Featured Tours
Our Most Popular Tours
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2 to 10
Manatee Discovery Tour
There’s something magical about being on the water… Whether it’s the heart-pounding excitement of spotting a massive manatee gliding just beneath your kayak, the quiet wonder of watching hundreds gather in the crystal-clear spring, or the pure joy of seeing one surface beside you with a gentle puff of air. With calm, scenic waters and Florida’s incredible wildlife all around, you’ll feel the warmth of the sun on your skin as alligators bask lazily on the banks, hear the distant cry of an osprey soaring overhead, and breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of towering cypress trees. Whether you're here for the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime manatee encounter or the peaceful escape into nature’s beauty, you’ll leave with a deep sense of wonder—and memories to last a lifetime. <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
from
$70
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
3 to 12
Magic After Dark Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Get ready to slip into a kayak and leave the buzz of the city behind as you paddle into the stillness of a moonlit lagoon, where every stroke through the water sets off an electric blue-green glow beneath you. The salty air carries the faint scent of warm sea grass and mangroves, while the soft splash of your paddle and the distant calls of night herons create a soundtrack that’s both peaceful and wild. As fish dart beneath your boat, they leave glowing trails, and if you’re lucky, a manatee or dolphin may stir the water with a burst of light. You'll feel the warm breeze on your face, the cool splash of water on your hands, and an overwhelming sense of wonder and calm as nature puts on a show like no other. It's a truly unforgettable experience—one that stirs your senses, quiets your mind, and leaves you glowing inside and out. <p style="margin-top:40px;text-align:center;padding:20px;background-color:#e4fbff60;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:20px;line-height:1.2;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">🏆 Bioluminescence Guaranteed — Only with Us. No Other Tour in the Area Offers This Promise.</span>We’re the only tour operator in the area that guarantees you’ll see bioluminescence—or receive a return voucher valid for three (3) years. You can book with total confidence knowing your glow-filled adventure is backed by our promise.</p> <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
from
$75
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 10
Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure
This crystal clear run is a paddle into the past, through land still as it was when the Timucuan tribes inhabited the area. Truly emerald in color this section of Rock Springs Run is a breathtaking natural beauty. It winds through lush jungle-like nature, sand pine scrub, and pine flatwoods. The area is rich in wildlife and it is possible to see turtles, alligators, river otters, white-tailed deer, black bears, fish, a variety of birds, and more. This is an out-and-back paddle. The first part your guide will lead you upstream over and under trees and through the twists and turns of the river until you reach the bridge at Kelle Park. At this point, you will have a chance to jump into the crystal clear river to play and/or to refresh yourself. Afterward, we let the current take us back to the launch point. <p style="margin-top:40px;padding:10px;background-color:#f9f9f9;text-align:center"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:18px;display:block;margin-bottom:5px;">Important...</span>Due to high demand and small group sizes, our tours sell out quickly. To get your preferred date and avoid missing out, we highly recommend booking as soon as possible.</p>
from
$80
Customers love us.
Excellent
1196 Verified reviews
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ashelbie
Mar 30, 2026
We had booked with a different company who, due to a technical error, did not have our booking and did not have a guide available. Jimi had a last-minute cancelation, and got us booked over the phone and we ended up with a 2 hour private tour! We had perfect weather for paddling, and he shared lots of great information about the area, the wildlife that we saw, and how manatee rescues work as there was one in progress we were able to observe from a safe distance. We are very appreciative of Jimi's willingness to get us out on the water, or we would have been sad to miss such a great opportunity to see the manatees at the spring. Thank you! Would absolutely recommend this to others.
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Briana Oldham
Apr 24, 2026
Super great guide. Thomas very friendly and knowledgeable
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Bernhard Oppl
Apr 24, 2026
Es war sehr schön. Unser Guide hat sich Zeit genommen und vieles gezeigt.
