Guided Kayak Tours in Central Florida
Come Adventure With AWA!
Offering small-group guided excursions in Silver Springs, Blue Spring, Edgewater, Wekiva River, and Secret Lake.
Go On A Kayaking Adventure In Central Florida
AWA means Adventures with Aaron. I’m Aaron, and I’ve been a kayaking guide for years. I’ve always had the adventure bug! Here in Seminole County, there’s nobody better than AWA to plan your family adventure with. My kayak tours are capped at 6 kayaks per tour, perfect for families and smaller groups!
My love for wildlife and photography, has taken me on many expeditions and I want to share some of my favorites with you!
Small-Group Florida Kayaking Adventures
Instead of placing guests in a large group and following a fixed script, I keep most tours capped at six kayaks. That gives me time to help new paddlers, answer questions and point out wildlife or details along the route.
My tours are not about racing from one location to another. We paddle at a comfortable pace, practice respectful wildlife viewing and make room for photographs, questions and the unexpected moments that make every trip different.
Whether this is your first time in a kayak or one of many paddling trips, AWA gives you a more personal way to experience Florida from the water.
Silver Springs is AWA’s featured destination and one of Florida’s most memorable places to paddle. The spring-fed water can provide clear views of fish, turtles, vegetation and features below the surface. The wooded shoreline also creates habitat for birds, alligators, manatees and other Florida wildlife.
Rhesus macaques also live along portions of the Silver River and may sometimes be seen moving through the trees near the shoreline. Because all of the animals at Silver Springs are wild, sightings will vary from one tour to another.
My guided Silver Springs kayaking tours are designed for guests who want more than an unguided rental. I help with equipment and paddling basics before launch, set a manageable pace and point out wildlife, natural features and parts of the area’s history as we travel.
Tours generally last between 1.5 and 2 hours, welcome guests ages six and older and are limited to six kayaks. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but I use my experience on the water to help the group notice animals and details that can be easy to miss when paddling alone.
Blue Spring Kayaking
Paddle near Blue Spring State Park and enjoy a relaxed guided experience on one of Central Florida’s best-known waterways. During the cooler months, the area is especially popular for the manatees that gather near the spring.
Aaron keeps the group small and provides basic paddling instruction before launch, making this tour a good choice for beginners, couples and families.
Edgewater Dolphin Tour
Travel through the North Indian River Lagoon from Menard-May Park in Edgewater while watching for dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, aquatic birds and occasional manatees.
The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and may include a stop at one of the nearby islands when water and weather conditions allow.
Sunset Kayaking Tour
Slow down with an evening paddle through the connected lakes at Secret Lake Park in Casselberry. This beginner-friendly tour is built around calm water, changing evening light and a relaxed pace.
It is a convenient option for guests near Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary and the surrounding Central Florida area.
Paddles and Saddles
Combine a guided Blue Spring-area paddle with a horseback trail ride through AWA’s partnership with Hidden Palms Ranch.
This advance-reservation experience is available for guests ages ten and older. The tour must be booked by phone at least one week ahead, and additional participation requirements apply.
Give the gift of Adventure!
Why Paddle With AWA Kayak Tours?
A good guided tour should make the day easier, safer and more meaningful. With AWA, you do not have to figure out the route alone or wonder whether you are missing the best parts of the waterway.
Most guided tours include:
- Small groups capped at six kayaks
- Beginner-friendly paddling instruction
- A kayak and paddle
- Personal flotation device and safety whistle
- A small dry bag for personal items
- Information about the waterway and surrounding wildlife
- Photographs taken during the tour
- Single and tandem kayak options
- Respectful, passive wildlife observation
I use stable sit-on-top kayaks that provide an open seating area, good visibility and a comfortable option for many first-time paddlers. Before each trip, I explain the basic strokes, steering and safety expectations so everyone can start with more confidence.
Because wildlife is never scheduled, I do not promise specific sightings. I focus on putting guests in a good position to observe what is naturally active while keeping a safe distance and avoiding behavior that could disturb the animals. Passive observation is also recommended by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when viewing manatees.
Kayak With a Local, Certified Guide
I grew up in Seminole County and have spent years guiding paddling trips across Central Florida. My interest in wildlife and photography shaped the way I lead tours: I pay attention to what is happening around the group, explain what we are seeing and take photographs so guests can stay focused on the experience.
I am CPR and First-Aid certified, and safety is part of every trip from the first instructions on land through the return to the launch. I also understand that not everyone arrives feeling completely comfortable in a kayak.
Questions are welcome, and I will help with equipment, paddling technique and kayak selection whenever possible.
What Guests Say About AWA
Many AWA guests arrive as first-time kayakers or with children who need a little extra help. Reviews often mention Aaron’s patience, knowledge of the waterways, ability to identify wildlife and the photographs he takes during the trip.
Read what recent guests have shared about their experience, then choose the tour that matches your group, location and preferred type of scenery.
Plan Your Florida Kayaking Adventure
A little preparation can make your day on the water more comfortable. The AWA blog covers local paddling destinations, wildlife, what to bring and what to expect before booking a guided tour.
Featured articles can include:
- Kayaking on Silver Springs in Florida
- Why Kayaking Is One of the Best Ways to See Dolphins in Florida
- What to Wear on a Guided Kayak Tour
- Best Time of Year for Kayaking in Central Florida
- Guided Kayak Tour or Kayak Rental: Which Is Right for You?
AWA already has useful destination content about kayaking Silver Springs and viewing dolphins from a kayak. These articles should link to the matching booking pages using descriptive anchor text.
Each destination page also includes tour-specific details, meeting information, age requirements and answers to common booking questions.
Book a Central Florida Kayak Tour
AWA is ready to take you on a river trip that you’ll never forget. This is an adventure the whole family can enjoy, and the experience will last a life time! Book your kayak tour today.
Choose the spring, river, lake or coastal tour that fits your group and reserve your date online. Most trips are beginner-friendly, include the necessary paddling equipment and are kept small so you receive personal help along the way.
For same-day availability, call AWA Kayak Tours at 407-603-7105.