Enjoy a scenic boat tour along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, the “Venice of America.” Relax on the water, take in city sights, and unwind on a sunset cruise with your own food and drinks.
Orlando Alligator Experience
About Tour
For those paddlers and wildlife lovers that are a bit more adventurous we offer the amazing alligator experience. This 8.5 mile paddle down Orlando’s closest wild river is home to a large population of enormous alligators. Your experienced guides will get you close so you can get the perfect pictures. In addition to alligators we frequently spot otter, turtles, wild boar, black bear, coyote, and deer.
We take time stopping at numerous beaches for stretch breaks, dips in the river to cool off (yes it is safe), short hikes on the Florida trail, and a light snack under the remains of the Flagler railroad bridge.
This tour is also wonderful for our birding friends. Swallow Tail Kites, Bald Eagles, Crested Caracara, Limpkins, Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbills all call this river home.
Our founder and owner grew up near this river and still makes his home beside it. It is no wonder why he loves taking people out paddling on it and sharing its beauty.
At the start of the paddle we do what no other tour company in Orlando will — we shuttle you upstream to the launch point so you can paddle the full river back to your car. We believe having to paddle out and back upstream is a horrible idea and only allows you to experience half of the river.
Private tours available for groups of five or more. Overnight camping tours to paddle the entire 20 miles available by contacting us.
What’s Included
Kayak
Paddle
Life Vest
Bottled water
Guide
A shuttle to the starting point at the beginning of the paddle
Light snack
What to wear
Swimsuit or nylon shorts that can get wet
Sandals, flip flops, or water shoes.
Sun protection, hat, sun glasses, sun screen
What to bring
Sun protection
Towel and a change of clothing
Your favorite beverages
Waterproof camera or cell phone
Please Note
There is no public transportation however, Uber works great
Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
We have no age restrictions but everyone MUST know how to swim.
Participants must be able to sit in a kayak for 4–5 hours
Total tour time with lunch and shuttle is a minimum of 4 hours
There are no restrooms
- Duration: 4 Hours
- Group Size: Up to 20
- Ages: 5+
- Live Guide: Yes
Why travelers love this
(4 reviews)
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
(3 reviews)
4.9
Suitable for beginners
Professional local guide
Safety-First Experience
Highlights
– Paddle 8.5 miles down Orlando’s wildest river alongside enormous alligators
– Spot bald eagles, otters, wild boar, and roseate spoonbills in their natural habitat
– All equipment included — kayak, paddle, life vest, water, and light snack
– Complimentary shuttle back to your car at the end of the paddle
What should I wear on the Orlando Alligator Experience?
Wear a swimsuit or nylon shorts that can get wet, sandals or water shoes, and bring sun protection including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Is the tour safe with all the alligators?
Yes! Your experienced guides know the river intimately and will keep you safe while getting close enough for amazing photos. Everyone must know how to swim.
What is included in the tour price?
Your tour includes a kayak, paddle, life vest, bottled water, a light snack, an expert guide, and a shuttle ride back to your car at the end.
Can children join the alligator tour?
Children ages 5 and older are welcome (children 5 and under are free). There are no age restrictions but everyone must know how to swim. Children under 12 ride at a discounted rate of $100.
Adventures In Florida
CEO / Founder
About the operator
Founded in 1995, Adventures in Florida is known for its amazing kayaking and canoe tours down scenic rivers and crystal-clear springs, as well as its Bioluminescence paddles. Visitors have excellent opportunities to view and photograph alligators, manatees, turtles, dolphins, and countless wading birds in their natural wild areas. Adventures in Florida started with a group of lifelong friends who always seemed to find better things to do than hold a job. Weekend trips stretched into month-long expeditions. Family trips grew to include family, friends, and friends of friends. When it became impossible to even consider regular work, we incorporated. Over the years, we have managed our growth to avoid losing the very things that made us successful: small-group travel and first-class service with the highest level of professionalism. We will never compromise our commitment to you, our guest, or to the preservation of the natural environment. TripAdvisor has recognized our commitment to quality by awarding us its 5-star “Certificate of Excellence” consistently since 2011.
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Customer Photos
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 4 reviews)
A Real Florida Adventure
April 8, 2026
What a great experience to get right back to nature on this alligator kayak tour. From the initial booking to the warm welcome, everything was organised and on time but in a laid back, relaxed way. Our guides were excellent — we didn’t feel rushed and they clearly loved taking people out on the water. We saw alligators, turtles, and gorgeous birds. Well worth it!
Birthday Surprise – We Saw Gators!
April 8, 2026
Our guide Matthew was extremely interactive and had lots of information about the local wildlife. My mom and I went on her birthday and it was a blast. I’m not the outdoorsy type but she is, and we saw alligators and so much wildlife! The river was winding and sheltered with anticipation around every corner. All in all, I would absolutely do this again.
Excellent From Start to Finish
April 8, 2026
An excellent experience from start to finish. Our guide Tia was very knowledgeable about all of the flora and fauna in the region. We were lucky to see several alligators and amazing birds on the Econlockhatchee River. The anticipation around every bend was thrilling. I would recommend this trip wholeheartedly to anyone visiting Orlando who wants to see the real Florida.
Phenomenal Tour – Already Planning My Next One!
April 8, 2026
I cannot recommend this tour highly enough! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the entire experience to life with fascinating insights. The tour itself was phenomenal — we saw several alligators sunning on the banks and countless birds along the river. I’m already planning to book another next time I’m out in Orlando. If you’re looking for a memorable, well-organized experience with a guide who truly cares, look no further.
From: $150.00
per person
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
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