It's fun to do a tour every once in a while, even if you have lived in Florida for years. From nature-oriented boat tours to fossil hunting for shark teeth in a creek, there are a ton of ways to explore Central Florida that won't make you feel like a total tourist. Here are 25 of those tours, arranged from cheapest to most expensive.
24 Orlando tours you'll actually want to go on when you have out-of-towners
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 3:46 pm
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Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat Tour
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, 352-261-5842, $11
This boat tour is one of Florida’s oldest attraction, and it has yet to lose its charm. Enjoy one of their daily trips up and down and look through their glass bottoms at all the marine life of Silver River. Above the surface, you’ll find historical and cultural artifacts as well as wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll spot a couple of movie artifacts from the park’s Hollywood days. Tours run every 30-45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo viarkopec/Instagram
5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, 352-261-5842, $11
This boat tour is one of Florida’s oldest attraction, and it has yet to lose its charm. Enjoy one of their daily trips up and down and look through their glass bottoms at all the marine life of Silver River. Above the surface, you’ll find historical and cultural artifacts as well as wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll spot a couple of movie artifacts from the park’s Hollywood days. Tours run every 30-45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo viarkopec/Instagram
Cracker Creek Boat Tours
1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange, 386-304-0778, $12-$50
Cracker Creek offers a variety of different tours, from a one-hour Eco-History Tour to a 2-hour to a sunset cruise with alcohol and hors d’oeuvres. If you choose their one-hour Eco-History Tour, which is the cheapest, you’ll be led down Spruce Creek by one of their guides featuring an interactive narrative of the history and ecology of the area. At the end of the tour, you’ll get a demonstration on whip cracking and how the early Florida cracker cowboys used it. Tour leaves at 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Photo via thislittletown/Instagram
1795 Taylor Road, Port Orange, 386-304-0778, $12-$50
Cracker Creek offers a variety of different tours, from a one-hour Eco-History Tour to a 2-hour to a sunset cruise with alcohol and hors d’oeuvres. If you choose their one-hour Eco-History Tour, which is the cheapest, you’ll be led down Spruce Creek by one of their guides featuring an interactive narrative of the history and ecology of the area. At the end of the tour, you’ll get a demonstration on whip cracking and how the early Florida cracker cowboys used it. Tour leaves at 2 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Photo via thislittletown/Instagram
Scenic Boat Tour
312 East Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056, $14
Go on an 18-passenger pontoon boat ride through three of the seven lakes and two canals in Winter Park. While you may get lucky and spot cranes or alligators during the tour, you’ll definitely see large cypress trees, swaying palms, lush sub-tropical flowers and views of extravagant homes along the banks. Tours leave on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo via babycat4everz/Instagram
312 East Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056, $14
Go on an 18-passenger pontoon boat ride through three of the seven lakes and two canals in Winter Park. While you may get lucky and spot cranes or alligators during the tour, you’ll definitely see large cypress trees, swaying palms, lush sub-tropical flowers and views of extravagant homes along the banks. Tours leave on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photo via babycat4everz/Instagram
Air Force Fun Helicopter Tour
12211 Regency Village Drive #13 Orlando, 407-842-1446, $20-$137.13
See Orlando and all of its many attractions from a bird’s eye view. Their cheapest tour takes you over SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. There is a minimum of 2 passengers per flight, and a maximum of three. They’re open daily from 9:30 a.m. until sunset, and they operate on a first-come first-serve basis.
Photo via family_gym_jeep_repeat/Instagram
12211 Regency Village Drive #13 Orlando, 407-842-1446, $20-$137.13
See Orlando and all of its many attractions from a bird’s eye view. Their cheapest tour takes you over SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove. There is a minimum of 2 passengers per flight, and a maximum of three. They’re open daily from 9:30 a.m. until sunset, and they operate on a first-come first-serve basis.
