Top USA Kayaking Tours

Try a traditional Hawaiian sport at Kalapaki Beach—surfing an outrigger canoe through waves with views of the spectacular mountains and cliffs. While regular surfing requires practice to catch waves, this outrigger experience gets you in the water with an experienced paddler; even if you've never gone canoeing, you can ride Hawaiian waves the very first time you go out.

Riggings, Idaho, is one of the best places to go rafting in the US. Take this half-day rafting tour on the Salmon River, and safety travel through different levels of whitewater with a guide who gives an orientation beforehand. Plus, this tour makes your experience stress free with a snack, all gear, and round-trip transport from the meeting spot included.

With this small-group tour, get on the water and kayak along Sarasota Bay to the world-famous Lido Key mangrove tunnels. After a detailed paddle and kayak operation lesson, venture into the open water. Search for wildlife encounters with manatees, dolphins, stingrays, eagles, and other animals before kayaking through clear water under the protective canopy of mangrove forests.

Kayaking the lake at dusk is always a magical experience. Imagine yourself gliding across the clear waters of Lake Tahoe as they change from emerald blue to pink and purple. As you look up into the sky, you will see the sun slowly sinking behind the majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. This is one unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.

On this small-group kayaking or paddleboard tour, you’ll hit the scenic coastlines of Marina del Ray for a hands-on nature immersion. Learn kayaking or paddleboard techniques from your guide, and get a chance to spot local wildlife like sea lions, dolphins, and different varieties of seabird. Tours are capped at only seven participants for a personalized experience.

Paddle into the sunset along the Southern California coast during this beginner-friendly, small-group kayaking trip from Santa Barbara. Watch the last rays of the day melt into the Pacific as you travel through the glassy waters of Santa Barbara Harbor. Pass by the historic wharf, keeping an eye out for marine life; a guide and all necessary kayaking gear are included to make logistics easy.

San Diego’s La Jolla Ecological Reserve is one of the best spots on the West Coast to kayak and snorkel. On this two-activity tour—all gear provided—you and your crew will take turns between floating above water and snorkeling in it, hanging out with garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, sea lions, and tons of other fascinating marine life.

Experience the beauty and diversity of Florida's Everglades on a kayak tour. Join a small group and paddle through mangrove forests in search of local wildlife. During the winter months, manatees can be spotted congregating in the cooler waters of deep canals. You can also observe other animals like river otters, alligators, and several bird species during your tour.

Have the special opportunity to see the Mendenhall Glacier up close—and make the most of your limited time ashore in Juneau—on this immersive, half-day shore excursion. Travel across the waters of Mendenhall Lake in a traditional Tlingit-style canoe that permits unobstructed viewing of the glacier, icebergs, Nugget Falls, and perhaps some Alaskan wildlife. This tour includes all equipment, snacks, and port pickup and drop-off for your ease.

Explore the waters of Anna Maria, Florida with the help of an experienced naturalist for a guide to help you spot manatees in the wild. Paddle your way around the waterways with a local to tell you all about the area’s ecosystem as you sightsee on the water. Stop at Beer Can Island to explore on land too.

Skip the usual boat tours and embark upon a Hawaiian style kayak adventure in a traditional outrigger canoe. These double-hull canoes are known for providing stability and smooth rides; all the better to experience Kealakekua Bay with minimal exertion. Learn about the history of the bay, one of the most sacred in Hawaii; its mysterious caves, and how people lived there, from guides whose families are connected to the area.

Spend around two hours kayaking through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes with this private tour, led by a local guide. You'll hop in a clear kayak and head out to the Venetian-style canals, passing alongside beautiful homes and through lush natural areas full of local flora and fauna.

Explore the Anclote River on a guided kayak eco tour with a small group. Follow your wildlife expert guide as you paddle through the mangroves, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and bald eagles. Learn about the unique ecosystem and stop at the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks along the way.

Go kayaking in the Rookery Bay Reserve on a half-day tour from Naples that is led by a local biologist guide. Learn about the wildlife and ecosystem of this stunning part of the Ten Thousand Islands in southwest Florida as you paddle through mangrove tunnels, mudflats, and oyster reefs. Look for birds and marine life such as sea stars, dolphins, large snails, and possibly even manatees.

Paddle through mangrove tunnels, spot dolphins and manatees, and enjoy free time for a swim or shell collecting on Shell Key Island with this unique Shell Key Preserve kayak excursion, led by a local insider. Paddle through shallow saltwater to discover top kayaking spots rich with native Floridian wildlife, and marvel at the area’s natural beauty. Plus, learn about its history and ecosystem along the way.

See Lake Tahoe from a whole new perspective on a small-group guided tour in clear kayaks. Follow your lifeguard-certified guide and paddle around Lake Tahoe's scenic East Shore from Sand Harbor to hidden coves and highlights such as Bonsai Rock. On hot days, you can even take a dip in the waters to cool off while you soak up the scenery.

Book this clear kayak tour to explore Maui’s clear water, including the reef and sea creatures below you. Easily meet your group at Olowalu beach, then you can put on provided rash guards, and store your things in dry bags. Try some local bananas and fresh Hawaiian pineapple to keep you energized for your paddle.

Immerse yourself in the wildlife and natural environment of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on this kayak adventure. With the provided kayak, paddle, and instruction, paddle through the waterways where the manatees float about, looking for vegetation to eat. Then search for local pods of dolphins as well as bird and other marine life. Learn about the ecosystem as you travel through your guide's in-depth commentary.

Explore Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on an ecotour by kayak. Following a guide, you'll paddle across the waters of the bay, part of the Ten Thousand Islands, for an up-close look at the mangrove forest. Watch for birds and other marine life on this tour suitable for beginner and advanced kayakers.

Emerald Cove gets its name from the green light that filters through the cave—but reaching it requires crossing a stretch of the Colorado River that's only accessible by water. This half-day rental covers a stand-up paddleboard, single kayak, or double kayak. An optional shuttle with hotel pickup from Mandalay Bay reduces the national park fee payable on arrival.

The Florida manatee is one of the most gentle underwater creatures and this encounter lets you get a closer look at them. On this small-group excursion, venture out from Crystal River in a kayak and search for these sea cows with a guide who knows where they hide out. Learn how to interact with the creatures through passive observation and then, when you’re ready, get in the water for your swim.

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.

On this kayaking tour, you can look out for a variety of local wildlife, including manatees, monkeys, and birds. The all-clear kayak option provides an immersive experience, allowing you to see the underwater world clearly as you paddle. To make your trip even easier, all equipment is provided, so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure.

The land-living locals aren’t the only mammals playing in the waves of New Smyrna Beach. Skip the surf for a day and instead watch dolphins frolic in the blue waterways during this kayaking tour. Paddle through the mangroves and to stunning islands to get up close and personal to Florida’s diverse wildlife. Meet at Divito Park to start your adventure with a guide sharing insights about local wildlife and New Smyrna’s history.