Exclusive Nature Escape Kayak Adventure on Blackwater Creek

Jimi (who always does the tour), guided us through the mangroves for four hours and taught us a lot about the nature here, the birdlife, the origins of the different water colors, the breeding grounds of the alligators. He showed us (and let us taste) what you can eat here and what you can only look at, took a snack break and helped us through the bushes. This tour has relaxed and enriched us, thank you Jimi.

My guide Sue was amazing, she was easy going and informative about the specific wildlife and area. She kept a look out for wildlife and pointed them out if we didn’t see them first.

This kayak tour lives up to its name. It was a great, adventurous experience in the middle of a stunning, natural setting. The location felt remote and wild; the perfect antidote to Orlando's crowds and ugly buildings. We saw a variety of wildlife and learned a lot from our guide Jimi about the unique ecosystem of the Blackwater Creek area. Some of the areas that we paddled through were shallow and narrow and a little challenging to maneuver through, but we felt that it added to the sense of adventure. My nine year old son and I had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heart beat.

Such a beautiful pristine place. And having Astrid as our guide made all the difference! We felt as though we truly had gone back in time to old Florida. Lots of birds, turtles and gators to admire

Jimi was great! The creek was so beautiful it was breathtaking, we happened to go on a cold day but the view made up for the weather 1000%. It was a nice length tour that brought us to see some beautiful sites and lots of birds. Jimi was very knowledgeable too with lots of facts and plenty of curious questions answered. Definitely would re-do!

Hands down could not have been better! Jimi and Sue were both so informative and funny and just so nice to be around. The kayak ride was for my boyfriend and I to start off our Valentine’s Day and it seriously was a hit. Lots of wild life, a beautiful ride, and great guides. Can not wait to make it back in the near future for another ride!

Brilliant morning spent with Jimi - he was knowledgeable and great fun to be with. We would thoroughly recommend this experience - blows other kayaking trips out of the water!

Astrid and Brian were great. Highly recommened for the more personal experience! Defo be doing more in the future.

My wife and I went on a kayaking adventure with Venture Outdoors, booked via Tripadvisor, on 9th September 2024. This was during our two week holiday in the Orlando area. We chose the Blackwater Creek tour which took about 3 hours and our guides were Jimi and Susan. Susan pointed out that Jimi was our 'real' guide and she had joined us because she loved kayaking. Regardless, we were very fortunate to have the services of two great guides. We have kayaked a couple of times before in the Orlando area but this was the first time with Venture Outdoors and it was certainly different. We started off paddling upstream but it wasn't long before Jimi took us 'off piste' and through the undergrowth. It was amazing how the plants were just pushed aside, only to re-group behind us. There were the odd tree trunks to maneuver around or over which all added to the interest/excitement. And then we would be back on the river, before the next detour which kept the whole trip interesting. Both Jimi and Susan kept up a dialogue throughout the trip, pointing out plants and animals along the way and telling us a bit about the history. I felt as though we were miles from anywhere but Jimi pointed out that the Blackwater Creek area isnt really that big and that we were no more than a mile from a road. I have only kayaked about 4 times in my life but at no time did I feel uncomfortable or concerned. It was a terrific 3 hours and both Jimi and Susan looked after us very well. If you are interested in learning about Florida outside of the theme parks then I recommend taking a tour with Venture Outdoors. It seems a lifetime ago already!

Great organization - and very accommodating with respect to date changes and flexibility due to the weather. Jimi was an amazing guide - so knowledgeable about everything having to do with Blackwater Creek (and the entire Central Florida paddling opportunities). He's also an expert in wildlife and just about everything else that you would want to know during your paddle.