Best Nature and Wildlife Tours In Orlando
By ThingsToDoOrlando.com Editorial Team · Updated with current prices and reviews
Orlando is surrounded by some of the most accessible wild places in Florida. The Everglades headwaters start just south of the city, spring-fed rivers run to the north, and the Atlantic coast is an hour east. That means alligators, bald eagles, manatees and dolphins are all realistic sightings on a half-day trip.
This list ranks every nature and wildlife tour near Orlando on Viator by traveler rating and review volume. Use it to compare airboat rides, safari parks, manatee encounters and eco tours side by side.
- 53 nature and wildlife tours compared
- From $5
- Avg rating 4.8 (7,132 reviews)
- Typical length 2 hours
Our quick picks
Compare the top 10
| # | Experience | Rating | From | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour | 4.9 (462) | $55 | 2 hours |
| 2 | 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes | 4.9 (431) | $39.10 | 2 hours |
| 3 | 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Tour Orlando Florida | 4.9 (181) | $68 | 1 hour |
| 4 | Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch | 4.8 (2,789) | $37 | 1 hour |
| 5 | 90 Minute Florida Everglades Wildlife Boat Tour | 4.8 (164) | $56.75 | 1 hr 30 min |
| 6 | Clear Canoeing and Wildlife Sightseeing at Silver Springs | 4.8 (96) | $35 | 1 hr 30 min |
| 7 | Orlando Alligator Experience | 4.9 (44) | $175 | 5 hours |
| 8 | Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup | 4.7 (282) | $169 | 8 hr 30 min |
| 9 | Central Florida Half-Day Private Birding Activity - 2 person max | 4.9 (31) | $350 | 5 hours |
| 10 | Central Florida's Airboat Rides | 4.7 (159) | $36.55 | 30 min |
1. Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour
Gypsy Gold is home to America's first Gypsy Vanner Horses and the most popular farm tour in Florida. Learn about the colorful British Gypsy culture and meet dozens of their magical Gypsy Vanner Horses.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 462 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
2. 2 Hour Historical Wildlife Tour of the Chain of Lakes
Take an award winning tour of the Chain of Lakes in Winter Haven! Awarded the Certificate of Excellency & Travelers Choice awards every year since 2018.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 431 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Small group experience
3. 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Tour Orlando Florida
Get ready to feel the rush as you soar across the marsh on our powerful 8–10 passenger airboats! With elevated stadium-style seating, every guest gets a perfect, unobstructed view on this thrilling 1-hour adventure tour.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 181 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
4. Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch
Explore the natural side of Florida and experience its peaceful beauty on an adventure through the Florida Everglades. This ultimate Florida experience includes a 30-minute or 1-hour airboat tour, admission to the Wildlife Park and demonstrations.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 2,789 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
5. 90 Minute Florida Everglades Wildlife Boat Tour
Discover the natural beauty of Central Florida on our 90 Minute Everglades Eco boat tour. This covered boat is the perfect alternative to airboats.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 164 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
6. Clear Canoeing and Wildlife Sightseeing at Silver Springs
Rent our 100% Clear Canoes and paddle down the beautiful spring fed Silver River! While paddling you will come across local wildlife such as birds, fish, manatees, and rhesus monkeys to name a few!
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 96 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
7. Orlando Alligator Experience
Come paddle the 8/5-miles through the mysterious, moss-covered cypress forest of the Little-Big Econ State Forest. Somehow escaping the uncontrolled growth dominating Orange and Seminole Counties, the tightly winding upper portion slowly becomes a widening, lazy river.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 44 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
8. Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup
Come and enjoy the real Florida! Get up-close with the gentle manatee and see the beauty of Crystal River as you explore the Homosassa State Wildlife Park.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 282 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Small group experience
9. Central Florida Half-Day Private Birding Activity - 2 person max
Learn about some of our Florida bird species from guides with a background in field biological research, a certified master naturalist, and experience in guiding birding tours and leading field trips for birding festivals for over a decade. We can provide tours for "listers" who would like to see as many species...
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 31 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 5 hours
10. Central Florida's Airboat Rides
Walk-ins welcome every day from 9am-5pm! No Reservations needed.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 159 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
How to choose the best nature and wildlife tours in Orlando
Pick your animal
Airboat tours are the most reliable way to see wild alligators. Spring and river trips are best for manatees and turtles, especially in winter. Coastal boat tours from the Space Coast focus on dolphins and seabirds.
Wild habitat or wildlife park
Tours in natural habitat feel more authentic, but sightings are never guaranteed. Wildlife parks and drive-through safaris guarantee close encounters and work well with younger kids.
Timing
Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. Morning tours also avoid the summer heat and the afternoon storms that are common from June through September.
Group size
Small-group and private tours give you more time with the guide and a better chance at photos. Larger group tours are usually the best value.
Good to know before you book
- Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Airboats are loud. Most operators provide hearing protection.
- Wild animals are unpredictable, so treat any specific sighting as a bonus.
- Respect wildlife distances. Feeding or touching wild animals is illegal in Florida.
How we rank
We compare every nature and wildlife tour near Orlando listed on Viator and rank them with a weighted score that balances the average traveler rating with the number of reviews, so a small number of perfect scores cannot outrank thousands of consistent ones. Listings Viator flags as low quality or inactive are excluded, and near-duplicate listings are grouped. Prices and ratings update each time we refresh our data. We may earn a commission when you book, which never affects the ranking. See our disclosure.
We research Orlando tours, attractions and events so travelers and locals can plan with confidence. More about us.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nature and wildlife tour in Orlando cost?
Bookable nature and wildlife tours near Orlando currently start from $5 per person, and the typical starting price is about $84.93. Prices vary by date, group size and what is included, so check the booking page for your dates.
What is the best nature and wildlife tour in Orlando?
Based on traveler ratings and review volume, our top pick right now is Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 462 reviews.
Where can I see alligators in the wild near Orlando?
Airboat tours on the lakes and marshes around Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga are the easiest way to see wild alligators, usually less than 45 minutes from the main tourist areas.
What is the best time of year for wildlife tours in Orlando?
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and active wildlife. Winter is best for manatees, while summer tours are still great if you book early in the day.
Are wildlife tours in Orlando good for kids?
Yes. Airboat rides, wildlife parks and safari-style attractions are very family friendly. For toddlers, choose shorter tours or parks with shaded viewing areas.
See every airboats & wildlife option
Filter by price, rating and duration on our Airboats & Wildlife page.