Middle River Kayak: Manatee and Wildlife Tour

Explore Fort Lauderdale’s Middle River on a kayak or paddle board adventure. Encounter manatees, vibrant wildlife, and lush mangroves. Book your eco-escape today.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Colohatchee Park and Dog Park - A sanctuary of natural mangroves where manatees frequently visit in search of warm, tranquil waters and vegetation. Visitors remain on their equipment and navigate around the ecosystem.
  • Island City Park Preserve - A tropical haven with enhancements tailored for marine life, birds, palm trees, and stunning…
What's Included
  • Choice of Paddle Board or Kayak (Doubles available for 2 paid Guest)
  • Guide
  • Life Jacket
  • Outdoor Shower and or Spray Nozzle to rinse off
  • Changing and or Restroom
What's Not Included
  • Locker
  • Bottled water
  • Shirts and Gifts are Available, but Not Included
Additional Information

Set off on a captivating kayak or paddleboard journey along Fort Lauderdale’s Middle River, where gentle manatees—Florida’s cherished sea cows—grace the warm waters, particularly during the peak winter months from late December to mid-March. Navigate through lush mangroves, observe vibrant iguanas, tropical birds such as herons, egrets, or ibis, and…

Location
Sunrise Paddleboards, LLC., Kayaks, Snorkel, and Hurley Electric Bike Tours
North Federal Highway
Free parking is availble at our riverfront showroom. Please Arrive and Check-In a few minutes ahead. Your Guide will provide an orienttion before departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(33 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Tonyganthony
Mar 6, 2026
Give it a try! Awesome experience. - Awesome experience with guide Stosh- he pointed out wildlife when possible, and guided us through a variety of mangrove trees, helped us find coconuts, and kept us motivated along the way. Group size was around 12 which was perfect. Not too much pressure but also not too many people. I will say as a young adult this was a bit of a workout given time of day with the rising tide etc. We had to duck under some bridges, and paddle against the wind. If you have basic mobility you will likely do great! Just know it requires some paddling or opportunity to try out a double kayak. Overall awesome experience. I'd recommend giving it a try. Certainly memorable and very different from other tours. Location was patient and accesible with ages ranging from teen-65+ in our tour and all group members were kind and accommodating in making it enjoyable for all. Remember: sunscreen/bugspray, waterproof bag or sleeve for phone and wallet etc, hat, sunglasses, water bottles, snack
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Braichlin
Mar 4, 2026
Quit kayaking trip - This little short 2hr kayaking trip was very cool. Going through the canal ways. Didn't see any manatees, was a little disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T1438plwendyr
Mar 3, 2026
Highly Recommend - Kent was our guide and he was terrific. He is very knowledgeable about the area and shared great info. We even saw a Manatee which was a real treat. Thank you for a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael
Mar 1, 2026
A great escape - Perfect for couples, friends or families... or even when flying solo. It was great to leave the noises of the main drag and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the canals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy
Feb 28, 2026
Great time on the canals! - Courtney was an amazing tour guide! She was so friendly, and made sure everyone had a great time! She let everyone know what to expect and described the local area for us. She even took the time to take pictures of our group; highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea_e
Feb 26, 2026
You definitely might not... - You definitely might not see any manatees, but I knew that going into it and we still had a fabulous time!
Review provided by Viator
John_d
Feb 19, 2026
Very lovely paddle... - Very lovely paddle through the canals. Even though we didn't see any manatees, we saw lots of other wildlife and it was beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
Samanthaka7628jh
Feb 18, 2026
Lovely tour - Our guide Sarah was great, the kayaking to the mangroves alone was a fun experience and we were lucky enough to see some manatees! It was a great trip and one of my highlights in FLL.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_l
Feb 27, 2026
This is very well run,... - This is very well run, professional, Jay our guide was wonderful!! It is a kayak in the intercoastal waterway surrounded by homes, with a short detour into a mangrove area. Manatee sightings not guaranteed, but lovely experience on the water.
Review provided by Viator
Chris_s
Mar 1, 2026
Not as advertised - This is not a “guided eco” tour - it’s guided - but only directionally. These are not guides who offer insights on local ecology, history, or in fact manatees. If you ask you might get an experienced answer - or not. Picture is misleading as well. No, you’re going to kayaking though canals - not a mangrove forest as shown. This isn’t about whether or not you see manatees - that is outside any tour’s control. What is within the tour company’s control is fair representation. We did not receive a guided ecological tour. We received a directional tour with guides who could (or not) answer questions related to manatees. And guide, a woman, does not have the disposition for the task. Overpriced. Rent a kayak and google manatee info and local ecological information before had - it’ll be cheaper. Do not recommend.
Review provided by Viator
From $99
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).