tours en orlando florida

THE 10 BEST Orlando City Tours

City tours in orlando.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

2. Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

3. Private Helicopter Day Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)

4. Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

5. Miami Orlando on High Speed train and Millionaire Boat Tour

6. ICONic City Tour Of Orlando

7. Clearwater Beach Bus Express

8. Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando

9. Private Shopping Tour from Orlando to Orlando Premium Outlets

10. Private Shopping Tour from Orlando to Orlando Vineland Outlets

11. Private Shopping Tour from Orlando hotels to Orlando Outlets

12. Private Shopping Tour from Orlando to Tanger Outlets Daytona

13. Private Orlando Hotels to Orlando Airport MCO Transfer Sprinter Van up to 14 PX

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Dolphin Tours along and near the beautiful Indian River Lagoon

16 miles Private Helicopter Day Tour over Fun Spot

Electric Bike Tour of New Smyrna Beach

Off-Road Segway Adventure Tour

Professional Photo Shoot Session in Daytona Beach

Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat

Dive Bar Bus Crawl from Daytona Beach

Small-Group Sailing Tour in Daytona Beach

16 mile Heli Tour Over Disney Spring, Epcot, Hollywood Studios

Winter Park Scavenger Hunt: Winter Park Adventure

Sunset Bioluminescent Comb Jelly & Dolphin Tour

Zipline Adventure through Tuscawilla Park

1-Hour Evening Airboat Ride

Wizard of OZ Museum tour

3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner

Fort Meade : Orlando : Dune Buggy Adventures

WaterBike Rentals

What travelers are saying.

• Orlando’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
• Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando
• Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise
• Private Helicopter Day Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)
• Miami Orlando on High Speed train and Millionaire Boat Tour
• American Ghost Adventures
• Real Florida Adventures
• White Glove Orlando Tours
• Happiest Place Tours - Orlando
• Orlando Lux Car Service
• Florida Fun Shuttle - Day Tours
• Celebration Bike Rental and Bicycle Tours
• Gray Line Orlando
• ScooterBug Rent

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MICHELIN Guide Honors 48 Orlando Restaurants in 2024

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld® Orlando

Virtual Tours

Look at this cool new tool for exploring Orlando!

City Sightseeing Orlando Inc.

Unique orlando tours.

Orlando is a wide-ranging destination with lots to discover — and you can see it all in comfort and style with tour operators and transportation providers throughout the area. Featuring options by bus, boat, balloon, bike and train, here are some of our favorite ways to tour Orlando’s open-air theme parks, unforgettable attractions, captivating hidden gems and gorgeous natural wonders. Happy trails!

Theme Park VIP Tours

Orlando’s world-famous theme parks offer numerous VIP and behind-the-scenes tours where you can create unforgettable memories that can only happen in Orlando.

Please note : Theme park tours are paid services and some require separate theme park admission. Additionally, tours might be temporarily modified or unavailable at the time of your visit. Check with your favorite parks for complete details.

Tour Orlando by Bus

Walt disney world ® resort.

The underground “Utilidor” tunnels at Magic Kingdom ® Park are the stuff of legend — but you can see them with your own eyes courtesy of Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour at Walt Disney World ® Resort . You’ll also learn little-known facts, trivia and tidbits during the five-hour tour, which includes complimentary lunch and an exclusive keepsake.

Save on discount tickets: WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort

Go backstage at EPCOT ® with Behind the Seeds, a one-hour tour of the fish farm and four greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion. It’s perfect for anyone with an interest in gardening or natural sciences. And though it’s not technically behind the scenes, Savor the Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ® Theme Park offers a privately guided tour of the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa.

Several other tours await at Walt Disney World — including Disney Private VIP Tours, where you and up to nine companions can custom-build the ideal itinerary with an assist from a VIP Tour Guide. Check for current availability ahead of your next visit.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort offers public and private versions of its VIP Tour Experience. Both tours include an expertly guided romp through Universal Studios Florida , Universal’s Islands of Adventure or a combination of the two.

