Top USA Kayaking Tours

Kayak into Antelope Canyon — the most exclusive way to experience one of the world’s most famous natural wonders. Discover the beauty of Antelope Canyon on a one-of-a-kind adventure combining kayaking and hiking. Launch onto Lake Powell and paddle beneath towering 200-foot red rock cliffs, surrounded by stunning desert scenery and calm, reflective water. As you glide deeper, the canyon narrows—leading you toward the hidden entrance of Antelope Canyon. Continue on foot into Lower Antelope Canyon, where smooth, flowing sandstone walls and famous light beams create a surreal, world-renowned landscape perfect for photos. Designed for everyone, this tour is beginner-friendly with calm water paddling and an easy, guided walk (about 1 mile total). No prior experience needed—just come ready for an unforgettable adventure. Led by an expert guide, you’ll learn the canyon’s history, geology, and cultural significance along the way.

Explore the islands and shoreline of Colorado’s beautiful Dillon Reservoir on this best-selling kayak tour. Skip the hassle of arranging a kayak rental or figuring out where to go, and let an eco guide lead you to the most scenic locations around the lake, pointing out wildlife and interesting features of the surrounding peaks along the way. No two voyages are exactly the same, and the route can be customized based on the group’s abilities.

Watch the sun set over Chesapeake Bay on a 2-hour, small-group dolphin tour by kayak from Virginia Beach. Paddle along the coast as you spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and see the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from the water.

Paddle alongside the wild dolphins of Virginia Beach on a small-group kayak tour from North End Beach. Watch for sea birds and other wildlife as you steer an easy to use, sit-on-top kayak along the coast to the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Learn about the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that swim past the Virginia coast each summer, and explore the shore with an experienced guide.

One of the deepest lakes in North America, Tahoe famously has very blue and clear waters, but it can be tricky to get a good view of them on most boat tours. This small-group kayak tour from Sand Harbor State Park takes you out onto the water in completely transparent kayaks so that you can enjoy a fuller perspective. Paddle along the lake while seeing up to 65 feet (20 meters) below the water's surface.

Experience the rugged beauty of Alaska on a guided kayak tour in the town of Hoonah. Join your guide and small group for a paddle past an old logging camp and towering mountains. Then, move on to a rural area the locals call Long Island for a chance to spot wildlife.

Get outdoors and explore a spectacular natural wonder—the Emerald Cave—on this kayaking adventure. After setting off from Willow Beach Marina, paddle along the Colorado River past interesting sites such as a 1920’s era government project, the Black Canyon, and finally—the picturesque Emerald Cave. Traveling on a kayak allows you to access remote, hard-to-reach nature spots without the worry of getting lost as a guide takes care of the navigation.

See Whidbey Island in Washington from a fresh perspective with a small-group kayaking tour in Deception Pass State Park. Meet your guide at 4399 Bowman Bay Rd and climb into a sea kayak to explore the calm waters of Bowman Bay. Learn the basics of paddling and admire views of wildlife, Fidalgo Island, and more. All gear including life jackets and paddles is provided.

Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.

Check out the glowing waters of the Lighthouse Lakes in Port Aransas on this small group kayak tour. Your kayaks will be equipped with LED lights which will cause the waters around you to illuminate. Besides a kayak tour on the water, your guide will also tell you about the landmarks you pass along the way.

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.

Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. You won't have to worry about equipment rentals since kayaking gear is included.

The Tonto National Forest is the largest in Arizona and the Lower Salt River runs right through its heart. On this tour, admire the natural scenery from the water on a thrilling kayaking excursion. Set out from Saguaro Lake Ranch, paddle along the Salt River, and look out for native wildlife, including the park’s herd of wild horses.

Kayaking in the tidal marshes around Charleston is a must-do for wildlife lovers, but without a guide by your side, you’re likely to miss a lot. This tour gets you out on the water with a guide who knows the best spots to go for sightings. While you never know just what you’ll see, creatures that live in these waters include Loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

Paddle a kayak through mangrove creeks and shallow water on a Key West kayaking tour that offers an up-close look that this unique coastal environment. This guided tour is the perfect way to spot Florida wildlife in a natural habitat.

Paddle through the mangrove ecosystem of Tavernier Creek in the Florida Keys on a single or double kayak on this guided tour. Ideal for first-time paddlers, glide in shallow, clear water over sponges, grass beds, and sandy patches. Marine life like turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees can sometimes be spotted nearby.

Get out on the water and see Tampa Bay from a new perspective with this kayaking tour. Ride in a clear kayak—which has the advantage of greater visibility of the underwater world. Along the way look out for coastal birds, marine life, and the beautiful mangroves. No need to worry about missing out on photo opportunities—the trip includes photo stops and a break at Shell Key to enjoy its beach and sandbars.

Experience Hilton Head’s wildlife-rich Broad Creek Estuary on this kayaking tour designed for all ages and experience levels—no need for prior experience or your own equipment. Glide through calm salt-marsh waters and keep an eye out for wild bottlenose dolphins, as well as manatees, sea turtles, otters, and shorebirds. Paddle past waterfront homes and learn about the local history and ecology from your guide.

See parts of the Sitka Sound that you’d be hard pressed to reach on your own with this shore excursion. Spot eagles and maybe even whales from the comfort of a custom-built vessel, and pay attention to the shoreline for sightings of brown bears and black-tailed deer. Then, paddle a kayak and enjoy even closer views of the water and its marine wildlife like harbor seals.

Discover the natural beauty of Hilton Head Island with a guided kayaking tour starting from Shelter Cove Marina. Meet your guide for a quick safety tutorial and paddle through salt marshes, tidal rivers, and creeks in the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. Keep an eye out for birds and dolphins as you explore. Learn about the local ecosystem and history from your naturalist guide. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

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 exploring the Black Canyon's dramatic cliffs, visit a historic overlook, and paddle into the glowing waters of Emerald Cave. Watch for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles while enjoying included snacks and bottled water.

Experience the natural beauty and marine life of Southwest Florida up-close with a CLEAR kayak! Don't just take our word on what an awesome tour this is... see our TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for 2022-2023-2024! Paddle Naples' tours are in the top 10% of all worldwide tours! Our Five-Star guided eco-tours and rentals take you through Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico’s most incredible paddling routes... including mangrove tunnels, secluded beaches, and prime shelling areas! This is prime habitat for dolphins (year round) and manatees (mostly warm water months). We use top quality standard kayaks and paddleboards that are comfortable and easy to paddle. We have CLEAR paddleboards too, and HOBIE pedal kayaks if needed. Complementary photos included! Looking for something truly unique? Try our CLEAR Kayak Sunset Glow Tour. We will paddle to a secluded beach for shelling until sunset, then we turn on the colorful underwater LED lights and have a great time paddling back!

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.