Top Orlando Nature and Wildlife Tours

Discover the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades–and explore a different side of the state away from the theme parks–on this 90-minute pontoon cruise from Kissimmee. Step onboard, listen to live commentary from your captain, and look out for wildlife along the way. Expect to see plenty of native species, including alligators, snakes, and colorful birds.

Swap crowded bus tours for a much more intimate safari experience—a self-guided tour where you can drive your own vehicle through the Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park. During the ride, look out for over 100 animals—including zebras, white-tailed deer, and bison. There's also a huge pond that's home to alligators, and an area where you can hand-feed giraffes.

Paddle through Blue Spring State Park, one of the closest manatee habitats to Orlando. This guided kayaking tour offers a structured way to observe manatees and local wildlife from the water. With small group sizes and sit-on-top kayaks, the experience provides a clear, low-impact way to view animals in their natural setting, while a guide helps with navigation, safety, and identifying species along the route.

Ditch the crowds and escape to the wilderness of the Florida Everglades from Orlando on this airboat adventure. This exciting nature tour includes admission to the Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park—with over 200 different animals like lemurs, sloths, zebras, watusi cattle, bobcats, and more that you try your luck spotting. Choose from two tour durations, giving you flexibility to tailor your schedule, and make memories to last a lifetime.

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.

Escape to the wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades from Orlando on this 4-hour airboat tour and alligator encounter. Enjoy Florida’s natural beauty with a 30-minute or upgraded 1-hour airboat ride. Get up close with the local wildlife — like alligators and birds — plus lush vegetation while skimming across the grassy water. Then, depending on the day, you can feed the alligators (Tuesdays and Fridays) or explore a butterfly pavilion and Native American exhibit.

Spend a day with central Florida’s manatees on this small-group river cruise and wildlife park adventure. Begin with a boat ride on the Crystal River. Snorkel near these gentle giants, then enjoy the afternoon at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This is one of the best places in the state to watch manatees, as well as other animals in their natural environment. An airboat tour on the Withlacoochee River is also included on select days.

See Lake Louisa State Park from a unique perspective away from the crowds during a small-group horseback ride along its scenic trails. As you walk along the 6-mile (10-kilometer) route and access places that cars can’t reach, hear interesting insights about the state park’s wildlife, history, and local culture from your guide. Note: participants must be at least eight years old, and have a BMI score of 31 or lower.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando and spend time in nature with this kayaking tour through Silver Springs State Park. Ideal for nature lovers, this wildlife-focused activity offers the opportunity to see manatees (depending on the season), turtles, and wild birds in their native habitats. Feel comfortable paddling along the Fort King trail on a clear kayak or paddleboard designed for stability and underwater viewing.

Experience the natural beauty of Florida and its wildlife on this small-group airboat tour around the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. Look out for alligators, bald eagles, otters, snakes, snail kites, and more while your captain takes you to some of the best spots in the area.

Get ready for the ultimate Florida adventure with a thrilling two-hour airboat tour through the wild and breathtaking Everglades! Led by experienced U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captains, you’ll speed across scenic marshes while coming face-to-face with alligators, rare birds, endangered wildlife, and the incredible beauty of this untouched ecosystem. Discover hidden waterways, lush vegetation, and fascinating aquatic life as your captain shares local history, wildlife facts, and insider spotting tips along the way. At Marsh Landing Adventures, every tour combines adrenaline-pumping excitement with unforgettable up-close encounters, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors and locals alike.

The calm waters of Blue Springs State Park are home to hundreds of manatees through winter: This small-group kayaking tour feels like your own invitation into their world. Paddle your way through waters fed by a crystal clear natural spring and learn all about the area from your tour guide. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are included for your convenience.

Discover the beauty of Silver Springs on this guided kayaking tour with equipment rental included. To help enhance your trip, the kayak is a glass-bottom kayak, which means you can look out for local marine life, such as turtles, manatees, otters, and fish. No need to worry about getting lost if exploring unfamiliar territory, as a guide stays with you throughout.

Glide through the Florida Everglades on an 8–10 passenger airboat with elevated seating for unobstructed views. Enjoy educational commentary as you explore wetlands, spot alligators and birds, and visit stunning natural spots on this thrilling short tour.