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The public VIP Tour Experience accommodates up to 12 guests per tour, with multiple parties in the same group. The tour includes VIP Priority Front-of-the-Line access to all participating rides and attractions during the tour (based on itinerary), as well as behind-the-scenes experiences. Complimentary valet parking is part of the tour based on availability, as is breakfast and lunch from a Universal Orlando Resort restaurant for two-park tours.

On the other hand, the private VIP Tour Experience is exclusive to you and your party and gives you the ability to customize your own itinerary and experience the parks your way. Everything from the public version is included, plus dinner at one of Universal Orlando’s award-winning restaurants and a My Universal Photos™ 3-Day Photo Package.

Whether you go public or private, you can choose from a 1-Day, 2-Park Experience lasting seven hours, or a 1-Day, 1-Park Experience lasting five hours. The private version also offers a 2-Day, 2-Park Experience, including five hours at each of the featured theme parks.

SeaWorld ® Orlando

Become one with the oceans at SeaWorld Orlando with the Ultimate VIP Tour. In addition to personal experiences with dolphins, penguins and other sea life, this guided excursion includes the park’s Quick Queue Unlimited program, reserved seating at a signature show, expedited park entry, preferred parking and other features.

Save on discount tickets: SeaWorld Orlando

If you come to SeaWorld more for the creatures than the rides, consider the park’s Animal Experiences — affordably priced add-ons to regular admission that will get you face-to-face with SeaWorld’s amazing residents without committing to a guided tour. And if you’ve ever wanted to interact with dolphins, the Trainer for a Day Program at  Discovery Cove ® will pair you with two of the majestic creatures plus a behind-the-scenes tour and other extras.

LEGOLAND ® Florida Resort

Bricks are integral to everything at LEGOLAND Florida Resort — including the theme park’s VIP Experiences, which are available in Red Brick, Silver Brick and Gold Brick packages. All three include single-day admission, a personal VIP Host, an exclusive tour of LEGOLAND Florida’s model shop, priority access to rides and attractions, and reserved seating at shows, plus other bonuses.

Save on discount tickets: LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Silver Brick guests also get complimentary valet parking and refreshments. Lunch, all-day refreshments, a VIP gift bag, a Q&A session with a Master Model Builder and a building session with a take-home build are included with the Gold Brick package. LEGOLAND Florida’s Red Brick VIP Experience runs four hours, and the Silver Brick and Gold Brick versions are seven hours each.

With a quarter-century of experience and partnership with the worldwide City Sightseeing Tours organization, City Sightseeing Orlando Inc. (formerly Florida Dolphin Tours) provides manatee swim tours, trips to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida’s east coast and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s west coast, and more.

Learn more: Orlando Virtual Tour

Save on discount tickets: City Sightseeing Orlando Tours

Gray Line of Orlando / Gator Tours of Orlando

Founded as Gator Tours of Orlando in 1993, Gray Line of Orlando ’s expertise and impeccable service attracted the attention of global tour operator Gray Line, which became an official partner in 2006. They offer a City Tour of Orlando featuring points of interest around theme parks, attractions, downtown Orlando and more. They also have daily trips to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, beach and boat tours, eco tours, and fun evening activities for the whole family.

Save on discount tickets: Gray Line Sightseeing Tours & Excursions

Tour Orlando by Boat

I-ride trolley.

Between attractions, dining, shopping and entertainment, you could easily spend an entire vacation just exploring Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District (aka I-Drive) — especially when you let the I-Ride Trolley do the driving. More transportation than tour, this service runs through our main tourism district from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. It is also highly affordable, with a one-day pass priced at just $5 and deep discounts on multi-day passes.

Save on discount tickets: I-Ride Trolley

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Noted for acclaimed dining and shopping, a high concentration of museums and galleries, and tree-lined, cobblestoned streets, Winter Park is one of Central Florida’s most gorgeous communities — but you can only see half of its beauty by land. The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour will treat you to a breathtaking, relaxing look at the city’s pristine waterways, as well as the multimillion-dollar mansions that dot the shorelines. 

Learn more: Winter Park

Save on discount tickets: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Airboat & Kayak Tours

You can explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades and other beautiful Central Florida waterways with airboat tour operators throughout the area.  Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures  ( get discount tickets ), Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides , and Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park ( get discount tickets ) all operate close to Walt Disney World .

