Dora Canal Tours - #1 Kayak And Paddle Board Tours & Rentals

Adventure Outdoor Paddle is located in Tavares, Florida, situated less than a half mile to the stunning scenery of the Dora Canal on the Harris Chain of Lakes. When you embark on a paddle experience with us, you can expect a blend of tranquility, adventure, and natural beauty. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the calm waters, pointing out local wildlife, lush vegetation, and historical landmarks along the way. Whether you're a novice or experienced paddler, our tours and rentals offer something for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable journey through one of Florida's most picturesque waterways.

**THE DORA CANAL CAN GET HEAVY MOTORBOAT TRAFFIC ON WEEKENDS. WE RECOMMEND STARTING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PADDLE IN OUR WARMER MONTHS (MARCH-AUGUST)**

Our paddle route is approximately 2.5-3 miles total in length. The average paddler can paddle this in about 2 hours. If you really like to take your time paddling and take lots of nature photographs or exploring feeder canals, we recommend a 3-hour rental time.

**If you plan to stop at Fish Camp (waterfront restaurant on Lake Eustis) we would recommend a 4-hour paddle rental so you are not rushed at the restaurant.

YES! We are animal lovers!! Your pet is welcome to come on the adventure with you. Our city park requires that your pet must be on a leash, so make sure to bring that along with you. We would also recommend that your pet wear a proper size fitting life vest. We know most animals are good swimmers, but you will want to be able to grab onto something if they make their way outside of your vessel. A life vest makes it easy to get them back in the kayak or paddle board. And our last recommendation is to bring something for them to drink out of to stay hydrated in the Florida heat.

Yes, there are alligators in the waters we paddle. Alligators are a part of our ecosystem in Florida. Our general rule of thumb when paddling is to BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES. This means if you spot an alligator, give it space. You should not be close enough to take a selfie. By giving the animal space, we respect it.

A few quick safety tips about alligators:

*Alligators have a natural aversion to people and prefer not to be around them
*NEVER, EVER FEED A GATOR! Besides the fact that this is ILLEGAL in the state of Florida, it is also very dangerous. We also discourage the practice of feeding our shoreline birds on Lake Dora for this reason. Any remaining food CAN attract these animals.
*Stick to daytime swimming (sorry nighttime skinny dippers!)
*Always be aware of your surroundings
*When a gator is spotted, give the animal it's space.

The FWC nuisance alligator hotline is 1.866.392.4286

The Dora Canal is home to a rich variety of wildlife, offering a captivating glimpse into Florida's natural habitat. As you paddle through these serene waters, keep your eyes peeled for a multitude of fascinating creatures, including:

Birds: The canal serves as a haven for numerous bird species, both resident and migratory. You may spot majestic herons gracefully wading along the shoreline, colorful egrets taking flight overhead, or perhaps even a stealthy osprey scanning the waters for its next meal.

Turtles: Sunbathing on logs or leisurely gliding through the water, turtles are a common sight in the Dora Canal. Look closely, and you might catch a glimpse of a freshwater turtle basking in the warm Florida sun or a curious terrapin poking its head above the surface.

Alligators: While encounters with alligators are not guaranteed, the Dora Canal is known to be home to these iconic reptiles. Our experienced guides will help you observe them from a safe distance, offering insights into their behavior and importance within the ecosystem.

Fish and Aquatic Life: Beneath the surface, a bustling world of aquatic life thrives in the canal's waters. Keep an eye out for schools of fish darting among the aquatic vegetation, and you might even spot a playful otter making an appearance.

Plants and Flora: In addition to its diverse fauna, the Dora Canal is adorned with lush vegetation and native flora. From towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss to vibrant water lilies adorning the water's edge, the scenery is as breathtaking as it is diverse.

Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about the local ecosystem and will eagerly share their expertise, pointing out interesting wildlife sightings and providing fascinating insights into the delicate balance of life along the canal. Prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of nature as you embark on a memorable paddle adventure with Adventure Outdoor Paddle.

We recommend bringing the following items to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable paddle experience:

Sun Protection: Florida's sun can be intense, so don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

Appropriate Clothing: Dress in comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Quick-drying materials are ideal, as you may get splashed while paddling.

Footwear: Wear water shoes or sandals with straps to ensure stability and comfort while walking on uneven terrain during launch and landing.

Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated throughout your paddle adventure by bringing plenty of water. Light snacks like granola bars or fruit can also help keep your energy levels up.

Please note that Adventure Outdoor Paddle has a strict no-alcohol policy during our tours and rentals. We prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all participants and ask that you refrain from consuming alcohol before or during your paddle experience.

Yes! We work out of a public park in downtown Tavares, so it is FREE to launch on Lake Dora. You are welcome to use the beach we operate out of. Stop by and say hello to us, as we LOVE meeting new paddlers in the community! We can also help you with directions for paddle route and get some hydration for your paddle. We offer some merchandise for sale at our location on the weekends including waterproof phone cases and dry bags, sunscreen, hats, UPF 50 long sleeve sun shirts, t-shirts, and paddle ornaments.

**If the winds are strong on Lake Dora, we would suggest launching your vessel at an alternative park just down the road in Tavares called Summerall Park, located at 1001 Wells Ave, Tavares. Summerall Park is at the beginning of the Dora Canal near Lake Dora. From this park you would paddle to the left to reach Lake Eustis, before turning around and returning to your launch point.

Yes, we offer private tours for special occasions, group events, corporate outings, and more. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and we'll work with you to create a customized paddle experience tailored to your group.

Yes, a $50 late fee per vessel, per hour will be accessed at checkout. We are a small outfitter and want to serve as many guests as possible with the available equipment we have. Reservations and rental time frames help us do this. Thank you for being considerate of the next guests behind you so everyone can make the most of their time on the water! All rentals are due back by 5:00PM. Thank you for being respectful of closing times.

*We try our best to work with you on the weather/wind conditions on Lake Dora and take this into account with your rental time frame. Most days we have availability to extend your rental with notice, but this is not always the case on busy weekends and or holidays.

Your rental time begins at the time of your reservation. This includes check in and check out time. We recommend arriving 10 minutes prior to your reservation to get the most out of your rental.

Your safety is our top priority. In the event of bad weather or unsafe paddling conditions, we may need to reschedule or cancel the tour or paddle rental. We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible and provide alternative options. If we have to cancel due to inclement weather, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellations made before 48 hours scheduled reserved time will receive a FULL refund minus credit card processing fee. Cancellations made within 24 hours will receive 50% refund. Cancellations made day of scheduled reservation will be charge full price.

We understand that life happens! We try and do our best to find a solution that will work for your interrupted plans.

*If we have to cancel due to inclement weather, you will receive a full refund.