Find the perfect outdoor adventure in Orlando

From thrilling wildlife tours to a new theme park perspective, these experiences show a different side of Orlando
GetYourGuide Orlando Kayak and paddleboard
Photograph: Courtesy of Epic Paddle Adventures
Written by Gerrish Lopez for Time Out in partnership with Get Your Guide
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Orlando is known for its theme parks, but the city and its surroundings have so much more to offer. Think outside the theme park box and look to the great outdoors to see another side of this fab Florida town and try out a different kind of thrill ride.

Just outside this vibrant city is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures that take advantage of Florida’s unique and diverse landscape. The Everglades offer a bounty of natural wonders, as do nearby lakes and springs. You can sail into the sunset, spot wildlife from an airboat, paddle crystal-clear waters or even take to the skies.

So how do you find these thrilling outdoor adventures in Orlando? GetYourGuide is your source for finding and booking unforgettable guided experiences in destinations around the country and around the world. We combed through the options to highlight some of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Orlando. From a tranquil afternoon searching for manatees to an epic flight featuring a birds-eye view of the city’s theme parks, check out these guided outdoor adventures in Orlando available to book on GetYourGuide.

Get Your Guide Orlando

Florida Everglades Wildlife Airboat Tour

Hop on a state-of-the-art airboat with stadium seating and explore the Florida Everglades like never before. This isn’t just any tour—it's a front-row seat to the wild heart of Florida, where you’ll encounter everything from gators to bald eagles. As you glide through the swamp, you’ll get a crash course in the fascinating history and unique ecology of the Everglades and learn about the Native Americans and early settlers who braved these waters long before the theme parks arrived. You’ll journey to the source—a small creek where the vast Everglades originate—and marvel at the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife that live in this vibrant, thriving ecosystem.

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Kayaking Tour with Manatee Encounter

The majestic Sea Cow—aka Ocean Potato aka manatee—is a mermaid-like creature that will capture your heart. On this tour, you’ll kayak through local waters teeming with wildlife. You’ll encounter otters, wading birds, turtles, alligators, deer, black bear and, of course, the manatee. Bring your camera for stunning photo ops with these amazing beasts in their natural habitat. In winter months you’ll paddle through springs where manatees stay warm, while summer months will see a journey along the river to see the manatees feeding. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and wildlife spotting. Plus, after the tour you can stick around the state park for a picnic or a snorkel in the springs.

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Sunset Clear Kayak or Paddleboard in Paradise Tour

Wind down after a day of thrill-riding with a more relaxing adventure on the tranquil waters of Lake Ivanhoe. No gators here, just crystal-clear, spring-fed waters. This tour is so chill it’s even dog-friendly, and great for first-time kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. Bring along your beverage of choice and a bluetooth speaker and you’re all set for a party on the water. After the paddle you can jump in the lake for a refreshing swim or explore Lake Ivanhoe Village, known as the “Indie District.” The village has restaurants, bars and shops that make for a unique night out.

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Private Sunset Sailing Trip on Lake Fairview

Experience an unforgettable sunset sail on Lake Fairview aboard a 25-foot, sloop-rigged MacGregor sailboat. This adventure can be as immersive as you want to make it. You’re in the capable hands of your crew, so you can just kick back and relax as you sail into the sunset. Or you can become a part of the crew by learning the basics of sailing. Trim the sail, take the helm, raise and lower the sails, steer and turn the boat. After all that hard work, unwind in the comfortable cockpit as you watch the sun's golden hues reflect on the tranquil lake. This private boat tour can be both adventurous and relaxing, an ideal way to spend a sultry Florida evening outdoors.

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Narrated Helicopter Flight Over Theme Parks

You’ve experienced the excitement of Disney and Universal, but now you can get a thrilling, birds-eye view of Orlando’s iconic theme parks from a helicopter. With panoramic windows, this chopper offers an unmatched sightseeing experience. Your pilot will guide you over highlights such as Universal Studios, the expansive Disney complex, Old Town Kissimmee, the Orlando Eye, Sea World and Blizzard Beach. You might even catch a glimpse of Epcot, the World of Harry Potter and the Magic Kingdom castle as you learn about the fascinating history and development of Orlando. Choose from three tailored tour options to see the awe-inspiring sights that interest you most. This aerial adventure promises a magical perspective of Orlando's ever-evolving landscape.

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