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Audrey
Apr 22, 2026
We booked a kayak tour with Jimi and it was a 10/10 experience. Jimi's a certified naturalist, and his expertise about the flora/fauna of the area made a beautiful kayaking experience even more exciting. He was a wealth of knowledge, he knew all the nooks and crannies of Rock Springs Run. He also had great dad jokes.The kayaking tour with Jimi was a highlight of the trip.
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Julianne S
Apr 19, 2026
TJ was a great guide. The location of the tour was beautiful. Not strenuous. Lots of different animals to see throughout the paddle. Kids and adults favorite part of our trip.
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jessica clem
Apr 19, 2026
Tj was great! Very informative. It was a great time. Super relaxing. We had never kayaked before so if you are new do not let that steer you away because he teaches you within 5 minutes and is very patient
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Caasi B
Apr 16, 2026
Thanks and appreciate it very much. Highly recommend to everyone especially the nature lovers like myself. Impressive with the knowledge and information provided by the guide. God bless!
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Michael Cochran
Apr 15, 2026
Our guide TJ was great…. Saw a lot of great things
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Daniel Pinneker
Apr 14, 2026
It was a nice Trip with TJ. Good mix between Information and free paddeling.
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CJ Edvinger
Apr 14, 2026
TJ was a great guide
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Rob Hopkins
Apr 14, 2026
Our guide was great and really made an effort to point out wildlife and explain habitat, behaviors, etc. Best of all we saw a Manatee up close in the clear spring waters seeing their immense size. We then saw a number in the lagoon playing which was very entertaining.
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RhysChesterUK
Apr 14, 2026
A fantastically informative experience conducted by our guide Jimi through the Blue Springs State Park, we saw some amazing wildlife and learned so much We
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Keziah N
Apr 14, 2026
Absolutely amazing experience! Our guide Jimi was very knowledgeable and friendly and found a manatee for us to see when we thought it probably wouldn’t happen that day. It was our first time kayaking and he was a great teacher. Definitely recommend.
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Daydream25341510253
Apr 14, 2026
We had a great tour from start to finish. Our guide Jimmy was excellent. He was a true Floridian and was a real ambassador for conservation. He was very knowledgeable in wildlife, birds and the forest. He kept an easy pace in the paddle and we could hear him extremely well as he pointed out interesting things we came upon. There was plenty of wildlife and birds to see during the whole paddle. I would highly recommend this tour if you just want to see the beautiful backlot view of Florida.
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Bruce Macbutch
Apr 13, 2026
Excellent. Jimi was a perfect guide for the trip.He had a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife we saw and the eco-systems we live in.
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Michael M
Apr 13, 2026
Excellent experience. Jimi was our guide and his depth of knowledge about the wildlife and eco-systems was “5” star plus. If or when we come back I would not hesitate to go again with him. P
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Mikayla Kuskie
Apr 12, 2026
TJ was great! I strongly recommend this tour, we saw manatees in the springs and in the river. The eco tour was great too! I did the morning tour, would probably recommend it bc it got hot towards the end.
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Danielle Hanson
Apr 12, 2026
TJ was great! We saw manatee, alligators and lots of birds! He was very knowledgeable and brought us through a beautiful spring! Highly recommend going with TJ!
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Tracy Nguyen
Apr 12, 2026
Had a great time at Blue Springs with TJ. We saw 4 manatees, 3 gators and a bunch of other animals - much more than we expected especially at the end of manatee season.
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Gerry Kelly
Apr 11, 2026
TJ gave us a great 2 hours of kayaking. Lots of wildlife and we were lucky enough to see manatees in April. Very chilled outing, and professionally run
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Katie Jones
Apr 10, 2026
Amazing tour!
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Amy Cooper
Apr 10, 2026
Amazing experience! Steve was an amazing guide - very knowledgeable and kind. Would highly recommend - we saw a ton of wildlife too!
