Top USA Kayaking Tours

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.

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.

Avoid the midday heat and paddle through pristine Lake Yellowstone during the most scenic time of day with this small-group kayaking tour. Set off with your certified guide on kayak across the serene waters to take in geological features, hot springs, and the occasional geyser while you learn about the area’s flora and fauna from your guide. Watch the setting sun bathe the Absaroka Mountains in a golden glow and pause to snap photos along the way.

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 a side of Florida most tourists will never see on this guided nighttime kayaking tour around the waters of Anna Maria Island. The LED lights fitted to the bottom of these transparent kayaks light up the dark waters and let you see the world hidden below. A guide is on hand to make sure everyone is safe and having fun.

Explore the Maine coast on a small-group paddling tour around Western Bay (Pretty Marsh), Blue Hill Bay, and Somes Sound. Learn much more about the region's environment than you would alone, look out for wildlife including seals, and bring your own picnic to enjoy lunch on a coastal beach.

Get off the beaten path and see parts of the Florida Keys that few visitors know about on this tour aboard a custom-built catamaran. Choose to paddleboard or kayak in crystal waters, learn about the mangrove from a naturalist guide, or just lounge on the sandbar and take in the natural ambiance.

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.

Spend a day immersed in Alaska’s stunning nature during this kayak trip on Chilkoot Lake. Depart the town of Haines with your private guide and enjoy a leisurely few hours of kayaking on the uncrowded lake. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as salmon, bald eagles, and even brown bears.

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.

Explore the shoreline of beautiful South Lake Tahoe on this 2 1/2 hour guided tour. Paddle out on crystal clear, snow-fed water while hearing colorful stories of Tahoe's most prominent landmarks and important personalities. This is the perfect tour for families and visitors looking to learn more about this treasured landscape on an easy paddle near Tahoe City. Your launch spot next to the Lakeview Commons boat ramp is one of the closest access points to paddle past the wildlife preserve near Secret Beach, the Upper Truckee River mouth (with lots of wildlife viewing opportunities), and the sweeping views of peaks above Emerald Bay. This tour is appropriate for beginner paddlers and experts, alike.

Glimpse the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Corpus Christi with this unique clear kayak tour that uses underwater LED lights to highlight the local marine life. Paddle by moonlight, spotting blue crab, redfish, stingrays, and more as you glide through the shallows. Take in views of the twinkling coastal lights from the water and learn about the area’s history and ecosystem from your guide.

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.

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.

Enjoy an aquatic adventure on the Big Island during this half-day small-group excursion combining sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more. With your guide leading the way, you'll paddle along a section of the island known for its abundant marine life as you scout for local Hawaiian spinner dolphins. You’ll also have time for snorkeling, allowing you to view more than 50 species of fish, plus more adventurous activities like cliff jumping—for those needing even more thrills.

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.

Explore Juneau’s incredible coastline on this small-group kayaking adventure through the beautiful Mendenhall Wetlands. Keep your camera ready as you glide past eagles perched in the trees, harbor seals resting on the rocks, and maybe even a curious sea lion or porpoise swimming nearby. From your kayak, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind view of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, visible from six miles away as it winds through mountain peaks. This tour is intentionally limited to no more than 8 guests, creating a quiet, intimate experience. Unlike other tours, each guest paddles their own single kayak , allowing for better control, comfort, and opportunity to explore. (Double kayaks available on request) You’ll be fully outfitted with a high-quality dry suit, keeping you warm and dry in all weather conditions. Our experienced local guides provide hands-on instruction and support throughout the tour, making this adventure ideal for first-time kayakers as well as those with prior experience.

Many of the bat tours that set out on Lady Bird Lake in Austin are filled with so many people, it can be hard to see where your guide is leading you, but not with this Austin Bats Sunset Small-Group Kayak Tour. This tour sets out at sunset with just 12 for a more intimate experience. Take in views from your kayak of the Mexican free-tailed bats as they fly above Congress Avenue Bridge.

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

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.

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.

Get an insider’s view of Kauai’s natural side on a guide-led kayaking and hiking adventure. Paddle along the sacred Wailua River, once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, then hike about a mile to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. Enjoy a picnic lunch and time to swim in a local swimming hole surrounded by lush rainforest before returning to your departure point.

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.