For a slower-paced water adventure where you can really take in the scenery (and get a workout while you’re at it), opt for a kayak tour with local operators. Unique options include BK Adventure’s nighttime bioluminescent kayak tours and Get Up and Go Kayaking’s clear kayak tours.

Learn more: Orlando Ecotourism

For a slower-paced water adventure where you can really take in the scenery (and get a workout while you’re at it), opt for a kayak or paddleboard tour with local operators. Unique options include those offered by Adventures in Florida, Epic Paddle Adventures , and Get Up and Go Kayaking .

More Ways to Tour Orlando

Downtown orlando walking tours.

Home to professional sports, cultural venues, acclaimed restaurants and stellar nightlife, downtown Orlando is a must-visit — and two unique walking tours will make you feel like a local while you’re at it. 

Learn more: Downtown Orlando

First, take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s most notable landmarks with GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities, a free app available for Apple and Android devices. Using your device’s built-in GPS, the app serves as a personal tour guide from one stop to the next. The app also works offline.

For something a little spookier, book a Moonlight Walking Tour at downtown Orlando’s historic Greenwood Cemetery. Traditionally available once a month during a full moon, these free evening tours provide a wealth of information about Orlando’s past and our historic personages — many of whom now reside at Greenwood. Reservations are required, and slots tend to fill up quickly.

Balloon Rides

Enjoy a glorious, bird’s-eye tour of Orlando’s natural preserves, beautiful resorts and famous attractions with local balloon ride operators, which offer sunrise flights departing daily (weather permitting) including some options close to Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy a tour that will let you check something truly memorable off your bucket list.

Orlando Food Tours

Eat your way through the best of Orlando’s culinary options with Orlando Food Tours, which offers three different packages. Tickets for the three-hour tours start as low as $40 per person and include eats from six different restaurants selected by local foodies and a few drinks to unwind with. 

Options include the Winter Park Walking Food Tour, which focuses on acclaimed restaurants along its namesake city's tree-lined, cobblestoned main thoroughfare, Park Avenue. Or, go for the Audubon Park Food Tour, which does the same in its trendy, namesake neighborhood northeast of downtown Orlando. Special group tours are also available.

Orlando’s commuter rail service is a fun, easy and affordable way to tour Orlando and Central Florida. Running from Poinciana in the south, about 20 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, to DeBary in the north, about 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, SunRail usually operates Monday through Friday, although limited weekend service is offered during major events. 

Learn more: Orlando Train Rides

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Personal tours by locals with original orlando tours, perfect your visit to the greatest tourist destination in the world with an orlando day tour – so many things to do in orlando beyond disney, with so many fun and unique things to do in orlando, we are unashamedly biased…but we love welcoming you as part of the 70 million annual visitors who come to orlando each year, many of who enjoy one or more of our original orlando tours to see “the other orlando”.

You are probably like most of those guests who will spend some portion of their vacation at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld . But did you know, there are so many fantastic things to do in Orlando beyond those theme parks?

Often visitors need a break from the sweaty crowds and massive queue lines of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld . Or they want to complement their visit with an unforgettable experience Orlando day tour to “see the other Orlando”. Many of our guests come for weeks or months and are hungry to see what else Orlando has to offer.

Well here’s a secret for you:

Native Orlandoans generally don’t go to the places that you go while you are in town!

Yes, we sometimes head over to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld to share a day with friends or family when they are visiting. And while those theme parks do a great job in providing world class attractions, there are so many other things to do in Orlando.

The theme parks are just the beginning, but your visit isn’t truly complete unless you take in a least a portion of the hundreds of other things to do in Orlando that visitors rarely hear about.

“There are so many other things to do in Orlando”

So let’s do this! Push your vacation over the top when you take a break from the masses of humanity for a day with a local native tour by Original Orlando Tours, where you will also tour like a local to some of the hidden gems that we enjoy as Central Florida residents.

Have you ever swum in the pure waters of a natural spring? Ate blueberries right off the bush? Or observed wild gators and manatees in their natural habitats? Those are just a couple of the many things to do in Orlando once you get away from the concrete jungle of the tourist zone.

