Top USA Kayaking Tours

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.

Enjoy sublime coastal scenery as you spot marine life during this kayaking trip to La Jolla’s sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle alongside your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions, and even orcas of the area. Kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the rocky coastline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the serenity of Emerald Cave, a picturesque natural attraction on the Colorado River. This kayaking tour takes a small group max of 13 people paddling up the river with a guide. Stop for snacks and swimming along the way. Round-trip hotel transport can be selected as an option from Las Vegas, or you can make your own way to the starting point by rental car in Willow Beach, Arizona.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exploring the mangrove tunnels is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Key Largo. Instead of setting out alone, for the best experience visit with someone who knows the area well. This small-group kayaking tour takes you through the clear waters to learn about the mangroves and their importance to the Keys' ecosystem. You'll learn about local wildlife, including turtles and manatees, and have the chance to snorkel.

Paddle alongside the wild dolphins of Virginia Beach on a small-group kayak tour from North End Beach. Watch for sea birds and other wildlife as you steer an easy to use, sit-on-top kayak along the coast to the Cape Henry Lighthouses. Learn about the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that swim past the Virginia coast each summer, and explore the shore with an experienced guide.

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.

The Tonto National Forest is the largest in Arizona and the Lower Salt River runs right through its heart. On this tour, admire the natural scenery from the water on a thrilling kayaking excursion. Set out from Saguaro Lake Ranch, paddle along the Salt River, and look out for native wildlife, including the park’s herd of wild horses.

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 seven beautiful sea caves along La Jolla Ecological Reserve can be difficult to explore, even for experienced kayakers. This small-group kayaking tour offers a guide to help small groups glide through the water and take the best routes to the caves. Paddle to all seven caves while keeping an eye out for sea lions, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

This four-hour kayak, hike and swim tour into the sacred Antelope Canyon offers an unforgettable adventure: combining 2 hours of kayaking, 1.5 hours of hiking and 0.5 hour of swimming into one thrilling experience. Ideal for both beginners and advanced kayakers who are reasonably fit. This tour promises fun and exploration in one of nature's most stunning settings. The journey begins at the Antelope Point Launch Ramp, where we'll embark on a paddle through the main channel of Lake Powell, heading towards Antelope Canyon. As we navigate the lake's waters, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds us. Upon reaching the back of the canyon, the adventure continues with an awe-inspiring hike through the unique landscape. After the hike, it's time to paddle back and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Powell.

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

Get another perspective on the southern California coast during this leisurely kayak tour in Santa Barbara. Learn the basics of kayaking from your guide, and hear about Santa Barbara’s natural history and marine life during your tour. You won't have to worry about equipment rentals since kayaking gear is included.

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.

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.

Get close to the unique wildlife living just off the shores of St. Augustine during this on-water adventure tour. Choose between a kayak or a paddle board, slip on a life vest, and head out onto the water with a guide. As you paddle around the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Anastasia State Park, you may encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and the West Indian manatee.