Our guide was Julie and she is THE best when it comes to local wildlife. She is so passionate about the ecosystem. We learned a lot about manatees, pelicans, the businesses in the area, the boats, etc. My husband and I had a great kayak adventure and I can't say enough about how much fun we had! read more

River Wild Kayaking - Boat Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

We recently took the evening river trip....dolphins, shark, Manatee, luminous jellyfish and lots of birds with some bats mixed in...OH MY! Julie was an exceptional guide for the evening, and a truly knowledgeable naturalist. We saw so much wildlife and learned lots. We recommend this tour! read more

Given the following experience, I cannot in good conscience recommend River Wild Kayaks for anyone seeking genuine ecological education or environmentally responsible practices. If you're looking for authentic nature-focused guidance, I strongly encourage you to support a different outfitter. I was a customer of this outfitter until my concerns about local conservation practices led to my being trespassed from the property. In September, I contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Fish & Wildlife Commission regarding a Brazilian peppertree--a highly invasive species; growing on adjacent city-owned land. When I attempted to discuss the issue, a woman claiming ownership of the property (despite not being among the four listed owners) and the shop's owner, who identified himself as Austin, strongly opposed any removal efforts. Their reaction was unusually intense, and they ultimately involved law enforcement and issued a trespass notice. Even after I secured proper city permissions, I was asked to step back due to ongoing disputes with neighboring property owners. What concerns me most is the stark contradiction between this company's branding and its actions. They advertise "ecological tours," yet they actively fought to preserve one of the most destructive invasive trees in the state from being removed near a sensitive waterway. Whether they planted it or not, their efforts to protect it directly undermine local conservation and native habitat restoration. read more

The guide was so nice and knowledgeable. He did a great job explaining the marine life and telling us fun facts about the area while also making it enjoyable and entertaining. read more

River Wild Kayaking - Boat Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

Great launch location with easy parking. Relaxing trip down the Anclote River through the Mangroves. Julie our guide shared information on Tarpon Springs, the oyster beds to the variety of Mangrove trees. Saw some Ibis in flight and along the river, eagles circling and even little fiddler crabs. Beautiful cruise on a beautiful day. Thanks for the info on National Bakery too, best baklava I've had. read more

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We had a great time! Our guide Julie was very knowledgeable and made sure we had a safe and fun adventure. I would do it again!

Awesome experience with Julie our Eco Guide. Would do again. Knowledgeable guide who provided us with valuable information and a fun experience. read more

River Wild Kayaking - Kayaking in Mangroves - Boat Tours Near Me - Tarpon Springs, Florida

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We had a great time on our kayaking tour with River Wild Kayaking! Our guide was named Albert "Alby" and he was absolutely wonderful. During our tour we saw a wild dolphin, an eagle, stingrays and various birds and fish. We also got to see and learn more about the history of the Florida mangroves. Overall a very wonderful experience - would go again, specifically with Alby, he was fantastic! read more

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My wife and I kayaked in January of 2025 and were guided by Julie who was amazing. She kept us entertained with facts and local lore for our entire trip. She also was a very experienced kayaker who kept us safe as we navigated the waters on the way to see the manatees. We were lucky enough to see close to 100 manatees on our 2 1/2 hour trip. The highlight of the trip had to be hearing the manatee exhale once their heads broke the water's surface. We would be watching one surface, breath, and dive but hear several other manatees exhaling around us. Our heads were on swivels as we tried to take it all in. Well worth the time and money to make this trip!! Can't recommend it enough and can't recommend Julie highly enough enough either! read more

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What a great adventure we had. Julie is absolutely amazing! She was so informative and answered all our questions. Her personality makes her the perfect tour guide. We learned so much today. It was the best kayak trip ever and seeing the manatees in their natural environment just put it over the top. We saw momma and baby and it's cute little tail, as well as many others and they were so close to us. The fish were jumping like crazy and they fooled us sometimes. Anyway, don't waste your money with any other company and be fooled by the glass bottom boats, because they're too dirty to see through anyway. This one is hands down the best! Book it now and enjoy! read more

Great kayaking experience on the Anclote River . Julie was an exceptional and knowledgeable tour guide.

My boyfriend and I went on the Haunted Ghost Kayak tour with tour guide Julie. It was such an amazing experience. Julie was a great guide with very entertaining stories. Her demeanor and attentiveness really makes you feel safe while paddling through the mangroves. The value for the price was excellent, and I hope to go again another year to experience the fun all over again. 10/10 spookies, but not too spooky for those easily frightened. read more

our first time kayaking with River Wild and it won't be our last. We took our teenage grandsons on the manatee and history tour. The four of us all loved the tour. Julie was our guide. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the sponge docks, sponge diving, manatees and the environment just to name a few. We were able to spend time watching the manatees swim around us. I highly recommend this kayaking company and especially Julie as our guide, read more

Great experience. Highly recommend if your looking for a laid back, peaceful, and educational tour. Great for families. Parking is convenient and right next to the dock. Coming from the hustle and bustle of city life, this was an experience that completely lulled me into relaxation with the sound of water and the tour guide's accent. read more

This was a relaxing trip through mangroves and nature. The guide was informative and personable. The equipment was top rate. Want to see nature on the Anclote River take the time to ho on a tour. read more

Austin is an excellent guide! We took the 1230 tour today. Plenty of wildlife! The tour is great, lots of mangroves to paddle though. I'll take my family and any visitors. Awesome history lesson of sponge docks and ecology. Love it! read more

Loved the eco focus of this kayaking tour. Austin has an obvious passion about the health of the eco system and it was very cool learning from him. The parking is great, plenty of space and right at the water. The paddle is not super intense, so good for beginners; Austin seems to move at a pace for the guests. Highly recommend if you want to learn more about the area, the eco system and history of the region. read more