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Nicole Hendricks
Apr 9, 2026
TJ was a great guide! We had lots of fun and saw some amazing wildlife.
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Jill Mattingly
Apr 9, 2026
TJ was great!
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Claire Murphy
Apr 8, 2026
What an amazing experience! It was touch and go whether we would have time for this trip but I'm so glad it worked out. I'd highly recommend going at 9am as you get to go to the end of the spring run which is only open to swimmers after 10am. We saw an alligator swim past along the river in the first two mins! And we were so lucky to see a few manatees in the spring. It was breathtaking!! Steve was our guide and he was very calm and knowledgeable and you could tell he loved his job. A truly wonderful experience!
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Aliza F
Apr 7, 2026
Great trip! Jimi was very knowledgeable and showed us some cook animals and areas! We had a great time, and would definitely recommend!
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Ashley M
Apr 7, 2026
Despite the weather, we had a good time. TJ was kind and knowledgeable!
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Aliza Feder
Apr 6, 2026
Excellent tour!! Really enjoyed! Friendly and answered all our questions! Jimmy was great! We saw Awesome birds, fish, and manatee!
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Jesse James Beads
Apr 6, 2026
Great tour!!! Our guide TJ was awesome. Super informative and we saw so many manatees! Thanks so much for a great trip
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Michelle Woolschlager
Apr 6, 2026
TJ was a great guide! We had an absolutely incredible time experiencing nature and relaxing on our kayak tour. Would highly recommend!!
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Avi Rascoe
Apr 5, 2026
Had a great time! TJ was awesome!
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Alexander Lacy
Apr 4, 2026
Very experienced guide. Very personable and knowledgeable of the waters and surrounding areas.
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Ron Lacy
Apr 4, 2026
Thanks Steve for a great float!
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Max H.
Apr 3, 2026
We really enjoyed the tour. Our tour guide, Sue, was very friendly and helpful. Her joy and enthusiasm for nature rubbed off on us right away. She gave us lots of information about the area and the animals we saw. Even though we had never kayaked before, we managed just fine thanks to her clear instructions and guidance. The tour took us through crystal-clear water, and we even got to go for a swim along the way. The scenery was beautiful, and we saw turtles, fish, and birds. We definitely recommend Sue’s tour.
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Alex L
Apr 3, 2026
Great views and a lot of information.
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Edward Woods
Apr 2, 2026
TJ was very professional and courteous. I really admire that he has so much respect for the animals you'll see on the tour as well as the waterways we got to explore. Very laid back and learned a lot of cool information on our tour! 10/10 would recommend
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Shane Shearer
Apr 2, 2026
Great experience with our guide Steve! Showed us all around, found the manatees, talked us through the wildlife and pointed out all of the alligators.
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mom n
Apr 2, 2026
TJ is an excellent guide! We had a great time seeing manatees and eagles and herons!!
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Cynthia N
Apr 2, 2026
We paddled the 3-hour eco tour with our guide Sue and a small group of 8 new friends. The creek is mostly shallow and crystal clear. Weather was perfect for a quick swim too. Rock Springs Run is a true gem of nature with its beauty and serenity. Sue makes this kayak trip inclusive for all levels of experience, providing ongoing instruction and encouragement to newbies while allowing the more experienced to lead ahead. She engaged in enthusiastic conversations with participants and provided ecological information throughout the trip. I highly recommend this kayak tour with Sue.
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Gene Lowe
Apr 1, 2026
Amazing guide, very knowledgeable about the nature in and around the river
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Molly Reynolds
Apr 1, 2026
Great kayaking trip and TJ was a fantastic guide.
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Katie B
Apr 1, 2026
TJ was great!
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John D
Apr 1, 2026
Sue was awesome!! Excellent tour!!
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Brittany Pedersen
Mar 31, 2026
We had an amazing and relaxing time as a family of 4 with two 8 year olds. TJ was an amazing guide. He was very informative about the beautiful flora and wildlife . Not only did we get close to manatees and watch them play, we saw alligators, turtles and many birds. Highly recommend.
