Explore Orlando’s Premier Eco‑Adventures: Kayaking, Zip‑Lining, Airboats & More
From tranquil kayaking to soaring zip‑lines and exhilarating airboat rides, Orlando’s eco‑adventures promise unforgettable experiences on land, water, and sky.
Updated June 30, 2021
With cooler winter and spring weather, Orlando’s eco‑friendly adventures shine—airboat rides, zip‑lining, hang‑gliding, off‑roading, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and more. Read on for a curated guide to the city’s must‑visit ecotourism experiences.
Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park
Experience breathtaking views from 2,000 feet above ground at this attraction, which is about 20 minutes southwest of Walt Disney World.
Ecotourism Exploration in Orlando
If you prefer a relaxed pace, Orlando’s gentle ecotourism offerings—kayaking, hiking, swimming, birdwatching—are not to be missed.
Kayaking in Orlando
Kayaking at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Guests at these sister resorts can rent kayaks or canoes to paddle Shingle Creek—Florida’s Everglades headwaters—and enjoy professionally guided eco‑tours that uncover the region’s rich history and wildlife.
Brevard Zoo
Located an hour east of Orlando, Brevard Zoo is the only U.S. zoo to offer a guided kayak tour that circles its animal exhibits.
Boat Tours in Orlando
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour Near Orlando
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Enjoy a one‑hour narrated cruise through Winter Park’s lakes and canals, showcasing lush flora, fauna, and upscale homes just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando.
Nature & Hiking Trails in Orlando
West Orange Trail Near Orlando (Photo: West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades Co.)
West Orange Trail
Spanning 20.8 miles, the West Orange Trail runs north from Winter Garden—30 minutes west of downtown—to Lake Apopka, offering playgrounds and other amenities. West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades Co. rents bicycles, trailers, and can deliver to your hotel.
Cady Way Trail
The 7.2‑mile Cady Way Trail connects downtown Orlando to Winter Park, complete with water fountains and sheltered rest stops.
The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve
Located 40 minutes south of Walt Disney World, The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve spans 11,500 acres and features hiking trails that showcase native flora and fauna.
Natural Springs in Orlando
Blue Spring State Park (Dive Into Crystal Clear Water at Natural Springs Throughout the Orlando Area)
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park, 45 minutes north of downtown, offers year‑round activities: camping, birding, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more.
De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs State Park, an hour north of downtown, features Florida’s natural beauty and the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House, where visitors can enjoy pancakes in a 100‑year‑old replica of an 1830s sugar mill.
Kelly Park
Kelly Park, 35 minutes northwest of downtown, boasts free‑flowing natural springs and the clear, swift Rock Springs creek.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park, 25 minutes north of downtown, offers trails, canoe rentals, pristine vistas, family play areas, and its famed springs. Adjacent is Wekiva Island, a day resort with a $2 admission fee. (Pronunciation: “Wekiva” and “Wekiwa” both sound “wuh‑kive‑uh.”)
Wildlife & Birding in Orlando
Lake Apopka North Shore Near Orlando
Walt Disney World® Fishing
Enjoy year‑round bass fishing at Walt Disney World Resort. Choose two‑ or four‑hour guided trips aboard a 21‑foot Sun Tracker pontoon boat (up to five people) or a tournament‑style NITRO® bass‑fishing boat (up to two people). Reserve up to 180 days ahead.
Gatorland Bird Rookery
Between February and June, bird lovers and photographers can access Gatorland’s expansive nature preserves early in the morning with the park’s value‑priced Photographers Pass.
Lake Apopka North Shore
Lake Apopka North Shore, 50 minutes northwest of downtown, hosts over 360 bird species—bald eagles, great blue herons, snow egrets, and anhingas—and hosts the annual North Shore Birding Festival with guided tours.
The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail
The Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail offers 17 sites in Orlando and Orange County, plus many others across Florida, making it a premier destination for wildlife viewing.
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