That’s how Original Orlando Tours was born.

If you live in Orlando for decades as we have, one thing is certain: you will have visitors, and plenty of them! Repeatedly! And our family loves seeing our friends and relatives come back each year, but each time they are looking for more things to do in Orlando besides the obvious ones. Fortunately for all of us, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Orlando and around the area.

So besides the big parks, what ARE the other things to do in Orlando?

As a starting point, we knew of dozens of hidden treasures throughout Central Florida. Old Florida attractions that were the places to visit on an Orlando vacation long before Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld came to town. Many are still open and inviting guests for a fun day trip from Orlando!

These Orlando attractions don’t have the budgets to compete with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld . As a result, our friends and guests had never heard of many of these Orlando attractions, and often they had no idea these places even existed. But we know them well, and these Orlando attractions are eager to entertain you as many have done for decades.

Friends also asked us about things to do in Orlando that you couldn’t do any place else, or at least where they came from. So, we would take them on an old-fashioned Southern swim picnic! There they could swim, snorkel and kayak in crystal clear fresh water bubbling up from natural springs. Or we took them to observe nature from a sternwheeler , airboat , antique train or zipline .

They were excited to catch their own shrimp , or pick their own oranges , strawberries, blueberries and peaches .

Many times, they just wanted to find a pristine beach away from the crowds for a day. Or get tickets to local arts performance, or a UCF football, Orlando Magic, Orlando City Soccer or major football bowl game, but couldn’t get the best seats that we could.

On other visits, we took them to tour local wineries or to explore the shops and cafes of historic towns . Some wanted to visit local breweries or chocolate factories here. As a result of these trips and visits, we learned so much more ourselves about all the things to do in Orlando that even some other locals were not aware of.

We also turned into experts of a lot of local history. We became well-versed in all the presidents who vacationed in Orlando and their stories. We learned all about the areas celebrities and movie productions in Central Florida, and the story of how Orlando was Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood for a period of time .

And of course, there are magical things to do in Orlando during holidays!

Boy, do we know how to do holidays here! The best things to do in Orlando during the holidays are rarely known to our visitors. But we know them, and over the years we’ve been bringing dozens of friends and family along to share in those unforgettable experiences!

No place on earth is as enchanting as Orlando at Christmas time!

We shared plenty of fun things to do in Orlando during other holidays too! There were fun times at local pumpkin patches or tours of the dark side of Orlando around Halloween. We visited the best places for an Easter Egg hunt in the spring and took in views of holiday fireworks above the heads of dolphins on the fourth of July.

Then our Orlando day tours formally became…Original Orlando Tours!

So we started sharing our knowledge with a portion of the region’s 70 million visitors, conducting Orlando day tours, for visitors to tour like a local and see the other Orlando hidden gems!

When we launched Original Orlando Tours, our goal was to treat all our guests just like family from day one.

We come pick you up at your hotel in air-conditioned comfort. We provide snacks and drinks along the way, just like we did for our own friends and relatives. And on the journey to that memorable destination, we share fascinating stories about Orlando that most don’t hear anywhere else.

You see, we travel too. We know how much it means to have a friendly face take you in when you visit their town. We’re a family business and we treat you like family too.

We’re so proud to share our hometown with you, but more importantly, our passion is to cap off your stay in Orlando with the most memorable experience that we can give you.

About those theme parks…

And, yes, besides all the other things to do in Orlando that we love to show off, we do go to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld too. And we have for 25 years. So, we not only know all the secrets, but we actually grew up with the parks.

Collectively, our family of guides have worked at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld , as well as some of the other Orlando attractions for nearly 50 years before we were giving Orlando tours. Some of us have even walked Universal’s Islands of Adventure and CityWalk in hard hat and boots when it was still in dirt under construction.

This allows us to share our insight with you and your group to maximize your day at the park. We’ll get you as close to front gate as allowed by anyone. Once inside, we’ll get you to where you want to go and what you want to do without wasting your precious time. In most instances, we’ll be able to get you into express lanes and reserved seating. You’ll visit in style with efficiency and the flexibility to customize your unique Orlando tour day.