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Shuo Chen
Mar 31, 2026
Jimi gave a wonderful wildlife tour that culminated in a manatee playfully nosing and pushing all our kayaks. The morning was beautiful and we saw numerous birds including bald eagles, ospreys, great white, gray and blue herons, and anhingas. He also pointed out alligators as we passed their nesting grounds and sun spots.
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Kirsten Louise Feddersen
Mar 30, 2026
TJ was great and very knowledgeable about the wildlife. We got an amazing show from the manatees and he did a great job of locating them. Really great trip overall! So glad we did it.
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Carolina Marcus
Mar 30, 2026
This is a must see if you’re in the Orlando area. An absolute highlight of our Florida vacation. Steve, our guide, was awesome. We saw alligators, manatees, bald eagles, and more! Such a gorgeous, pristine experience…highly recommend!!
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Charlie Biondolillo
Mar 30, 2026
Knowledge, interactive, friendly
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Julie B
Mar 30, 2026
Sam and TJ were very knowledgeable with the area . Very nice tour guides.
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ashelbie
Mar 30, 2026
We had booked with a different company who, due to a technical error, did not have our booking and did not have a guide available. Jimi had a last-minute cancelation, and got us booked over the phone and we ended up with a 2 hour private tour! We had perfect weather for paddling, and he shared lots of great information about the area, the wildlife that we saw, and how manatee rescues work as there was one in progress we were able to observe from a safe distance. We are very appreciative of Jimi's willingness to get us out on the water, or we would have been sad to miss such a great opportunity to see the manatees at the spring. Thank you! Would absolutely recommend this to others.
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Briana Oldham
Apr 24, 2026
Super great guide. Thomas very friendly and knowledgeable
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CATEGORIES
The Best Outdoor Experiences in Orlando
Why choose us?
Why We're The Unique Option For Kayaking In Orlando
Kayaking at Orlando state parks and public waterways doesn't have to be expensive or stressful ordeal. We hire only the best guides in the industry for our all-inclusive hiking and kayaking tours, ensuring they have the proper training and certifications to ensure a safe and memorable trip. So, not only will you have a knowledgeable guide to lead you to hidden gems like Rock Springs Run and dark cypress swamps, but you won't have to worry about what it takes to kayak in Orlando.
We believe that connecting intimately with the natural world through immersive outdoor adventures not only educate and inspire but also fosters a deep sense of responsibility to protect and preserve our environment for current and future generations.
We're passionate about sharing this experience with all of our customers, so we have created experiences that will allow you to get close to nature in an intimate way. Our team is committed to your safety, comfort, and enjoyment while on our trips.
When it comes to our kayak and stand-up paddle board (SUP) lessons, we take pride in our commitment to excellence. Our kayak and SUP instructors, certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) and British Canoeing, embody our dedication to providing top-notch training experiences. Their stringent qualifications ensure that your kayak and SUP lessons are not just educational but also safe and enjoyable. Whether you're mastering the art of kayaking or honing your skills in the world of SUP, our certified instructors are your guides to a seamless and enriching learning journey. So, you can dive into these aquatic activities with confidence, knowing you're under the expert guidance of our certified professionals.
Adventurous
Our tours never disappoint when nature lovers come looking for adventure. You'll discover hard-to-reach locations full of jungle-like landscapes that will make you feel a million miles away from the h...
Our tours never disappoint when nature lovers come looking for adventure. You'll discover hard-to-reach locations full of jungle-like landscapes that will make you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the amusement parks in Orlando. Glide along still waters in the midst of the stunning Emerald Cut, the most beautiful section of Rock Springs Run, explore the storybook-like whimsy of Lake Norris, get up close with lovable manatees on our Manatee Discovery tour, and even embark on a nighttime journey to discover bioluminescent wonders in the dark!
