo hiking and kayaking adventure on the Wailua River. Enjoy a leisurely paddle through lush tropical scenery, then disembark for a guided nature hike to a waterfall. Refuel with a picnic lunch, then take a dip at the base of the falls. No kayaking experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure.

Explore the pristine waters of Crystal River on a small-group clear kayak tour, offering unmatched views of the underwater world. In the summer, paddle through Three Sisters Springs with stunning views and a chance to swim in the springs (admission included). During the winter months, spot manatees in their natural habitat where they gather to escape the cold.

Most Maui snorkeling tours use boats with limited visibility of what's directly beneath, and shore-based snorkeling at Turtle Town requires walking gear over loose rock to reach the water. This small-group tour uses clear-bottom kayaks to paddle over the reef with views of the water below, with snorkeling gear included for in-water sessions among the turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish at the reef.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and spend time in nature with this kayaking tour through Silver Springs State Park. Ideal for nature lovers, this wildlife-focused activity offers the opportunity to see manatees (depending on the season), turtles, and wild birds in their native habitats. Feel comfortable paddling along the Fort King trail on a clear kayak or paddleboard designed for stability and underwater viewing.

Get out on the water and discover the ecosystem around Osprey Nature Preserve by kayak or stand-up paddleboard with this small-group guided tour to Sandspur Island, commonly known as Raccoon Island. Meet your guide, board your kayak or paddleboard, then paddle out to the island, while learning about the wildlife in the area. Includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

If you’re looking for an adventure you take on your own or with your own group, try booking this Mokolii Island Self-Guided Kayak Tour from Kaneohe. Collect your kayak, life jacket, and other equipment, then get a quick personal instruction before you launch your kayak and head out. Not geared for complete beginners, experienced kayakers will enjoy cruising the ocean near Kualoa Regional Park.

The calm waters of Blue Springs State Park are home to hundreds of manatees through winter: This small-group kayaking tour feels like your own invitation into their world. Paddle your way through waters fed by a crystal clear natural spring and learn all about the area from your tour guide. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are included for your convenience.

Enjoy a new perspective on Oahu's coastal beauty—and a more immersive way to explore—on this half-day kayaking tour of Kailua Bay. Choose between small-group or self-guided options when booking this flexible, half-day eco-adventure. Look forward to visiting the top-rated Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands (self-led tour only). This tour includes all kayaking and snorkeling equipment.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and increase your chances of spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, salmon, and even whales as you explore in a quiet, eco-friendly vessel. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Get close to the unique wildlife living just off the shores of St. Augustine during this on-water adventure tour. Choose between a kayak or a paddle board, slip on a life vest, and head out onto the water with a guide. As you paddle around the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Anastasia State Park, you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and the West Indian manatee.

Discover the calm waterways around Siesta Key, just outside of Sarasota, on this small-group excursion. Choose a kayak or stand up paddleboard, whichever you are more comfortable with, for your journey. Then, follow your guide through the Jim Neville Marine Preserve observing mangrove islands and local wildlife while you paddle towards a secret beach.

If you're looking for a nature break from Las Vegas, spend a day paddling down the Colorado River on this small-group kayak tour that starts from the iconic Hoover Dam. Experienced river guides will get you geared up and ready for the voyage, no matter what your experience level, so you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Black Canyon. Take breaks along the way at waterfalls, natural hot springs, and a sauna cave.

Paddle tandem kayaks along Kauai's Hule'ia River and get closer to the lush jungle than you could in a traditional tour vehicle. Enjoy a short hike to a stunning waterfall and swimming hole, followed by a relaxing return trip in a twin-hulled motorized Hawaiian canoe. Plus, exploring with a guide increases your chance of spotting native flora and fauna.

The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.

Cool off in Key West on a half-day water sports tour that features 10 different water activities for you to try, from jet skiing to parasailing to banana boat rides to snorkeling, and much more. Enjoy lunch and draft beer on the way back to the marina for those over the age of 21.

Beat the heat of Las Vegas by paddling down the Colorado River on this half-day small-group tour. Spend ample time on the water taking in the stunning sights of the Black Canyon. Keep your eye out from wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles as you paddle along and take a dip in the clear waters of Emerald Cave.

Skip the crowds and hassle of bus tours with this self-drive, small-group kayaking tour on the Colorado River. Make your own way to the launch point at Willow Beach to meet your group and guide; board a kayak, and then enjoy a guided paddle into the Black Canyon. Along the way, take in the desert scenery and look out for wildlife including big horn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles.

Save time and money in Key West on this all-inclusive, full-day excursion. Enjoy a day of sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking off the coast. Visit the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and explore an underwater world full of colorful fish and coral. Includes a buffet lunch with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Escape the bustle of the city for the morning—and immerse yourself in Florida’s wealth of wildlife—on this family-friendly kayaking tour of Lofton Creek, just north of Jacksonville. Make your own way to the departure point at Fernandina Beach, take part in a brief introduction, and grab your kayak, paddle, and life vest. Then, take to the water, where you can spot wildlife ranging from otters and turtles—even manatees.

If you want to see the hordes of bats that fly through Austin each night but don’t want to do so from the Congress Avenue Bridge, book this Downtown Austin Sunset and Bats Kayak Tour that lets you view the bats and the beautiful sunset from the water. A guide leads you and others out in your kayaks and knows the best areas to stop for viewing. Plus, all necessary equipment is provided for you.

Departing from Makena Bay, this guided, small-group excursion takes you water biking alongside one of Maui's stunning black-sand beaches. Get hands-on assistance as you pedal yourself along the ocean shore. Observe local wildlife and underwater reefs, with plenty of time to take photographs. Enjoy a personalized outing in a group of only 10 participants.

Avoid the crowds and high winds of late afternoon with this early-morning, small-group kayaking tour from Las Vegas. Paddle along volcanic canyon walls and the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park, visiting historic sites like Emerald Cave, a fish hatchery, and the Gauger’s Homesite. Upgrade to include round-trip transfers from your Las Vegas hotel for a hassle-free day out.