Paddle or kayak Winter Park’s lakes and tropical canals with a guided 2-hour tour
2 Hours
Guided tour, Photos & videos
Explore the Winter Park Chain of Lakes on a 2-hour guided paddleboard or kayak tour. Learn local history from your guide as you glide through scenic lakes and tropical canals near Kraft Azalea Garden.
Complete an online waiver before check-in, and minors must be with a parent or guardian. You must be a confident swimmer, fully mobile, and in good physical condition; max weight per paddleboard is 350 lbs. Gratuity is not included.
Full refund if you cancel 72+ hours before your booking date. No refund for same-day cancellations, late arrivals, or no-shows. If the operator cancels due to weather or safety, no refunds; reschedule or a gift card instead.
Yes. Complete the online waiver before check-in. Every participant must have a completed waiver.
Ages 4+ can join. Minors under 18 must ride with a parent or guardian. Ages 4–12 must share a paddleboard with a parent or guardian. Ages 13–17 may paddle independently if a parent or guardian stays nearby for the full tour. Ages 3 and under are not permitted.
You must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in and around the water, fully mobile, and in good physical condition. Paddleboarding is a physical activity.
Kraft Azalea Garden, 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
Kraft Azalea Garden sits along the quiet shoreline of Lake Maitland, and there is no better way to appreciate its hidden beauty than from the water during the Winter Park Lakes Guided Paddle Adventure. This five acre park is known for its towering cypress trees, blooming azaleas in late winter, and the iconic Exedra, a classical stone monument framed by Spanish moss. Paddling past Kraft Azalea Garden offers a perspective most visitors never see, where the dense canopy reflects in still water and herons wade among the cypress knees at the lake's edge.
The guided paddle weaves through the historic Winter Park chain of lakes, gliding under shaded canals and past lakefront estates before opening onto Lake Maitland, where Kraft Azalea Garden reveals itself in layered greens and soft light. Your guide shares stories about the garden's history as a 1930s public park, the ancient cypress trees that predate the city itself, and the wildlife that thrives along this protected stretch of shoreline. The pace is unhurried, leaving time to drift near the bank, listen to the rustle of leaves overhead, and breathe in the cool, earthy air that settles over the water near Kraft Azalea Garden.
This experience is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, couples seeking a peaceful escape, and curious travelers who want to see a side of Winter Park beyond the boutiques and cafes of Park Avenue. Families with older children who can handle a paddle will find it equally rewarding, especially those drawn to gentle outdoor adventures with a touch of history. Whether you come for the cypress reflections, the seasonal azalea blooms, or simply the calm of paddling through one of Central Florida's most scenic lake systems, Kraft Azalea Garden offers a quiet highlight that lingers long after you return to shore.
Rachelle and Craig run a standout paddleboarding operation that consistently delivers exceptional experiences across multiple Florida springs and waterways. Guests rave about both guides' welcoming personalities, extensive knowledge of local wildlife and history, and ability to make everyone feel comfortable on the water, regardless of experience level. The tours attract everyone from first-timers to seasoned paddlers, and the guides excel at spotting wildlife—manatees, otters, dolphins, gators, and various birds are frequently mentioned. What really sets this operation apart is the attention to detail and relaxed atmosphere. Equipment is set up before arrival, boards are high quality (including SUPs with seats), and guides take photos throughout so guests can stay present. The personable, laid-back approach creates memorable experiences rather than rushed tours. Multiple reviewers mention booking again or planning return visits, with locations including Winter Park, Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, and Merritt Island all receiving enthusiastic praise. It's clearly a family-run business that treats guests like friends.
We had a wonderful tour of winter park via paddle board today. Rachelle was kind and knowledgeable and showed us her favorite secret spots. She even took photos for us! What fun. We will definitely be back!
Whitney Morse
May 6, 2026
We had a wonderful tour of winter park via paddle board today. Rachelle was kind and knowledgeable and showed us her favorite secret spots. She even took photos for us! What fun. We will definitely be back!
Whitney Morse
May 6, 2026