All adventurer levels are welcome at these unforgettable ecotourism opportunities.
You haven’t had the full Orlando experience until you’ve visited one of our eco-friendly attractions, from natural lazy rivers and crystalline springs to high-flying zip line adventures. When you’re ready to get away from it all, Orlando has you covered with options mild and wild, including airboat tours, hang-gliding, kayaking, off-roading, scenic boat tours and more. Dive into all that Orlando has to offer with these can’t-miss ecotourism experiences.
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Tranquil Ecotourism Adventures
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Boat Tours & Rentals
Set a course for relaxation with laid-back boat rentals, scenic guided tours and even sailing lessons, including several convenient options in Orlando’s charming neighborhoods and main tourism districts.
Enjoy sweeping views of multi-million-dollar homes and abundant flora and fauna aboard the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, or head to Orlando’s College Park district for a private sunset sailing experience with Sailing Orlando. Captain your own catamaran and explore the Clermont chain of lakes with Catboat Escapes, or unwind at Walt Disney World® Resort aboard an enchanting fireworks cruise, guided fishing excursion or private Walt Disney World® Marinas pontoon boat rental.
Explore Orlando’s wild side with ease on an idyllic kayak or paddleboard journey through pristine Florida wilderness. In addition to tour and rental options at King’s Landing, our natural springs and nearby coastal areas, you can glide through scenic canals and private resort waterways, paddle along the downtown Orlando skyline, embark on an epic night glow or bioluminescent tour, and even catch a rocket launch from the water.
Mountain Biking Trails at The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Biking
See the city or escape into the wild on scenic multi-use trails throughout Orlando. The West Orange Trail is a popular choice, offering 22 miles of paved trail running from downtown Apopka to Killarney. Take a break midway to explore historic Winter Garden, where you’ll find eateries, museums, a brewery and convenient rental options from West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades. Toho Electric Bike Tours & Rentals offers fully electric rental options in nearby cities St. Cloud and Kissimmee, and several resorts also have rentals and onsite biking trails for convenient outdoor fun.
In the downtown Orlando area, the Orlando Urban Trail meanders around six lakes, two bridges, and personality-packed neighborhoods including Mills 50®, the Ivanhoe Village Main Street, The Milk District, and nearby Winter Park. This is a great option for city breakers, with primarily streetside trails and plenty of dining, arts and culture around every corner.
Tibet-Butler Preserve and Oakland Nature Preserve both offer laid-back outdoor fun for families, with kid-friendly interpretive trails, hands-on learning centers and serene lakeside settings within 30 minutes of Walt Disney World. Lake Louisa State Park is another great option, with over 20 miles of trails and 11 distinct ecosystems. You can even go glamping or stay overnight in an air-conditioned cabin for eco-adventure made easy.
Natural Springs Near Orlando
Unwind in crystal-clear natural springs, many of which are within an hour of Orlando. Located near King’s Landing, Rock Springs Run State Reserve is one of our closest options, with a swift creek and tube rentals for an all-natural “lazy river.”
Wekiwa Springs State Park is another excellent option for hiking, paddling, snorkeling and swimming, while De Leon Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park boast all that plus serene, guided boat tours. The springs are especially popular in the summer months, so be sure to arrive early for a full day of fun.
Exhilarating Ecotourism Adventures
If you prefer to glide, zip, soar or ride on the wild side, read on for some of our most thrilling Orlando eco-adventures.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Airboat Tours
Sometimes mild, mostly wild, and always a good time — airboat tours are undoubtedly one of the most iconic ecotourism experiences in Central Florida. Hop aboard for a high-speed journey through untamed Florida wetlands, and keep an eye out for alligators, cranes, and more native wildlife along the way.
Thrill seekers can also take the lead with supercharged boat rentals from Luxe Rentals, show their stuff on the Nona Adventure Park aquatic obstacle course, and get wild with wakeboarding and more at watersports complexes throughout Orlando.
Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland
Zip Lining & Ropes Courses
Soar through the air on a daring zip line adventure, with options to suit a variety of ages and thrill levels. Keep your cool with indoor ropes courses, climb to new heights in Lake Nona, and explore a variety of rugged zip lines and rope courses at our top zoos and adventure parks.
Mega thrill seekers also won’t want to miss Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland. The course features five zip lines, several multilevel launch pads, and 1,200 feet of heart-pounding fun — including a daring flight over enormous alligators and crocodiles. It also has an accessible option.
Wallaby Ranch Featured on The Wanderer, presented by TripAdvisor, Available to Stream on Amazon Prime Video
Hang Gliding
For even more high-flying fun, head to Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park for a tandem discovery flight. Just 25 minutes from Walt Disney World, Wallaby Ranch is the first aerotow hang gliding flight park in the world.
Glide 2,000 feet into the air to score a new perspective of The City Beautiful, then release for 15 minutes of free flight with a trained instructor. You can even learn how to pilot the glider before returning to land for camping, hiking, mountain biking and more onsite fun.
Revolution Adventures
Off-Roading
Revolution Adventures in Clermont is perfect for those who want to get a little messy, and off-roading is just the beginning. Take your pick of ATVs, tandem buggies, amphibious “Mucky Duck” vehicles, and Sea Doo jet skis for a high-speed adventure through 230 acres of Florida wilderness.
Revolution Adventures also offers bass fishing, clay shooting, archery and even archery tag for an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Tank America
Tank America
Experience the exhilaration of driving a real 17-ton tank at Tank America. Just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, it’s the only place in Florida where civilians can drive a tank, moving at speeds up to 30 mph.
Smash your way through jungle terrain and hills, with optional upgrades to drive over a scrap car, defeat a 4-foot mud hole, and lock down the hatch to navigate using only the periscope.
Stay Connected to Orlando
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Beth Bell loves travel, theme parks and exploring new places, especially if there’s food involved. She’s a content senior representative at Visit Orlando.
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