Top USA Kayaking Tours

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.

One of the best ways to see Austin’s famous bat colony is from the water, and this guided kayaking experience makes it easy. Avoid the hassle of sourcing equipment or figuring out where to go, with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets included. Led by a guide, the trip takes you directly to the best spots for watching the bat colony departure—with no research or planning required.

Explore Washington state’s San Juan Islands Monument on this sea kayak tour starting in Anacortes. Join a small group to paddle past the stunning scenery of uninhabited islands including Burrows Island. Spot local wildlife such as harbor seals, porpoises, several fish species, and sometimes orcas. All sea kayaking equipment, life jackets, and safety gear are included for a safe and comfortable 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.

See the Key West lagoons in a whole new way. Go on a nocturnal adventure with clear kayaks and LED lights that illuminate the surroundings so you can see underwater. A local guide takes you and a small group to the best spots for a unique and memorable marine life experience lasting about 90 minutes.

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.

Look out for local wildlife above and below the water from your seat on a clear kayak on this small-group paddling tour through the Sarasota mangroves. Let a guide lead the way so you don’t have to worry about navigating—instead, you spend the tour focusing on trying to spot dolphins, manatees, and seabirds.

Explore Maui’s beautiful West Shore on this snorkeling and kayaking tour. Led by a professional guide, you’ll paddle past scenic views of the Ukumehame Valley and snorkel over bright schools of fish. This family-friendly excursion includes all equipment, along with your choice of single or tandem kayaks.

Discover Maui’s South Shore on a 2.5- or 4.5-hour snorkel and kayak tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll paddle through the scenic Makena Bay on your choice of single or tandem kayaks. Then, take a dip in the water and explore the underwater world on a snorkel tour. Keep your eyes peeled for green sea turtles and other bright marine life. This family-friendly excursion is suitable for all skill levels, and your guide will provide paddling instructions as needed. Lunch is also included on the 4.5-hour option.

See a side of Charleston that most tourists miss with this unique kayaking excursion down Shem Creek. Pick up the basics of paddling, then set off with your guide toward Charleston Harbor to spot local wildlife from bottlenose dolphins and manatees to sea turtles and marine birds. Take in views of colorful shrimp boats and city skyline plus learn about Charleston’s history and ecosystem from your guide along the way.

Experience the mysterious beauty of the Louisiana wetlands on a guided kayak tour through the legendary Maurepas Swamp. Voodoo Swamp Tours offers an immersive paddle through towering cypress trees, winding bayous, and one of the region’s most ecologically rich wetlands.

Look for wildlife and experience bioluminescence on this sunset and night kayak and paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. Paddle out to Horseshoe Crab Island, and look for wildlife such as crabs, manatees, and dolphins. After sunset, enjoy unobstructed views of bioluminescent glow in the water from your clear kayak and paddleboards.

We'll begin this adventure with a sail through the Grand Lagoon area to our own private playground area off of Shell Island. Once you arrive, you'll enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and an inflatable water park equipped with trampolines, water slides, seesaw ball and more on this 3 hour adventure cruise! At the end of the tour, we'll go looking for dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. All activities and use of equipment are included. Additional snacks and beverages can be purchased as well. Food can be brought on to the catamaran, but no outside beverages are allowed. RED FLAGS DO NOT AFFECT OUR TOURS. Our tours operate in St. Andrews Bay, where conditions are often much calmer than the Gulf.

Deepen your understanding of the Florida Everglades immersivity when you visit with a naturalist guide on this small-group, half-day, eco-adventure. Explore a variety of lush landscapes by boat, kayak, and on foot, looking for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles and more. Take a boat ride through some of the most remote areas of the park. Kayak to Barrier Island Beach and spend time exploring dunes and mangrove swamps.

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.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip and spend a day in nature on this Colorado River kayaking tour. Join a small group and paddle through calm waters, taking a short hiking break along the way. Explore a hidden canyon cave, enjoy stunning Grand Canyon views, and have lunch on a sandy beach. This tour offers fantastic photo opportunities and the chance to learn about the area's outdoor opportunities.

Go kayaking through an estuary and into the Weeki Wachee River with this small-group tour. Set out in a clear kayak and see underwater life through the transparent hull. During this ecotour, keep an eye out for local wildlife including dolphins, manatees, otters, turtles, and fish. Learn about the local ecosystem during this guided outdoor adventure.

Fort Myers Beach is a tranquil part of Florida, surrounded by sandy shorelines and shady mangroves. This guided eco tour gives you the opportunity to explore the waterways via kayak. Paddled your way through mangrove-lined tunnels, creeks, and canals where you might see a variety of birds and reptiles. As you wade through Pelican Bay, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and manatees that call these calm, warm waters home.

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.

Far from your typical kayaking trip, this immersive tour is led by Captain Yak: an animal and ecology researcher. He’ll guide you through Shell Key Preserve which acts as a vital ecosystem for the area. After paddling through mangrove tunnels and over sandbars, you’ll have time to explore Shell Key. Captain Yak will share facts and stories with you on the return trip as you keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Swim and snorkel in waters celebrated for their tropical fish on this tour, which gets you to parts of the water that aren’t accessible from the beach. Kayak off the Makena coastline, an historic, volcanic section of shore that’s protected from wind and the waves. Keep an eye out for the Hawaiian Green sea turtles that casually cruise along the reefs and make a stop for refreshments en route.

Discover the calm waterways and local wildlife of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve during this kayaking excursion. Join a small group and paddle on a glassy creek that winds through the deciduous maritime forest. Learn about the local ecosystem from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for osprey, egrets, herons, turtles, and even river otters.

Explore Florida on a 2-hour journey through the enchanting Mangrove Tunnels of Marco Island in a Hobie kayak with pedals. Discover the untouched beauty of nature as you glide through and under the magnificent tunnels. These top-notch kayaks are the easiest to handle, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without the fatigue of paddling. Get ready to create unforgettable memories in this magical place.

Explore the waters around Hilton Head Island on this small-group kayaking tour. Explore the waterways and inlets with a small group fellow passengers and a guide to keep you from getting lost. Learn about the local ecosystem and see all sorts of creatures. If you're lucky, you might even spot bottlenose dolphins.