USA · CANOES & KAYAKS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 canoe & kayak trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Paddle a clear kayak through Shell Key Preserve, spot wildlife, explore mangroves, and hunt for shells on a two-hour Tampa Bay tour.
“A great experience for our whole family! Ben was a terrific tour guide and made the whole trip fantastic. We loved Shell Key! Pro trip- take your shoes to wear while you’re exploring. The shell tree was super unique.”
Kayak 4 miles through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave, with calm water, snacks, guides, and optional Las Vegas hotel pickup.
“Loved it! Gabby was awesome! Very knowledgeable and patient. Beautiful scenery! Great get away from the usual Las Vegas doings!”
Paddle 5 miles through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave on a beginner-friendly Colorado River tour from Las Vegas with snacks and optional shuttle.
“Great time on the river, Juston was a great guide, very informative and chill with our group! Highly recommend if you’re in the Vegas area!”
Review of Rock Springs’ clear kayak eco tour, with wildlife, swimming, guide tips, costs, effort, crowds, and booking advice.
“Beautiful- water was crystal clear. We saw river otters, deer, alligators, turtles and many different native birds. Everyone was friendly and very helpful. We would go again!”
Paddle Sarasota’s calm bay and South Lido mangrove tunnels while looking for manatees, dolphins, rays, and birds with a local guide.
“This was a great relaxing day on the water and exploring the mangroves. Our guide was so informative and gave informative insights to every bird we saw on our tour. Unfortunately the jumping fish and birds were the only things we saw on our adventures- we’ll have to come back to try to find the illusive manatees and dolphins!”
Kayak the Salt River through Tonto National Forest, spot wild horses, handle gentle rapids, and enjoy a scenic two-hour float from Phoenix.
“Easy experience for those who are unaccustom to a kayak, excellent views, great staff, worth visiting”
Explore Key West’s mangroves by kayak for two hours, with wildlife, local ecology, friendly guides, free parking, and easy pacing for beginners.
“Our time with the Lazy Dog team was relaxing and informative. Highly recommended. This is an adventure you will remember for sure.”
Paddle Crystal River in a clear kayak, visit Three Sisters Springs, or spot 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, kayak through mangroves, snorkel coral reefs, and watch the Key West sunset with gear, snacks, drinks, and expert crew included.
“The crew was amazing—friendly, professional, and helpful. They were clear in their instructions. We loved this half-day excursion because it wasn’t too long and included some of our favorite activities. Kayaking through the mangroves was so unique. We would certainly book this tour again when visiting Key West!”
Paddle Hilton Head’s Broad Creek with a naturalist guide, spotting dolphins, birds, and salt-marsh wildlife on this beginner-friendly tour.
“My boyfriend and I did the 2-Hour Hilton Head Guided Kayak Nature Tour and it was an absolute vibe. From the quick, clear safety rundown to the smooth launch, the guides kept it easy, fun, and super chill. The marsh was gorgeous and there were plenty of wildlife moments. Pace was relaxed with just enough paddling to feel accomplished but not exhausted. Our guide Wayne was entertaining and he sprinkled in cool facts about the ecosystem, we took plenty of photos to remember the moments. Gear was clean, check-in was painless, and we finished right on time with zero stress.”
Paddle four miles through Black Canyon to glowing Emerald Cave, with history, snacks, a guide, and optional Las Vegas hotel pickup.
“Was a wonderful time out on the water. The scenery is beautiful. Our guides were fantastic. Don't pass this one up.”
Paddle the Colorado River from Las Vegas through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave, with hotel pickup, gear, snacks, and a small group included.
“An amazing experience from pickup to drop off. Lauren was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond for the group.”
Paddle Tavernier Creek’s clear mangrove waters with a friendly guide, easy instruction, small groups, and a chance to spot manatees.
“Tony was an outstanding tour guide. He found some manatees for us as well as many birds. He also shared history and facts about the mangroves which was very interesting.”
Paddle Sarasota Bay, spot dolphins and manatees, then glide through Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels on a friendly two-hour kayak tour.
“Fantastic tour of the Sarasota mangroves! The tour guide Jacob was very informed and fun during our kayak tour. Definitely recommend!”
Explore Marco Island mangrove tunnels by easy pedal kayak, spot Florida wildlife, learn from Rammel, and enjoy a relaxed two-hour eco tour.
“Hobie Kayaks are a game changer… anyone can do this, with the pedals rather than the ors; these kayaks were amazing!! We went kayaking as a family with our 9 and 11 year old kids. We all enjoyed the tour of the mangroves and wonderful lessons about our echo system. Rammel was THE BEST tour guide! He took some amazing pictures and videos for all!! He was great with everyone and made our kids feel special and safe! All four of us had a great time and highly recommend this specific kayak tour! We drove from Fort Meyers Beach and it was definitely worth the drive!! Allow plenty of extra…”
Every kind of American day out, and the best of each.
