Magical Manatee Moments $55: Two hours on a paddle board to admire these beautiful creatures up close and personal. Money and time very well spent.

I had some time to... read moreMagical Manatee Moments $55: Two hours on a paddle board to admire these beautiful creatures up close and personal. Money and time very well spent.

I had some time to kill after landing in Orlando before my friend arrived, and googled things to do near the Orlando airport. Somehow that led me to find this tour, which is an hour drive from the airport. Due to rampant flight delays and cancellations lately, I was hesitant to book in advance in case a flight issue prevented me from making it. I called and asked if I would be able to book morning of after I land, and Ned said that was fine! True to his word, we secured my booking over the phone only 1.5 hours before the 9:00 AM start time. I also ended up being the only person on the tour because the other group cancelled.

The tour starts from the boat launch area at Blue Springs State Park. The directions from Ned over the phone and in the confirmation email were super clear in helping to find it. There are no bathrooms at the launch area, so plan pit stops en route accordingly.

He pointed out water swirl patterns that indicated a manatee just swam by. While on land we already saw a couple come up for air! Then we took to the water and paddled a relatively short distance to a roped off area where the manatees rest. They can swim in and out of that area as they please, and the first time one swims under your board is just breathtaking. Even though they are close, they leave you alone for the most part. My board got tapped by one unexpectedly but I managed to remain standing. We just hung around there watching the manatees swim by. Ned takes pictures of you to post on Facebook, which you can then send to all your friends and family to make them jealous.

I miss my manatee friends already and can't wait until I have another opportunity to do this tour again. read less

Another great experience with Ned We did the Wekiva Springs tour fot the second time. First time was 2,5 years ago. Again this was a super experience and a great adventure. Went up to Rock... read moreWe did the Wekiva Springs tour fot the second time. First time was 2,5 years ago. Again this was a super experience and a great adventure. Went up to Rock Springs for a bit and did a hike aroud the spring. We’ve seen several birds, alligators and turtles. Thanks Ned and Jenna for this superb trip!! read less

Magical Manatee Moments Indeed! We had a great time with Ned, Jenna and his team. What a fun morning! We had perfect weather, and saw so many manatees up close. If we could give... read moreWe had a great time with Ned, Jenna and his team. What a fun morning! We had perfect weather, and saw so many manatees up close. If we could give a 6-star rating, read less

Amazing day boarding up close with the Manatees. Ned and staff are so knowledgeable. If you want to see Manatees this is the com We were a family group of six. Ned and his assistant were excellent. Great day and wonderful time sharing the water with the

We are from NY and we were hoping for warmer weather to do the Manatee Paddle-board Tour. We were so glad we didn’t change our mind and back out... read moreWe are from NY and we were hoping for warmer weather to do the Manatee Paddle-board Tour. We were so glad we didn’t change our mind and back out because the weather turned out great and we had a blast! All 4 of us were beginners and we had no problem getting used to our boards. Our guides were very knowledgeable and fun. We saw so many Manatees. I had 3 come up to my board and was able to make contact with all of them. They were very kind and curious. Thanks Ned-A-Tee for the awesome memories. We will be back for sure! 5++ read less

This is the best activity you can do in Central Florida We had our family of five siblings and spouses/children join us for a truly magical experience. Ned, Jenna, Chuck and the whole PBO gang made it fun for

Manatees! ❤️ Looking for an adventure? Love nature? Love being on the water? The Magical Manatee tour is for you! Locals and visitors will both enjoy seeing manatees up close (no touching!)... read moreLooking for an adventure? Love nature? Love being on the water? The Magical Manatee tour is for you! Locals and visitors will both enjoy seeing manatees up close (no touching!) and in their natural environment. Ned and his crew make this a smooth, safe, fun and educational paddle for all levels of experience. They do all the set up, teaching, launching, guiding and storytelling on this 2 hour tour! Thanks Ned and crew for a magical experience! read less

The best way to spent your morning in Florida! One the best experiences I have had in Florida. Ned and his team were a pleasure to be around. We had a mixed skill level group and they catered to... read moreOne the best experiences I have had in Florida. Ned and his team were a pleasure to be around. We had a mixed skill level group and they catered to everyone. And getting so close the manatees was unforgettable. I highly recommend this t read less

Such a wonderful day! Very beginner friendly- patient instructors, very personable. I will be coming back!

Ned and his team are spectacular. The intro class is very beginner friendly and great fun. My friend and I have gone paddling every weekend since our class, on our... read moreNed and his team are spectacular. The intro class is very beginner friendly and great fun. My friend and I have gone paddling every weekend since our class, on our own boards! Great running into you on the water yesterday Ned, thank you for the new hobby! read less

Thank you so much to Uncle Ned at Paddleboard Orlando. We had a great time on our paddleboard tour because Ned was patient, caring and so encouraging. Expert guidance with... read moreThank you so much to Uncle Ned at Paddleboard Orlando. We had a great time on our paddleboard tour because Ned was patient, caring and so encouraging. Expert guidance with a super friendly guide made a tour a perfect experience. read less

Fun! Gorgeous place with great instructors and guides. Ned, Tom, and Jenna are able to meet the needs of SUPers of all levels and they enjoy showing people this incredible place... read moreGorgeous place with great instructors and guides. Ned, Tom, and Jenna are able to meet the needs of SUPers of all levels and they enjoy showing people this incredible place and teaching a new sport. They are kind, fun and respectful without being unctuous. I really appreciated their expertise and would love to go back when the manatees are around! (Also, pro-tip: the tour leaves from the private Wekiva Island, not the state park! Thank you, Ned, for saving our butts and giving us a ride to the right place!) read less

The best paddle boarding experience! Ned and Jenna were so sweet and such great instructors! Definitely recommend!

Beautiful location, instructors there to help everyone at every level.
Bring a hat, bring an open mind, and enjoy!!

I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP... read moreI cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP and they helped make us feel safe and confident the entire time. I didn't think I would be able to stand up, and I didn't fall once! It was a super fun and empwering experience and I can't wait to go back! Thank you so much, guys! We had a BLAST!! read less

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up for this experience!!! I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP... read moreI cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP and they helped make us feel safe and confident the entire time. I didn't think I would be able to stand up, and I didn't fall once! It was super fun and empowering experience and I can't wait to go back! Thank you so much, guys! We had a BLAST!! … read less

Two very enthusiastic thumbs up for this experience!!! I cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP... read moreI cannot say enough about the wonderful experience my girls and I had with the Paddleboard Orlando team! It was the first time for all three of us to SUP and they helped make us feel safe and confident the entire time. I didn't think I would be able to stand up, and I didn't fall once! It was super fun and empowering experience and I can't wait to go back! Thank you so much, guys! We had a BLAST!! read less

So much fun with great instructors! The Winter Park chain of Lakes is a beautiful tour too. Highly recommend.

A great team of instructors who make you feel like you can do it, even if you're a beginner. And they are FUN!!

My sister and I had a blast with this group. Did the beginner paddle in Winter Park. Definitely recommend this group.