People often automatically associate Disney World with Central Florida.

But if you don’t want your entire vacation to center around the theme park? You’re in luck. Are you into nature? Pristine views of crystal clear waters? And striking wildlife sightings like manatees, ospreys, and otters?

Sounds like you’d love to include kayaking in your Central Florida vacation. And you don’t have to go to Tampa or the Everglades for a fabulous kayak ride.

Luckily, we at Element Vacation Homes know exactly where to go for the best kayaking experience.

We’ll break down top kayaking spots, different companies for kayak rentals, and how to complete your Central Florida vacation with stellar accommodations within our properties and resorts!

About Kayaking in Central Florida

Photo Credit: G-Stock Studio

Who said you could only go boating in Miami or Southern Florida? Central Florida is home to plenty of state parks and lakes where you can take your kayak solo or enjoy kayak tours with a larger group of people.

You’d be surprised how tropical and breathtaking some of Central Florida’s waters can look while you’re on a kayak. Depending on the location, you might even catch glimpses of wildlife like manatees, unique bird breeds, and gators.

Where to Kayak in Central Florida

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this roundup of the best kayaking spots in Central Florida.

1. St. Johns River

Photo Credit: Brocreative

About an hour north of Kissimmee, Florida, takes you to St. John’s River in Volusia County. The address isn’t listed because the river is quite expansive, but Volusia is a great spot to reach it and go kayaking.

This video from the County of Volusia shows kayaking near Blue Springs State Park for the best views and calmest waters. The river itself actually has the biggest biological ecosystem within the state, from pine and cypress trees to flounder fish, trout, and the invasive pink apple snails that you might notice on trees!

And the best part? All those water lettuce plants and water lilies are deliciously attractive meals for the gentle giant manatees in the water! Hopefully, you’ll spot one on your kayak!

2. Alexander Springs

Photo Credit: Allison Michael

Alexander Springs is a swimming hole located in the Ocala National Forest. It’s one of the state’s 27 springs and features gentle, calm waters at a mild temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Independent kayak outfitters rent kayaks a bit further into the Alexander Springs Wilderness.

As for the surroundings? Simply divine. Imagine kayaking to the sound of gentle ripples, songbirds, and the landscape of striking maple trees and cabbage palms.

3. Juniper Springs Recreation Area

There’s something so dreamy about hanging Spanish moss that slowly sways with the wind and shades the water up from the vast heights of the trees. You’ll see plenty of that framing your landscape if you kayak in the Juniper Springs area (specifically the Juniper Run, which stretches for seven miles).

The waterway eventually flows into a more open pool area with lots of water plants and wildlife like otters, squirrels, and even American eels! A kayaking experience is more relaxing, but some opt for stand-up paddleboards (SUP) as well!

Note: Check the Florida government website for updates, as this area is temporarily closed. However, the website indicates it’s for renovations on the boardwalk.

4. Merritt Island

Photo Credit: L Paul Mann

If you’re staying in  Orlando, just east, you’ll find Brevard County, home to the infamous Merritt Island (which is actually a peninsula, though). You might recognize the name because it hosts NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

However, we know it best for its breathtaking views of the Florida coast — most prominently seen on a kayak. Waterways for kayaking are abundant, including the Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Mosquito Lagoon. And if part of your group isn’t for kayaking, they can relax on the peninsula’s Cocoa Beach.

Kayak Tours in Central Florida

You know all the kayaking spots in Central Florida — but how do you get your kayaks? Here are some kayak tour companies where you can experience guided tours or simply rent your equipment.

1. Cocoa Kayaking

If you want to see manatees and otters on your kayak trip, Cocoa Kayaking makes it happen with its mix of guided and self-guided kayak tours.

Our favorite part? This kayaking tour company offers clear kayaks with glass bottoms so you can get clear visuals of the wildlife and waters beneath you as you paddle. A few times a year, you might even see glow-in-the-dark plankton underwater.

Pro tip: Manatee mating season happens from March to September — a great time to increase your chances of seeing manatees up close!

2. Florida Adventurer: Bioluminescent Kayaking at Cocoa Beach

Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators

Another Merritt Island kayak tour company, Florida Adventurer offers bioluminescent kayaks that glow in the dark. This makes for a romantic and unique kayak experience, where you can take in views of the Milky Way above as you enjoy a relaxing boating experience.

The company also offers manatee and dolphin-specific kayak tours for those of you interested in wildlife!

3. Get Up and Go Kayaking: Rock Springs

Photo Credit: Lana Kray

Want to kayak near Orlando? Get Up and Go Kayaking offers rentals and tours in the closest possible spot: Rock Springs. We like that this tour company gives customers plenty of options for the kayak ride, depending on their strength and energy levels.

For example, you can opt for a tour that paddles upstream the Emerald Cut before floating more gently along the Rock Springs Run. Or, you can replace the upstream part with a golf cart ride for a more relaxing kayaking experience towards the end, complete with sightings of otters and alligators.

4. The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek

Photo Credit: Jeff Holcombe

Shingle Creek Regional Park is a serene, striking feast of nature for your senses. Lucky for us, The Paddling Center helps you experience it in all its glory. This company offers a variety of kayak tours, like the eco-tour through the cypress forest or evening tours with the full moon illuminating the way.

You can also rent paddleboards, canoes, and even take paddleboard lessons here if you want to try something different.

Kayak Your Heart Out with Element Vacation Homes!

If you want to take a break from theme parks and over-stimulating, crowded attractions, a nature-filled kayak ride sounds like the perfect vacation activity. Central Florida is home to tons of gorgeous kayak spots brimming with calm energy, stunning landscapes, and curious wildlife like manatees, otters, and eels.

And the best way to have access to the best kayaking spots? Stay within the Kissimmee and Davenport areas of Central Florida. Element Vacation Homes hosts plenty of large, kid-themed properties to enjoy with large groups or extended family. Arcades, in-home movie theaters, pools, and huge kitchens are just a few of our amenities.

Ready to experience Florida’s natural flora and fauna on kayak? Book your Central Florida vacation today!

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