So why Original Orlando Tours again?

We want you to have a memorable great time! With so many things to do in Orlando besides Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld , you are only enjoying a small fraction of our town if you don’t join us to see the other Orlando.

We’ll come pick you up at the hotel and whisk you off to enjoy your day as you tour like a local. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating facts from your local VIP guide as you enjoy snacks and drinks on any of our Orlando day tours. We treat you like visiting friends and family.

No one offers as many Orlando day tours as Original Orlando Tours does, so there are plenty of options to fit all types of interests. And if you are staying long enough, join us for a discounted second or third tour.

We love the Orlando area, and we love to make memories with our special guests as we see the thrills of joy and excitement on their faces during their time with Original Orlando Tours. Let us take you along for a VIP guided tour of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or SeaWorld if you like. We’d love to make your day ultra-special.

But we really hope that with so many other fantastic things to do in Orlando, you let us sweep you away on a day tour to a special place; a place where lifetime memories will be made when you think of your awesome Orlando vacation, and your local day tour with Original Orlando Tours! Enjoy your stay!

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Top Tours in Orlando, FL

Orlando tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

2. Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport

3. WonderWorks Orlando

4. Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs

5. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

6. Kennedy Space Center Admission Ticket

7. Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Orlando

8. Saint Augustine Day Trip from Orlando

9. Exclusive Helicopter Night Tour: Orlando Parks (31 or 48 miles)

10. Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

11. Paddleboard Emerald Cut: Orlando's most scenic location!

12. Orlando Sightseeing Tour with Optional Boat Cruise

13. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show in Orlando

14. Titanic : The Artifact Exhibition Ticket

15. Silver Springs Clear Kayak Wildlife Experience

16. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

17. Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport from Orlando

18. Wander & Eat in Orlando's Hidden Main Street District

19. Admission Ticket to Museum of Illusions Orlando

20. Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando with Upgrade Options

21. Glow in the Dark Clear Kayak or Clear Paddleboard in Paradise

22. Manatee Discovery Kayak Tour for Small Groups near Orlando

23. Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission

24. Miami Orlando on High Speed train and Millionaire Boat Tour

25. Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando

26. Private Helicopter Day Tour Orlando Parks (31miles or 48miles)

27. Madame Tussauds Orlando

28. Dezerland Park Auto Museum Admission Ticket in Orlando

29. Silver Springs Manatee Kayak Tour

30. Wild Florida Adventure Package Tour with Transportation

What travellers are saying.

• Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure
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• SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
• Glass Bottom Kayak Eco Tour through Rainbow Springs
• Kennedy Space Center Admission Ticket
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• American Ghost Adventures
• Real Florida Adventures
• Virtual Disney Vip Tours
• Venture Outdoors
• GuideMe VIP
• Royal Family Tours VIPs
• White Glove Orlando Tours
• Florida Fun Shuttle - Day Tours
• Paddleboard Orlando
• Celebration Bike Rental and Bicycle Tours
• Adventures in Florida
• World Class VIP - Disney Tours
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• Native Bass Fishing Charters Orlando
• iOutdoor Fishing Adventures

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Orlando Excursions

Orlando excursions, tours & day trips.

Something a lot of visitors to Orlando are not aware of is the amount of excellent fully guided package tours, action adventures, airboat rides, sporting events, animal encounters....the list goes on. Many of these tours involve leaving Central Florida and heading South away from the theme parks. Luxury motor coach transportation (or mini bus for smaller groups) is included in a number of tours, as are appropriate meals en route. Apart from the convenience of not having to drive yourself, package tours often include elements that a visitor probably would not have booked on their own. So, why not be a little adventurous? It’s certainly something different from spending the whole day at one park or location, and these packages really are excellent value for money.

Take a break from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, with a fun and interesting day trip or excursion.

Browse the different types or Orlando excursions below:

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ORLANDO HELI-TOURS

Florida's premier helicopter operations & touring company, featured tours in orlando, florida.