Photo via family_gym_jeep_repeat/Instagram
Capt. Ernie’s St. Johns River Tours
Departs from Blackwater Inn, 55716 Front Street, Astor, 866-349-0674, $25
This tour takes you downriver through Blue Creek in the Ocala National Forest. Blue Creek is a feeding area for manatees in the warmer months, as well as a good spot to see some gators. The tour continues on to go to the St. John’s River where you’ll learn all about its history and the role the river played in both the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War. Tours are about 2 hours long and depart Tuesday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Photo via St. John's River Tours
Departs from Blackwater Inn, 55716 Front Street, Astor, 866-349-0674, $25
This tour takes you downriver through Blue Creek in the Ocala National Forest. Blue Creek is a feeding area for manatees in the warmer months, as well as a good spot to see some gators. The tour continues on to go to the St. John’s River where you’ll learn all about its history and the role the river played in both the Seminole Indian Wars and the Civil War. Tours are about 2 hours long and depart Tuesday-Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Photo via St. John's River Tours
St. John’s River Cruises at Blue Springs State Park
2100 West French Ave, 407-330-1612, $25
Considered to be the most popular nature-oriented tour in Florida, their boat, named “Native II” was specially designed to go through the shallow backwaters of the St. John’s River. Nothing is bound to pass by you as you cruise along the river at 6 mph. The tour also stops frequently for people to have up-close encounters and photo ops. Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. seasonally.
Photo via sjrivercruises.com
2100 West French Ave, 407-330-1612, $25
Considered to be the most popular nature-oriented tour in Florida, their boat, named “Native II” was specially designed to go through the shallow backwaters of the St. John’s River. Nothing is bound to pass by you as you cruise along the river at 6 mph. The tour also stops frequently for people to have up-close encounters and photo ops. Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. seasonally.
Photo via sjrivercruises.com
Black Hammock AirBoats
2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo, 407-365-1244, $26.95-$50
Take a 30-minute or 1-hour airboat ride on Lake Jesup and cruise through the area with highest population of alligators in the US. Seriously, there are over 10,000 alligators in the lake. If that doesn’t sound like a world of fun, you’ll also have views of the historic Bird Island and the chance to spot a bald eagle. After the airboat ride, you can grab a bite to eat at The Black Hammock Restaurant and get 10 percent off your bill with the presentation of your ticket. Walk-ins welcome for 30-minute boat rides between 9 a.m and 5 p.m.
Photo via bonitarosek/Instagram
2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo, 407-365-1244, $26.95-$50
Take a 30-minute or 1-hour airboat ride on Lake Jesup and cruise through the area with highest population of alligators in the US. Seriously, there are over 10,000 alligators in the lake. If that doesn’t sound like a world of fun, you’ll also have views of the historic Bird Island and the chance to spot a bald eagle. After the airboat ride, you can grab a bite to eat at The Black Hammock Restaurant and get 10 percent off your bill with the presentation of your ticket. Walk-ins welcome for 30-minute boat rides between 9 a.m and 5 p.m.
Photo via bonitarosek/Instagram
Orange Blossom Cannonball
150 W. 3rd Ave, Mount Dora,352-742-7200, $28-$32
Start in either Mt. Dora or Tavares and ride in the actual train cars that have been in over 20 movies. From “True Grit” to “Appaloosa”, you’ll be sitting in the coaches actors like George Clooney and Johnny Cash acted in. The trip is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check their website for departure times.
Photo via dougary1870/Instagram
150 W. 3rd Ave, Mount Dora,352-742-7200, $28-$32
Start in either Mt. Dora or Tavares and ride in the actual train cars that have been in over 20 movies. From “True Grit” to “Appaloosa”, you’ll be sitting in the coaches actors like George Clooney and Johnny Cash acted in. The trip is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check their website for departure times.
Photo via dougary1870/Instagram
The Indian River Queen
90 Delannoy Avenue, Cocoa, 321-454-7414, $30-$60
While The Indian River Queen is typically only booked for private events, once a month it offers two public tour options. You can take the Sunday Scenic & Historical cruise during the day, or a Dinner & Party cruise during the evening. Regardless of which you choose, this triple deck paddle wheel boat will take you down the Indian River and lagoon where you’ll have the chance to spot manatees, dolphins and various types of birds.
Photo via The Indian River Queen
90 Delannoy Avenue, Cocoa, 321-454-7414, $30-$60
While The Indian River Queen is typically only booked for private events, once a month it offers two public tour options. You can take the Sunday Scenic & Historical cruise during the day, or a Dinner & Party cruise during the evening. Regardless of which you choose, this triple deck paddle wheel boat will take you down the Indian River and lagoon where you’ll have the chance to spot manatees, dolphins and various types of birds.
