USA · CANOES & KAYAKS
Good kayak trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Paddle a clear kayak through Shell Key Preserve, spot dolphins and birds, explore mangroves, and hunt for shells on a two-hour Tampa Bay tour.
“We had an amazing time on the water with our guide, Ben! It was very cool seeing all the wildlife and enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.”
Paddle the calm Colorado River to Emerald Cave from Las Vegas, with a small group, guide, snacks, swimming, and optional hotel pickup.
“A fantastic way to get off The Strip while visiting Vegas! The Emerald Cave Tour with River Dogz was a 5-star experience from start to finish. Communication was excellent from booking through pickup, including clear instructions on what to bring and timely updates when our launch time changed due to weather. Everything was handled smoothly. Our guide, Michelle, was amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and so easy to talk to. She shared great information about kayaking, Lake Mead, and the Emerald Cave, and even took fantastic photos of our group along the way. Water and snacks were provided, and there’s a marina store if you want extras. Highly recommend this tour if you’re…”
Paddle five miles through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave on a beginner-friendly Colorado River tour from Las Vegas, with shuttle, snacks, and gear.
“It’s definitely worth going once. This time of year is prob best as you have to wait to get into the small cove. During high usage time the wait could be quite long but at least you could swim in warmer weather. Our guide always quite knowledgeable and friendly. The cove itself is cool but as said- small. We had a good time”
Paddle Rock Springs Run’s crystal-clear Emerald Cut in a small guided kayak tour with swimming, wildlife, and shady spring scenery.
“Really good experience. Very laid back. Danni the tour guide was great. A great alternative from the theme parks. Bathrooms were terrible though.”
Paddle Sarasota’s quiet mangrove tunnels on a two-hour guided kayak tour with chances to see manatees, dolphins, rays, and coastal birds.
“It was simply great. Our guides Kenny & Ian were knowledgeable and funny. We has some first time kayakers and they would do it again after this experience. We also saw a manatee”
Paddle the Salt River through Tonto National Forest, spot wild horses, handle gentle rapids, and enjoy a self-guided float from Saguaro Lake Ranch.
“it is an absolutely beautiful kayak trip. I recommend going early in the day and having sunscreen and water/snacks in waterproof bag. overall extremely fun.”
Paddle Key West’s mangrove creeks with a local guide, spotting sea stars, jellyfish, birds, and tropical fish on a relaxed two-hour eco tour.
“Very nice tour guide. Very informative! Tour was very good!! It was a beautiful day. Not too tiring. Worth the money”
Paddle Crystal River in a clear kayak, visit Three Sisters Springs, or spot winter manatees with a guide on this small-group Florida tour.
“The tour is excellent. The Kayak is very easy to ride, stable, and safe. The guide was great, and we got to see the manatees up close, even passing below the glass kayak. The guide also took some fantastic pictures of us and shared them with us at the end of the tour.”
Sail from Key West to mangroves and coral reefs for kayaking, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and a sunset on the afternoon trip.
“Great three part activity. Loved the sailing, kayaking and snorkeling! Staff was great and attentive! Enjoy the sights and family had a great time!”
Paddle Hilton Head’s Broad Creek with a naturalist guide, spotting dolphins, birds, and salt-marsh wildlife on a relaxed two-hour tour.
“It was wonderful. Shannon was very knowledgeable and helpful! Our family really enjoyed getting out in the water and learning more about Hilton Head.”
Paddle four miles from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave, with Black Canyon scenery, desert history, snacks, and optional Las Vegas pickup.
“Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Lucky to be blessed with Faith as the tour guide. Right at the tale end of our day, I lost my balance looking for my daughter, tipped over my kayak and became immersed in the extremely refreshing river. I’m a good swimmer so I didn’t panic, however, I was curious as to how I was going to get back into the kayak. Long story short, Faith talked me through everything, she’s very knowledgeable and extremely fun to be around. I recommend you kayak with her.”
Paddle the Colorado River through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave on a small-group tour with Vegas pickup, snacks, swimming, and expert guides.
“Tour was amazing and the guide Lauren was really excellent. Viator however was not. We were assured after asking specifically that we could be picked up at our hotel for 10am. When we confirmed with Blazing Paddles, they said viator was incorrect and offered wrong information. We needed to walk to another pickup location and arrive 2 hours earlier than we were originally told. Thank goodness the tour company reached out with correct instructions. We have to shift our morning around last minute. Viator left us in a funky spot.”
Paddle Tavernier Creek’s mangroves with a local guide, spot manatees and birds, and enjoy an easy two-hour kayak tour near Key Largo.
“Very good experience Kayaking. The guide was very helpful. Couldn't get time to go in the Mangroves, but it was a memorable experience.”
Review of Sarasota’s 2-hour Lido Key mangrove kayak tour, with wildlife, local guides, clear-water tunnels, pricing, tips, and booking advice.
“Truly amazing experience, the guide is extremely knowledgeable about all nature, animals, birds and history topics. Made me feel very comfortable and safe, even considering it was my first time kayaking.”
Pedal through Marco Island mangrove tunnels with guide Rammel, spotting wildlife, learning local ecology, and enjoying an easy two-hour water adventure.
“The best guide! Very personable and kindhearted. Did this activity with my sister and mom. Was accessible for everyone.”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a coastline.