• MOST POPULAR!
• Helicopter 15 miles
• Map Marker Orlando - Next to Premium Outlets

Disney Spectacular Tour

Travel high in the sky over all of the theme parks in the Walt Disney World Resort, including Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

• Helicopter 50 miles

Celebrity Grand Tour

Be a VIP, and take the Celebrity Grand Helicopter Tour. Fly over famous theme parks to view the Butler Chain of Lakes and the homes of some of Florida’s most famous residents!

• Helicopter 20 miles

Disney & SeaWorld Combo Tour

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Orlando as you take to the skies for a helicopter flight over many of the famous theme parks and attractions. Experience Disney World Resort and SeaWorld like never before!

Offering the Highest Level of Safety and Service in Orlando, FL

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Helicopter Rides from Orlando

Orlando Heli-Tours is Orlando, Florida’s premier helicopter operations and touring company. We are the only Orlando helicopter tour company to offer scenic flights that are also air-conditioned. Enjoy aerial views of Orlando and their world famous attractions. Take a journey in one of our Robinson R66 helicopters and experience the excitement for yourself. Whether you choose to fly over Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, or Florida’s Butler Chain of Lakes, you are sure to experience some of the most breathtaking views of some truly amazing places in the United States. Orlando Heli-Tours offers the highest level of safety and service for Florida helicopter tours. Contact us today for more information!

Orlando – Next to Premium Outlets

Orlando – next to orlando eye, a 5-star orlando experience.

"Thoroughly enjoyed our helicopter tour!! Loved seeing this from the air. Pilot and office staff were very friendly and made the trip so pleasurable!!"

"We had a great time. The pilot was super cool and the guy that arranged our tour was awesome also. We prebooked and our wait was minimal. Highly recommended!"

"AWESOME!! What a fun trip! Our pilot was great and very friendly! It was a beautiful day! Thank you so much!"

"Fabulous trip out over the parks our pilot Ryan was lovely. Professional & very well run. Thank you!"

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Outstanding Orlando Boat Tours (2024)

Orlando boat tours are a fantastic activity in Central Florida, no matter the type of boating adventure you choose.

Some of the suggestions below are full-day tours, and others take mere hours. But all are a great way to spend your time in order to enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful scenery. And that could mean a wild ride in the Everglades or sailing sunset cruises on one of the Orlando area's attractive lakes.

We are sharing the best Orlando boat tours – private and group options – including scenic pontoon boat tours, airboat rides, kayaking, canoeing, sunset sails, and even boat rentals at Walt Disney World.

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• Book a sunset sailing tour in Orlando . It's our favorite type of boat tour, and Florida sunsets often show off for an audience!
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• See what to bring for Orlando boat tours so you are prepared to deal with the Florida bugs!

Orlando Airboat Rides 

One of the things Florida is most known for is its famous airboat tours. Sign up for this fun adventure whether you’re in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, within Everglades National Park, or Orlando on Shingle Creek, on the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. 

You won’t soon forget an exciting airboat ride when you visit the Orlando area, with a chance to see Bald Eagles and other endemic tropical birds, alligators, and crocodiles (maybe even a baby alligator). 

Airboat rides are particularly popular amongst nature lovers. These special boats allow you to glide on the unique marshes and swampland of the Central Florida area. We thoroughly enjoyed our Florida airboat experience. 

Sign up for a 90-minute fun and educational Orlando airboat tour to encounter the real Florida with experienced captains. Alternatively, secure your spot for a 1-hour sunset airboat tour and hope for one of Florida’s famous colorful sunsets. 

Most airboat tours take place rain or shine. Just in case, we recommend traveling to Florida with a poncho or thin raincoat of some sort. Be sure to check in for your tour at least 30 minutes before the experience. 

Orlando Boat Tour on an Airboat with Transportation

This tour includes pick up and drop off in Central Florida (including designated Disney World and Universal hotels), a BBQ lunch, a printed photo, and admission to their animal rescue Wildlife Park, where you can see birds, big cats, and reptiles. 

The entire experience – from transportation to the boat ride – lasts around 7 hours, including the drive to and from the Everglades area. The Florida Everglades are approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive each way from Orlando. Choose from a 30-minute or 60-minute airboat ride when you book your experience . 

Orlando Sailing Tours 

How about enjoying Orlando’s lakes with wind power? Sailing tours are the perfect way to glide on the water. And a sunset sail is incredibly romantic, to boot! 