Get a look at the creatures of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans—and benefit from simplified sightseeing—with pre-purchased admission tickets to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. Be immersed in an underwater world of more than 5,000 fish, marine mammals, and more, from sharks to jellyfish. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to a 2- or 3-attraction pass to visit other Orlando sights as well, including Madame Tussauds and/or the Orlando Eye.

Explore the scenic trails of Rock Springs Run State Reserve on a guided horseback ride perfect for all experience levels. Led by friendly and knowledgeable wranglers, these rides take you through diverse eco-communities filled with wildlife and lush flora. Covering approximately three miles, you are immersed in the natural beauty of Central Florida. With insights on the area's history and ecology, this adventure is ideal for families and first-time riders alike. Enjoy year-round availability, making it easy to saddle up and discover the great outdoors. - Guided trail rides suitable for all experience levels, including beginners - Become immersed in nature on a 3 mile adventure. - Learn about the park's natural history from experienced guides - Available year-round, participants must be at least 8 years old with a BMI of 31 or lower.

Paddle through the clear waters of Rock Springs Run on a small-group kayak tour that’s easily accessible from Orlando. This guided experience offers a structured way to explore a natural setting known for its water clarity and wildlife. With limited group sizes, the tour provides a quieter alternative to busier options, while a trained guide supports navigation and identifying flora and fauna along the route.

Learn the unexpected history of America's first Gypsy Vanner Horses on this tour of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm. Wander past trees lined with Spanish moss en route to the stables, where you can meet Gypsy Vanner Horses, famed for their beauty. This tour provides an introduction to a niche bit of Florida history and provides information about an uncommon breed of horses.

See life-size figures of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando with this prebooked ticket that saves you time waiting in line on the day. Inside the wax museum, you can pose for photos with more than 200 life-like models of A-list actors, sports stars, political figures, and more. When booking, you have the option to upgrade to a 2- or 3-attraction pass to visit other Orlando attractions at the same location.

Gypsy Gold is the home of North America's first Gypsy Vanner Horses. Dennis and Cindy Thompson imported the first 16 Vanner Horses to North America, assisted in naming the new breed and established the world's first registry for it. A Gypsy Gold Farm Tour is the #1 Thing To Do in Ocala Florida, it has a 5 star rating with one thousand five star reviews just on Trip Advisor. " Gypsy Gold Horse Farm has to be the greatest place on the planet" Lane Huda, Facebook.

Get away from the overcrowded airboat tours and come witness the magic of Central Florida's nature scene up close. Led by a local award-winning wildlife photographer and ecologist, this intimate guided hike immerses you in the wild beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes. This area is known for consistent wildlife activity, and sightings of alligators and wading birds are common on most hikes. Journey through forests, swamps, and riverside trails while observing native wildlife and learning how each species plays a role in Florida’s delicate ecosystems. Along the way, your guide will capture professional photos of you and the wildlife you encounter, providing a stunning visual story of your experience to take home and treasure.

What could be better than a Sunset Trail Ride at Lake Louisa State Park? A sunset trail ride with champagne and charcuterie! Enjoy beautiful sunsets and evening wildlife during the magical golden hours. This ride is family-friendly, and safely led by two experienced and friendly wranglers. No previous riding experience is required. Rides will follow a special route, and arrive back to the barn roughly 30 minutes before sunset. While the wranglers put the horses to bed, guests will enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne (must be 21 or older with valid ID) or sparkling cider, charcuterie board, and roasting s'mores over a campfire. Required arrival times are 30 minutes BEFORE the start of the ride. Start times are strictly enforced to ensure the ride is safely back at the barn before sundown.

With so many family attractions around Orlando, choosing where to spend your time can be tricky. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort offers a convenient all-in-one option, with a 150-acre park packed with rides, shows, and LEGO® experiences, including the indoor Galacticoaster. Extend your visit by upgrading to include the Peppa Pig Theme Park—with gentle rides and splash zones for smaller kids—or SEA LIFE Florida, with interactive marine life exhibits.