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Orlando National parks

Our most recommended Orlando National parks

Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

1. Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

The Central Florida Everglades are natural wonders, best explored with locals who know their backwaters. The beautiful landscape and expert guidance of your captain will make this tour a trip that you'll never forget. Guests on the Scenic Nature Tour explore narrow water trails engulfed in the brush of the Central Florida Everglades. On this tour you'll stop periodically, hoping to spot Florida's state reptile, the American Alligator, in its natural setting. Witness rare and endangered birds swooping effortlessly through the skies as the sunshine warms your body and the wind whips through your hair. Other wildlife abounds throughout the trip. This tour is perfect for groups and families looking to explore and learn about the unexpected side of Central Florida. A longer trip on a Detailed Nature Tour of 1-hour increases the number of encounters with Florida's wildlife, especially the American Alligator, which can reach up to 15 feet in length and 1,000 pounds. You'll experience nature right alongside turtles, bald eagles, blue herons, deer, and a wide variety of waterfowl in their natural environment, not in captivity. Be sure to also check out the Gem Mining Station. You will be able to purchase buckets filled with treasures that are native to Florida and take them to the mining station. While mining, you will discover various gems, alligator teeth, shark teeth, rocks, and other treasures. There will be an additional charge for gem mining bags or buckets. A restaurant with indoor or patio seating is available, where you can dine before or after your tour (at your own expense).

Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

2. Orlando: 3-Hour Manatee Encounter by Kayak

Blue Springs State Park outside Orlando is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River and a designated national manatee refuge. On this 3-hour excursion your group will paddle to the entrance of the spring run, park the kayaks, and then walk the entire length of the spring run with a guide to spot and photograph the native wildlife. Afterwards you’ll retrieve your kayak and paddle to the Snake River or Hontoon Island. The Hontoon Island area of the river is packed with manatees, otters, and sun-worshipping gators. Overhead bald eagles, ospreys, and red shoulder hawks scan the water and marshes for their next meal. On the riverbank, large wading birds, coots, morehens, and the occasional wild hog can be seen. There’s a nature trail on the island that leads to an ancient Indian shell mound. The park is noted for its large owl population and extensive Indian artifacts including the state’s largest totem pole.

Orlando: Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with Lunch

3. Orlando: Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour with Lunch

See manatees in their natural habitat in Blue Spring State Park on a kayaking tour. Explore the rivers and creeks and spot a range of other native species within the lush marshland. Enjoy priority entrance to Blue Spring State Park and experience a fantastic view of the spring and the manatees that are to be found in the area. Paddle to the crystal clear waters of Blue Spring, Orange City by kayak and encounter the many manatees that make the area their home. During the summer months indulge in a refreshing dip in the clear waters of the spring. Glide through the calm creeks and rivers of the park and discover a variety of animals including alligators and turtles who often can be seen sunbathing on the shores. Also, keep a lookout for bird species such as a variety of birds including ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. Then, after you finish your kayaking adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch in the tranquility of nature.

Orlando: Manatee Encounter, Snorkeling, and Airboat Ride

4. Orlando: Manatee Encounter, Snorkeling, and Airboat Ride

Snorkel thorugh marine life in the Crystal Rive on this day trip from Orlando. Ride in a comfortable and airconditioned bus to Homosassa Springs State Park for a guided visit. Find out about manatees and go for an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River. In the morning, head out to the beautiful Crystal River area to start your snorkeling adventure. Explore the river and admire unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Learn about the magnificent manatee and have the opportunity to see them up close. Next is a guided visit to the Homosassa Springs State Park. Discover local wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, bobcats, alligators, and more. Learn about the park’s manatee rehabilitation program and stop at an underwater observatory built over the mouth of a spring. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading to the Withlacoochee River, to end your day with an exciting airboat ride. Ride through this area which is another natural haven, where you can see more local wildlife. Feel the thrill of skimming over the water with an exhilarating trip in a flat-bottomed boat.

Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour

5. Orlando: Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour

Swim and snorkel with one of the sea's most gentle creatures, the endangered Florida manatee, and take an exhilarating airboat ride. Head to the picturesque Crystal River – home to the endangered “gentle giant of the sea,” the Florida manatee – where you can choose to snorkel or swim. Have a chance to interact with these beautiful creatures if you’re lucky. Have some lunch, and then enjoy a fully-narrated airboat ride. Learn more about this southern state's wildlife from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Orlando: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