Private Morning Sail 

Set sail on a 2-hour private sailing tour, starting at 10:00 am. Adventure awaits on Lake Fairview for up to four guests. 

This area is just north of College Park near downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando’s Lieu Gardens. Don’t forget to bring towels if you want, though water is provided (and lakes are calm anyway, so you shouldn’t really get wet!).

Advanced reservations are required.

Private Lake Sunset Sail 

Sail on Lake Fairview, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, 30-35 minutes from the Disney theme parks (including the Disney Springs area), and 25 minutes from Universal. 

This 2-hour private Orlando boat tour can fit up to four people, and they allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages onboard. We recommend bringing a bottle of wine or champagne! 

We recommend bringing along a wine tumbler set for your sailboat adventure! 

Kayaking Tours

Connect with nature from the comfort of a kayak and get in some exercise too. Orlando boat tour options for kayaking are plentiful. 

Kayak with Manatees

Head 45 minutes north of Orlando for your chance to kayak with manatees! These cute and friendly mammals are famous in the Sunshine State, where they come to enjoy the warm water for the winter. 

Whether you’re a novice kayaking trying it for the first time, or an experienced pro, this tour is for you if you want to see a plethora of wildlife. 

Check out this popular tour with 5-star reviews

Glass Bottom Boat Kayak Tours

If you want to see the fish below the water’s surface without snorkeling, sign up for a glass-bottom kayak tour. See through the bottom of the boat on this Orlando boat tour and have the chance to view the colorful fish and marine plant life beneath you. 

Try a Rock Springs guided kayak eco-tour as you glide on the crystal-clear water for two hours. You’ll learn about the local ecosystem, stop for photos, and have the opportunity to swim in the springs. Opt to jump into the water from a rope swing for a thrill during this adventure. 

You can also opt for a sunset tour in a glass-bottom kayak . Paddle through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes and canals in a peaceful setting. Your knowledgeable guide will point out interesting nature homes along the way and share some history of the area. You’ll also be able to stop for photos where you like! 

This tour is likely to sell out: Reserve Now

Winter Park Evening Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour

If you want to add a fun element to your kayaking adventure, sign up for a Winter Park kayak tour at night with a glow-in-the-dark kayak. The boats are illuminated with nighttime lighting!

They will surely be a good photo opp and fun outing as the lights make the water beneath you glow. 

Another great option is this Neon Night Glow Paddleboard or Clear Kayak experience on Lake Ivanhoe.

This unique boat tour allows you to see Orlando’s skyline at night as you paddle along with the help of your guides, the moonlight, and the colorful lights beneath your kayak or paddleboard.  

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

One of our favorite Orlando boat tours is in Winter Park. It was established in the 1930s, decades before Walt Disney World opened in Lake Buena Vista.

This pontoon boat tour starts near the well-known Park Avenue area. Set out on your scenic cruise from Lake Osceola to the Winter Park Chain of Lakes as your guide takes you through the manmade canals.

Sail past stunning homes in Winter Park, where you will have breathtaking views of the opulent private homes in the area (which is one of the reasons we enjoy the boat tour).

You will have a chance to see wonderful some of Florida’s beautiful birds, like Blue Herons and large cranes, as you travel on several lakes. 

Each boat holds a maximum of 18 passengers. Be sure to bring cash or a check to buy your tickets because credit cards are not accepted. We advise purchasing tickets in the morning on weekends, even if you plan on going later in the day. It’s a very popular tour, and tickets often sell out quickly. 

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is closed on Christmas Day. Otherwise, tours leave daily on the hour, starting at 10:00 am. The last tour is at 4:00 pm. 

Day Trip Boat Tours from Orlando

While the Orlando boat tours listed above are within 30 minutes, on average, from Orlando, it’s worth mentioning there are more boat tour options nearby within a 2-hour drive. Here are some additional Central Florida boat tour options. 

Mount Dora Lake Tours

One of our favorite destinations from Central Florida is 45 minutes north: the quaint town of Mount Dora . There’s so much to see and do there in the afternoon or morning; a boat tour is the best way to extend your trip to a whole day. 