Photo via The Indian River Queen
The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours
8045 NW Gainesville Road, 352-351-9477, $30-$96
This company offers five different options for zip-lining over lakes, treetops and even a couple cliffs. Thrill-seekers will be wanting to spend a little extra for the 3-hour full zip and canopy tour, which takes you over expansive canyons on what the tour company advertises are Florida highest, fastest and longest zips. Make sure you make a reservation if you decide to go though, as walk-ins aren’t a sure thing. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo via gianna_cavallaro/Instagram
8045 NW Gainesville Road, 352-351-9477, $30-$96
This company offers five different options for zip-lining over lakes, treetops and even a couple cliffs. Thrill-seekers will be wanting to spend a little extra for the 3-hour full zip and canopy tour, which takes you over expansive canyons on what the tour company advertises are Florida highest, fastest and longest zips. Make sure you make a reservation if you decide to go though, as walk-ins aren’t a sure thing. They’re open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Photo via gianna_cavallaro/Instagram
Paddleboard Orlando
115 N Orlando Ave Suite 109, Winter Park, 407-960-7815, $35-$65
Paddleboard Orlando offers five different paddleboard tours in the Central Florida area, as well as a separate lesson for first-time paddleboarders. You can take a tour through the Winter Park chain of lakes, Wekiva Springs, Crystal Rivers, or Callalisa Creek near New Smyrna Beach. Their tours vary in range of difficulty, but if you’re worried about standing up for more than an hour, you can always sit and paddle. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo via paddleboard.orlando/Instagram
115 N Orlando Ave Suite 109, Winter Park, 407-960-7815, $35-$65
Paddleboard Orlando offers five different paddleboard tours in the Central Florida area, as well as a separate lesson for first-time paddleboarders. You can take a tour through the Winter Park chain of lakes, Wekiva Springs, Crystal Rivers, or Callalisa Creek near New Smyrna Beach. Their tours vary in range of difficulty, but if you’re worried about standing up for more than an hour, you can always sit and paddle. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo via paddleboard.orlando/Instagram
Dino Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
Launches from Haulover Canal or Beacon 32, 321-268-2655, $36.96-$39.95 for adults, $26.95-$29.95 for children
In the summer, the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon glow. Just simply swirling your hand underwater causes produces light. The kayak tour lasts anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. Make sure to call in advance as this is a popular trip during the summer for tourists and Florida residents alike.
Photo via A Day Away Kayak Tours/Facebook
Launches from Haulover Canal or Beacon 32, 321-268-2655, $36.96-$39.95 for adults, $26.95-$29.95 for children
In the summer, the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon glow. Just simply swirling your hand underwater causes produces light. The kayak tour lasts anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. Make sure to call in advance as this is a popular trip during the summer for tourists and Florida residents alike.
Photo via A Day Away Kayak Tours/Facebook
Cocoa Beach Biplane Tours
475 Manor Dr, Merritt Island, 321-392-4125, $39.99-$459.98
Choose from a variety of flight packages from Florida Air Tours, all of which feature an open-cockpit biplane. See Merritt Island and its surrounding areas from up above, and depending on which flight you choose, you could see up and down Florida’s Space Coast. Call Florida Air Tours to schedule a flight or book online.
Photo via space_coast_fun_guide/Instagram
475 Manor Dr, Merritt Island, 321-392-4125, $39.99-$459.98
Choose from a variety of flight packages from Florida Air Tours, all of which feature an open-cockpit biplane. See Merritt Island and its surrounding areas from up above, and depending on which flight you choose, you could see up and down Florida’s Space Coast. Call Florida Air Tours to schedule a flight or book online.
Photo via space_coast_fun_guide/Instagram
Full Moon Kayak by Adventures in Florida
900 S Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-924-3375, $40
Experience the Winter Park chain of lakes by dark with a kayaking tour that operates only during a full moon. Watch the sun set and the moon rise and trade ghost stories with friends on the water. Adventures in Florida will even provide a small snack during the trip. Next trip leaves on Aug. 19, and all full moon tours start at 8 p.m.
Photo via Adventures in Florida/Facebook
900 S Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-924-3375, $40
Experience the Winter Park chain of lakes by dark with a kayaking tour that operates only during a full moon. Watch the sun set and the moon rise and trade ghost stories with friends on the water. Adventures in Florida will even provide a small snack during the trip. Next trip leaves on Aug. 19, and all full moon tours start at 8 p.m.