Immersive
Because we keep our tour groups small, you get to enjoy a more intimate experience in the wild. Every tour aims to take visitors deep into the Orlando area's natural habitats, leaving the city's hustl...
Because we keep our tour groups small, you get to enjoy a more intimate experience in the wild. Every tour aims to take visitors deep into the Orlando area's natural habitats, leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind so you can truly feel one with nature. Our professional guides will take care of everything so you can sit back and enjoy. Whether you're in a kayak gliding through still waters or following along a nature trail we offer some of the most immersive experiences around.
Educational
Each guide on our team is trained professionally by experts in the field, so you can rely on your tour guide to not only know the best way to navigate the trails and crystal clear waters you'll encoun...
Each guide on our team is trained professionally by experts in the field, so you can rely on your tour guide to not only know the best way to navigate the trails and crystal clear waters you'll encounter in the wild but they'll also have the knowledge required to answer your burning questions about the ecosystem, wildlife, and other information about the area. Our guides will even snap pictures for you to commemorate your experience in nature.
WHO WE ARE
Venture Through The Great Outdoors With Us On Your Next Trip To Central Florida
Countless outdoor activities are available to soak in as much warm weather as possible while you're in the Orlando area. From kayaking in Orlando to visiting one of the state parks for a hike or picnic with your loved ones, there's something for every nature lover to indulge in here.
At Venture Outdoors, we focus on keeping our tour groups small so you can be fully immersed in the natural beauty of Central Florida on a hike or kayaking through stunning hundred year-old cypress trees and around hanging Spanish moss.
Join us on a leisurely trip down the Wekiva River or Emerald Cut at Rock Springs Run when kayaking in Orlando, or follow our expert guides into the natural habitat of Central Florida's local wildlife for an amazing hike you'll never forget.
One of our most popular experiences is the Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour, where we take you out on the water to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Not confident with watersports just yet? Sign up for our kayak and SUP lessons, and you'll be a pro at navigating the water in no time!
Location
Orlando, Florida Is A Paradise Like No Other
Orlando is a truly special location in the United States with a blissfully humid subtropical climate nature lovers flock to in the winter months. Not only does the nearly year-round pleasant weather make Orlando a unique location to visit, but you'll find some of the most delicious Cuban cuisines, world-famous theme parks, and unbeatable shopping malls.
There are also kayaking tours and hiking trails that leave a lasting impression on visitors looking for something more adventurous to do in the area. Whether you decide to rent some kayaks for a day on crystal clear water or embark on a hike on one of the many hiking or nature trails in the area, you're sure to capture some of the most stunning sights of the lush Florida backcountry and exotic wildlife.
Blue Spring State Park is located in Greater Orlando and is considered one of the most significant winter homes for manatees across the globe. Looking for other wildlife like wild turkey, gopher tortoise, or white-tailed deer? Head to Silver Springs State Park to find these and all the other critters who call the park home.
Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and consider a swimsuit or quick-dry shorts. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes or sandals with a secure strap.
Yes, kayak tours are generally safe when conducted by experienced guides. They provide safety instructions and equipment. Always follow their guidance and wear a life jacket.
While wildlife sightings are common, they can't be guaranteed. Guides do their best to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat.
Many kayak lesson providers offer lessons for children and families. The minimum age may vary, so check with the provider for specific age requirements.
The difficulty of hikes varies, so there are options suitable for all fitness levels. Guides can recommend hikes that match your physical abilities.
Essential items include sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a backpack, water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit. Follow your guide's recommendations.
Yes, many guided hikes are family-friendly. Guides can adjust the pace and route to accommodate children and ensure safety.
Our guides do accept tips, and they are greatly appreciated. Tipping is left up to the individual, but as a general practice, 15%-20% of the trip cost is the common gratuity in Orlando.
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Escape the Ordinary! Kayak the Extraordinary!
Excellent
1196 Verified reviews