Take a 2-hour pontoon boat tour with a departure point at the historic hotel, the Lakeside Inn. Enjoy your leisurely cruise around Lake Dora and The Harris Chain of Lakes, including the famed Dora Canal.

The all-weather 25’ boats can cruise rain or shine thanks to their retractable clear covers for the sides of the boat. Choose from one of two daytime tours, or their third option to cruise during sunset. 

Clearwater Beach with Dolphin Encounter Cruise

This 12-hour full-day tour begins with pick-up at 7:30 am. You’ll head west of Orlando to the popular Florida destination (Clearwater Beach), where you will take a cruise to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. 

While this means that you aren’t guaranteed to spot dolphins, your tour guide will do his or her very best to find them. You may see these beautiful mammals up close by the boat or further in the distance if they appear in the ocean. Part of the fun is the anticipation. 

A one-hour dolphin tour boat ride is sandwiched between hours of free time on a Gulf Coast beach. For only $10 more, you can purchase a wristband for the boat ride that allows you to have unlimited beer, wine, and vodka punch. 

Pickup and drop off are included at one of three major locations of your choice (Disney areas included). This means that all you have to do is sign up for the tour and be at that location for pick-up time. 

Choose from the three pick-up locations listed below:

• Walt Disney World area, on Epcot Resorts Blvd. (northern area of the parks) 
• Walt Disney World area, at Maingate Lakeside Resort in Kissimmee (area of the Disney World theme parks that is further south) 
• International Drive (close to Universal) at Senor Frogs

Clear Canoe Boat Tour Near Orlando at Silver Springs

This clear canoe boat tour is approximately halfway between Orlando and Gainesville at Silver Springs. The drive is approximately an hour and 45 minutes from downtown Orlando. 

You’ll do a self-guided tour after the kayak company representative meets you and gives you a laminated map and some brief instructions. Paddle near Cypress Trees and see turtles, ducks, birds, and a chance to see manatees during the winter season, when they swim to Florida’s warm waters.

Dan and I often like to explore an area freely, on our own. Maybe you’re the same way! If so, this is a great tour for you in the Orlando area, as long as you can rent a car to get to the meeting point or take a taxi/Uber or Lyft there. 

Orlando Boat Tours at Walt Disney World

Did you know that you can rent motorized boats at Disney World? It’s one of the best things to do at Walt Disney World, besides the parks. 

Rent a Sun Tracker® Pontoon boat by the half-hour for up to 10 people. You can also opt to kayak or canoe from Fort Wilderness by the hour. 

One of the most singular boat tours in Orlando, or perhaps anywhere, is an Amphicar boat tour. Be a passenger and the envy of all onlookers in a cool convertible car that drives right into the water. This experience is available at Disney Springs restaurant, The Boathouse.

Lastly, you can book a specialty cruise to see the fireworks. You don’t even have to be a hotel guest to do so! Snacks and soft drinks are included in a memorable cruise on a 25’ boat. 

You can also request ​​for a festive banner and/or balloons to be set up on the boat, which is included in the cost (request at the time of booking). It’s a great thing to do for you and your partner or up to 10 guests total, whether a proposal, anniversary treat, or family reunion. 

What to Bring for Orlando Boat Tours

Florida's heat can be brutal, depending on the time of year. No matter the month, you definitely need to protect your skin from the sun. The sun in FL is strong, year-round. 

Be sure to pack the following if you’ll be on the water in sunny Florida: 

• Refillable water bottle (the ice will stay intact for hours in the MiiR bottle, our favorite insulated wide-mouth bottle) 
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Eco-friendly bathing suit 
• Rash guard 

Conclusion for Best Orlando Boat Tours

Whether you want to captain a boat yourself, row your way through Florida’s waters in a kayak, see gators on an educational airboat ride, or go on a romantic sailboat cruise around one of Central Florida’s lakes, an Orlando boat is a wonderful Florida activity. 

It will connect you with nature, get you out in fresh air, and allow your body to absorb vitamin D in the Florida sunshine. Sign up for an Orlando boat tour and explore this southern state in a unique and adventurous way. 

Read this next:

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