Photo via Adventures in Florida/Facebook
Lake Kissimmee State Park Segway Tour
14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, 863-514-3474, $45
Explore Lake Kissimmee State Park in a way that won’t hurt your feet. Back Trail Adventures of Florida through a 70-minute guided tour of the park. The tour operates Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Photo via benwmarsh/Tripadvisor
14248 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, 863-514-3474, $45
Explore Lake Kissimmee State Park in a way that won’t hurt your feet. Back Trail Adventures of Florida through a 70-minute guided tour of the park. The tour operates Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Photo via benwmarsh/Tripadvisor
Historic Mt. Dora Segway Tour
430 Alexander Street, Mt. Dora, 352-460-2039, $49 in advance, $55 same-day
It’s a 1-hour tour that starts in downtown Mt. Dora and takes you along the city’s waterfront and marina. You will pass by the lighthouse and over into Palm Island park, where you’ll get to see all of Mt. Dora’s wildlife. The tour then continues through the historic bed and breakfasts. Tours leave daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Photo via PhilipMC69/Tripadvisor
430 Alexander Street, Mt. Dora, 352-460-2039, $49 in advance, $55 same-day
It’s a 1-hour tour that starts in downtown Mt. Dora and takes you along the city’s waterfront and marina. You will pass by the lighthouse and over into Palm Island park, where you’ll get to see all of Mt. Dora’s wildlife. The tour then continues through the historic bed and breakfasts. Tours leave daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Photo via PhilipMC69/Tripadvisor
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville, 321-452-2121, $50
This is the best way to get a look at the Kennedy Space Center without actually becoming an astronaut. See the historic launch site of Apollo 8 and stop at the Apollo/Saturn V center. The best thing about this tour is that it’s included in your admission into Kennedy Space Center, so after the tour, you’ll still have a whole bunch of things to see. Tour can last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, and leaves from the Visitor Complex every 15 minutes.
Photo via Maggie R/Tripadvisor
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Titusville, 321-452-2121, $50
This is the best way to get a look at the Kennedy Space Center without actually becoming an astronaut. See the historic launch site of Apollo 8 and stop at the Apollo/Saturn V center. The best thing about this tour is that it’s included in your admission into Kennedy Space Center, so after the tour, you’ll still have a whole bunch of things to see. Tour can last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours, and leaves from the Visitor Complex every 15 minutes.
Photo via Maggie R/Tripadvisor
Limo Cycle Tours
303 West Third Street, Suite 4, Sanford, 855-756-9386 $50-$450
If you’ve ever wanted to be on a 10-person tandem bike, this might be the perfect tour for you. Choose from a variety of different tours, from an adventure tour chasing down pirates to a Sunday Brunch tour that includes free mimosas. The limo cycle fits 15 people in total, with 10 people pedaling and 5 catching a free ride, so the more people you bring, the cheaper the tour ends up being. Call or visit their website to book a tour.
Photo via orlandodatenightguide/Instagram
303 West Third Street, Suite 4, Sanford, 855-756-9386 $50-$450
If you’ve ever wanted to be on a 10-person tandem bike, this might be the perfect tour for you. Choose from a variety of different tours, from an adventure tour chasing down pirates to a Sunday Brunch tour that includes free mimosas. The limo cycle fits 15 people in total, with 10 people pedaling and 5 catching a free ride, so the more people you bring, the cheaper the tour ends up being. Call or visit their website to book a tour.
Photo via orlandodatenightguide/Instagram
Fossil Funatics
108 Robbins Rest Crest, Davenport, 407-709-5070, starts at $60
This is an outdoor expedition that takes you through some of Central Florida’s waterways in search of fossils. Their basic tour is a hefty five and half hours long and includes all the tools you will need to dig up shark teeth. Call Fossil Funatics to schedule your tour.
Photo via fossilguy407/Instagram
108 Robbins Rest Crest, Davenport, 407-709-5070, starts at $60
This is an outdoor expedition that takes you through some of Central Florida’s waterways in search of fossils. Their basic tour is a hefty five and half hours long and includes all the tools you will need to dig up shark teeth. Call Fossil Funatics to schedule your tour.
Photo via fossilguy407/Instagram
Revolution Off Road
4000 State Road 33, Clermont,352-400-1322, $80-$200
While Revolution Off Road has some pricier fishing experiences, their off road ATV, buggy, and Mucky Duck tours are the ones you will want to look into. The more people in each vehicle, the cheaper the tour is per person. But regardless of what vehicle you choose, plan to get dirty, as the tours take you through water, sand, hill climbs and through lots of dirt. Tour times vary due to vehicle and availability.
Photo via v269_ton/Instagram
4000 State Road 33, Clermont,352-400-1322, $80-$200
While Revolution Off Road has some pricier fishing experiences, their off road ATV, buggy, and Mucky Duck tours are the ones you will want to look into. The more people in each vehicle, the cheaper the tour is per person. But regardless of what vehicle you choose, plan to get dirty, as the tours take you through water, sand, hill climbs and through lots of dirt. Tour times vary due to vehicle and availability.
Photo via v269_ton/Instagram
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