Top USA Kayaking Tours

Explore the wild and beautiful coastline of Laguna Beach from the water on one of Laguna's most affordable and yet best-rated kayak tours. Top-of-the line gear is included for your voyage gliding above giant kelp forests and coral reefs in the open ocean. An experienced guide ensures your safety and know the best places to look for marine animals like dolphins and harbor seals.

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.

Escape the bustle of Las Vegas and discover stunning scenery from the water's edge on this half-day kayaking trip on the Colorado River. Make your own way to Willow Beach Marina, grab a life jacket, and set off on this scenic kayak trip. Along the way, soak up the scenery, pause for a swim, look for wildlife, and learn about the area’s history from your guide.

Explore the natural beauty of Florida–and discover scenic spots you’d otherwise miss–on this experience around the waters at Silver Springs, with the option to kayak or paddleboard independently or join a guided tour in a clear-bottom kayak (extra cost). Glide past lush greenery, paddle into corners and creeks, and look out for wildlife including native birds, turtles, and even monkeys along the way.

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.

Glide through the water in an illuminated glass-bottom kayak on a private nighttime tour of Sarasota. Learn about Sarasota’s coastal ecosystem as you paddle over mangroves and grass flats, viewing marine life such as dolphins and manatees. Plus, exploring with your own personal guide means you’ll enjoy undivided attention.

Come up close to manatees, turtles, and birds as you paddle through their natural habitat on this small-group kayak tour of Crystal River's Three Sisters Springs. See the majestic wildlife pass you by, as well as the waves below your feet, as you traverse the bay in a clear kayak that lets you feel even closer to nature. This is a beginner-friendly tour, no experience required, and includes free digital photos from your tour to help you capture the memories.

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.

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.

Hop into a completely clear kayak on the Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs where you have the chance to spot manatees, turtles, otters, and more on this small-group kayaking tour. Paddle your way around Three Sisters Spring and enjoy all the beauty of it clear, colorful water without getting wet

Paddle a kayak along a scenic stretch of the Colorado River to Emerald Cave on this small-group tour that launches from Willow Beach. Exploring the river with a guide means you have plenty of guidance along the way—great for less-experienced boaters. Go at a relaxed pace, soaking up the views of the towering canyon walls, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles.

Guided paddles run on someone else's pace and route, which doesn't suit everyone. Set your own on a self-guided kayak trip to Emerald Cave, paddling the calm waters of the Colorado River through Black Canyon near Las Vegas. Watch for bighorn sheep on the cliffs as you glide along flat, sheltered water, which suits beginners as much as regular paddlers.

Take the chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters of Oahu and experience snorkeling alongside wildlife during this luxurious catamaran tour. Keep an eye out for turtles as you explore Waikiki's Turtle Canyon. Then, take a break to relax before going paddleboarding, kayaking, and sea scooter riding. Guided by a passionate and knowledgeable team, embark on a fun adventure in nature with convenient hotel pickup available within Waikiki included.

Increase your chances of spotting manatees and dolphins during an eco-friendly kayak tour of the Lido Key in Sarasota. Ideal for lovers of nature and wildlife, this experience lets you escape the crowds on land and is suitable for both beginner and advanced paddlers. Plus, traveling in a non-motorized vessel means you’re less likely to scare away animals.

Get an up-close view of Florida’s spectacular, coastal mangrove forests—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this kayaking or paddleboarding tour. Pick from multiple tour times, head to the departure point, and meet your guide: after an introduction to your kayak or paddleboard, you’ll hit the water. Paddle through mangrove tunnels, have the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees, and learn more about the forests from your guide.

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.

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.

If you’re looking for a grand adventure while in Kauai, book this Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) Kayaking and Hiking Half-Day Tour. First, follow a guide who knows the area well on the Wailua River by kayak for a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) paddle adventure. Then, hit the shore for a hike through the rainforest-like setting all the way to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) to take in the amazing views of the falls.

See the Pacific from a whole new perspective on this kayak tour on the Sonoma Coast. Adventure on the water and make memories with your closest friends. Mingle with local wildlife including birds and seals. Paddle alongside a whale, if you're lucky. Admire the rugged coastline from an oceanic vantage point.

Get ready to spend a half-day soaking up the sun and enjoying Key West’s diverse ecology during this fun sandbar and mangrove tour. Discover the backcountry waters and secluded sandbars around the busy island, all while sipping on cold drinks. This guided kayak ecotour takes you into the mangrove isles to spot dazzling marine life before heading to a sandy beach to knock back a few alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas behind and get up close to the Colorado River on this half-day kayaking tour. Board your shuttle at Mandalay Bay Resort (if option selected) and travel to Willow Beach. Embark on a relaxing 5-mile (8-kilometer) journey through Black Canyon, including a visit to the picturesque Emerald Cave. Enjoy included snacks and water as you take in the natural beauty around you.

Experience one of Lake Powell's highest rated guided kayak adventures, featuring exclusive water access to the breathtaking Water Antelope Canyon. Proud recipient of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2026, recognizing consistently outstanding guest experiences and exceptional service. - Exclusive kayak access to Water Antelope Canyon - Professional local guides with expert knowledge of Lake Powell and Water Antelope Canyon - Small group guided experience - CPR, First Aid & Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified guides - Suitable for beginners, families, and first-time kayakers - Premium performance kayaks and safety equipment included - Award-winning experience recognized by Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026

Immerse yourself in Sarasota's coastal mangrove forests, look out for dolphins and manatees, and practice kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding skills on this immersive, small-group tour. After departing from the Turtle Beach Boat Launch, paddle out on Sarasota Bay and practice with your equipment. Then, head into the mangrove islands of the Jim Neville Preserve for your best chance to see local marine life including dolphins.