easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for beginners and casual paddlers; basic upper body strength and balance needed.
Paddle clear waters through Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes in transparent kayaks, guided by experts who illuminate local wildlife and history on this calm outdoor adventure.
Winter Park, Florida is a distinctive freshwater oasis characterized by its Chain of Lakes, offering an uncommon glimpse of calm waters tinted with clarity rare in Florida’s lake ecosystems. Get Up and Go Kayaking - Winter Park invites paddlers of all skill levels to experience these serene expanses in transparent kayaks, a format that transforms a traditional kayaking excursion into an immersive encounter with aquatic environments. Launching from the city center, these tours glide across smooth canals edged with lush vegetation and elegant early 20th-century homes, providing both natural beauty and cultural charm.
Each trip navigates multiple interconnected lakes where the water’s clarity offers a direct view into submerged plant life and fish, making sightings of turtles, herons, and anhingas commonplace. Guides from Get Up and Go Kayaking bring local expertise to the forefront, sharing insights about regional wildlife, historical property development, and aquatic ecology that deepen appreciation beyond the standard paddle.
What sets these tours apart are the clear kayaks themselves. Being able to see the underwater world directly beneath your kayak adds a uniquely visceral dimension often missing from surface-only tours. This clarity fosters a sense of connection and respect for the fragile lake habitat and its inhabitants.
Paddlers can choose from group tours or private adventures tailored to their interests and pace. Early morning or late afternoon departures offer respite from Florida’s midday heat, with opportunities to catch golden sunlight reflecting off glassy lake surfaces. For those craving a novel outing away from crowded beaches, Get Up and Go Kayaking provides a quiet, engaging way to put a paddle in the water while learning about the region’s delicate environmental balance.
Whether it’s a family outing, a casual date, or a solo adventure, Winter Park’s clear kayak tours make the city’s waterways accessible and unforgettable—a distinctive blend of outdoor activity and natural history education right at Florida’s doorstep.
Start early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and enjoy calmer water conditions.
Expect to get wet when entering and exiting kayaks in shallow lake edges.
Capture underwater views directly through the kayak’s clear hull without distractions.
Pay close attention to safety instructions to ensure a confident paddling experience.
Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes was developed in the early 1900s to support tourism and elegant residential estates surrounding the interconnected waterways.
The tours emphasize respect for fragile aquatic vegetation and wildlife habitats, promoting low-impact recreation to preserve lake clarity.
Protects your face from Florida’s intense sun while on the water.
summer specific
Water-resistant sunscreen safeguards skin from prolonged sun exposure.
Allows safe photos and communication without risking water damage.
Clothing that dries quickly enhances comfort during and after paddling.
spring|summer|fall specific