The 15 Best Kayak Trips in the USA

Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area - Paddling through mangroves and open water

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,800 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79Our pick

Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Tierra Verde to Shell Key Preserve with a small group of up to 10. Guides such as Alessia, Jenna, Ben, and Chris point out birds, fish, mangroves, and dolphins, with time to explore the beach and collect shells.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Half-Day, Kayaking Tours in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

2.Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,978 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $99

Kayak four miles through Black Canyon from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave, a sunlit grotto rather than a walk-through cave. Guides such as Michelle, Preston, Gabby, and Jessica lead small groups, provide snacks and water, and help beginners manage the calm river. Choose a single or tandem kayak, with hotel pickup available from Las Vegas.

“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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking Tours in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

3.Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,858 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $89

Leave Las Vegas for a guided five-mile paddle through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave. Choose a single or double kayak, learn the basics from guides such as Juston, Kwame, or Robby, and enjoy water, snacks, a short hike, and optional Mandalay Bay pickup.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Orlando Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

4.Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,459 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Paddle a clear tandem kayak upstream through Rock Springs Run’s Emerald Cut with guides such as Jacob, Dani, Megan, or David. Expect blue-green spring water, tree cover, wildlife possibilities, photo stops, and a chance to swim or use a rope swing. The 2 to 2.5-hour tour returns to Kings Landing.

“Really good experience. Very laid back. Danni the tour guide was great. A great alternative from the theme parks. Bathrooms were terrible though.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Kayaking Tours in Tampa, Tampa & St Petersburg Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

5.Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,440 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle from 190 Taft Drive through Little Sarasota Bay and the South Lido mangrove tunnels with guides such as Ian, Kenny, or Dinko. Choose a single or tandem kayak, learn about local wildlife, and keep watch for manatees, dolphins, rays, crabs, and 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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Phoenix & Scottsdale Tours, Tour Reviews

Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

6.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57

Launch from Saguaro Lake Ranch for a roughly two-hour, unguided kayak or paddleboard float on Arizona’s Lower Salt River. Expect mountain scenery, wild horses, birds, and a few swift sections where you may get wet. A shuttle returns you and your gear to the 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Kayaking Tours in Key West, Key West Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

7.Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,205 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $80

Paddle shallow mangrove creeks near Hurricane Hole Marina with guides such as Brett, Rachel, Heather, or Bethany. You’ll learn about Florida Keys geology, handle selected sea life, and look for sharks, manatees, birds, crabs, and jellyfish. Single and double kayaks suit beginners, families, and dogs.

“Very nice tour guide. Very informative! Tour was very good!! It was a beautiful day. Not too tiring. Worth the money”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Clear Kayak Tours, Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

8.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour clear kayak trip with guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami. From April through November, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim. From November through March, search for manatees from the kayak without entering the water.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Evening Experiences, Half-Day, Kayaking Tours in Key West, Key West Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Key West, Tour Reviews

Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

9.Half-Day Trip from Key West with Kayaking, Snorkeling & Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,683 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Sail from 255 Front Street with Danger Charters for a four-and-a-half-hour mix of harbor views, mangrove kayaking, and reef snorkeling. Guides such as Mary, Micah, Katie, and Anthony lead the outing, with gear, wetsuits in winter, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks included.

“Great three part activity. Loved the sailing, kayaking and snorkeling! Staff was great and attentive! Enjoy the sights and family had a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Experiences, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Hilton Head Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

10.2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,620 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Best value

From Shelter Cove Marina, you’ll receive a short paddle lesson before entering Broad Creek and the Broad Creek Wildlife Area. Guides such as Wayne, Shannon, Paddy, and Miles explain marsh life, island history, birds, and dolphins. The pace suits beginners, but children 12 and under must share a double kayak with an adult.

“It was wonderful. Shannon was very knowledgeable and helpful! Our family really enjoyed getting out in the water and learning more about Hilton Head.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Historical Tours, Kayaking Tours in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

11.Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,522 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle a beginner-friendly four-mile round trip from Willow Beach Marina through Black Canyon to the glowing Emerald Cave. Guides such as Ryan, Jeff, Calvin, Maggie, and Faith provide river history, safety help, snacks, and water. Choose a single or tandem kayak, with optional pickup, lunch, and Hoover Dam touring.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Hiking & Trekking, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai: Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

12.Secret Falls Kayak and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

Paddle 4 miles on the Wailua River, then hike roughly 2 miles through muddy rainforest and river crossings to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Cory, Kman, Kai, and Mana add local stories and steady support. Bring water, snacks, and secure shoes that can get wet.

“I enjoyed kayaking and hiking to the falls. Our guide, Kahyman (not sure on the spelling), was very fun--charming and charismatic. I took one star off just because it was quite touristy with hordes of people at the "secret" falls. Also, you never know who will be in your group; ours had at least a few who were unathletic, slowing us down. I'd do it again, but I would book my own kayak so I can go at my own pace. Also, bring a bathing suit if you want to swim in the pool underneath the falls! There was no mention of that in the pre-tour communication, so we didn't…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Kauai Tours, Tour Reviews

Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

13.Kauai Adventure: Kayak & Hike to Secret Falls with Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,387 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

You’ll kayak about four miles round trip on the Wailua River, then hike roughly two miles over muddy, rocky ground to Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Zach, Brian, and Makayla lead small groups, share Hawaiian stories, provide gear, and help you manage the river crossings.

“Trail can be muddy and slippery so plan to wear shoes that can get muddy and a pair to change into after. Great experience and beautiful hike! Our guide Zach was amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canoes & Kayaks, Miami Tours, Tour Reviews

Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

14.Raccoon Island: Exploration on SUP/Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,289 reviews · 2h 30m · from $99

Paddle a kayak or SUP through Biscayne Bay and mangroves with an English-speaking guide, then take a boat ride to Sandspur Island, known as Raccoon Island. You will have time for wildlife photos, swimming, fresh fruit, and drinks. Guides such as Francis, Alejandra, Tony, and Sean are often praised for friendly instruction.

“Perfekt:) danke an alexandria & Toni:) lovely trip and cool Infos about the Tour. 10/10 if you are in florida :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Alaska Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

15.Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,269 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250

Paddle a stable canoe across Mendenhall Lake toward Mendenhall Glacier with an expert guide such as Luke, Mason, Ben, or Issy. Expect about two hours on the water, rain gear, hot drinks, wildlife possibilities, and striking glacier views. This is canoeing only, with no hike included.