6. Orlando: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Discover the best of Orlando with this all-inclusive pass. Choose between a 2, 3, or 5-day pass, valid for a 2-week period, and get exploring. The more you see, the more you save. Enjoy popular attractions such as Kennedy Space Center and Legoland Florida. Explore surrounding area attractions in Tampa and Miami, perfect for a road trip. There's no need to choose your attractions before you buy the pass, you can pick and choose as you go. Rub shoulders with the celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando, take a spin at The Wheel at Icon Park, and more. Benefit from a digital pass and guide, which can be used on a mobile device or to print at home. Attractions include: • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort • Fun Spot America Theme Park - 4 Ride Sampler • Madame Tussauds Orlando • WonderWorks All-Access Pass • SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando • The Wheel at ICON Park • Gatorland - The Alligator Capital of the World • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show • Titanic - the Artifact Exhibition • Gray Line Orlando - City of Orlando Tour • Congo River Adventure Golf • Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour • American Police Hall of Fame • ZooTampa at Lowry Park • Boggy Creek Airboat Tour • Lion Country Safari • Miami Seaquarium • Duck Tours South Beach • Island Queen Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise • Ft. Lauderdale Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Trip • Big Bus Miami Hop on Hop off Tour • Gator Park Airboat Tour • Sawgrass Recreation Park Everglades Airboat Adventures • Gray Line Miami: Everglades Airboat Adventure Tour • Daytona International Speedway All Access Tour

From Orlando: Miami Day Trip with Upgrade Options

7. From Orlando: Miami Day Trip with Upgrade Options

Take a day to experience the energetic and vibrant city of Miami. Discover the different areas of the city while shopping, enjoying the atmosphere, or simply relaxing. Leave from Orlando early in the morning to experience a whole day of fun. On the way, receive a continental-style breakfast bag to get energized for the day. Choose from the following tour options: • Full-Day Hop-on-Hop-off City Tour: See all that Miami has to offer on two routes of the city. Enjoy live commentary on the tour with plenty of time to explore your choice of stops. Discover Miami's highlights as you hop on and off at your own leisure. • Miami Tour with Celebrity Homes Cruise Around Star Island: See Miami's magnificent coastal sites — including the Miami skyline and the homes of Star Island — on a fully narrated cruise. After, enjoy plenty of time to shop in the Bayside Marketplace Mall and relax on South Beach as well. • Day Tour of Miami: Experience and explore the Bayside Marketplace and South Beach area of one of the most upbeat cities on the East Coast of the United States. Choose this option to have the most free time to explore on your own. • Everglades Adventure and Star Island Cruise: After a brief stop at Bayside Marketplace, set off on an adventure in the Florida Everglades with an airboat ride and animal handling show. Then, head back to Bayside Marketplace for a bit of free time before boarding the Island Queen for a fully narrated cruise around Star Island. Finally, visit South Beach briefly to soak in a little of the atmosphere. After a fun-filled day in Miami, your driver will take you back to Orlando where the tours will end.

Longwood: Guided Wekiva River Paddleboarding Tour

8. Longwood: Guided Wekiva River Paddleboarding Tour

Discover the lush landscapes of Florida's Wekiva River and glide over freshwater springs on a SUP paddleboard adventure. Enjoy a tour that includes safety equipment, a guide, and step-by-step instruction which makes it suitable for all levels.  Meet your guide at the activity provider's shop and get set you with your high-quality gear. Since the first part is upriver, you will need to utilize the correct techniques for paddling which your guide explains before the start of your tour.  Launch from Wekiva island and head upriver to the springs at the state park. Park your board and go ashore, and depending on weather and the group, either go for a short hike in the park on a designated boardwalk and trail, or go for a swim at the spring head.  Visit the spring head in good weather and swim in a space where there is a rock formation with a large crack where the spring water pours out at an astonishing rate. Have the opportunity to swim thru the crack and have the springs force push you up in a fun and safe way.  After your swim or hike, get back on the paddleboards and let the current take you back to your starting point on Wekiva island. Bring cash for afterwards if you want to sample the wares from the delicious "Without a Paddle' café and/or the "Tooting Otter Bar " which are located on Wekiva island.

Frequently asked questions about Orlando

What top attractions are a must-see in Orlando?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Orlando?

The best day trips and excursions from Orlando are:

Kennedy Space Center

Other Sightseeing Options in Orlando

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What people are saying about Orlando

Overall rating

1.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Astrid was our amazing guide on the 8 mile tour. She was knowledgeable, kind, patient and funny. She pointed out lots of wildlife include multiple bird species, turtles, so many alligators and of course Manatees. We had a light healthy lunch and asked so many questions. Astrid gave a perfect safe tour and we loved her passion about her surroundings.

Great half day of kayaking with a knowledgeable and engaging guide. Saw many manatee and native birds. Loved that it was a smaller group. Would definitely recommend.

We had a fantastic time! Sue was an excellent guide. We saw all types of birds, alligators and a bunch of manatees. Thanks for a wonderful experience!

On time! Great captain! Interesting safe and overall a fun experience! Restaurant/store very clean!

Enjoyable experience but as expected very crowded

Beautiful palace and gardens. However, the numerous guides held up a easy flow through the palace.