Plan Your Visit

Adventure Outdoor Paddle is located on the waterfront in Tavares, Florida, with easy access to Lake Dora and the scenic Dora Canal, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. When you paddle with us, you can expect a relaxed and immersive experience surrounded by towering cypress trees, calm waterways, and abundant wildlife. On guided tours, our knowledgeable guides share insights about the area’s wildlife, vegetation, and history, while rentals allow you to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re new to paddling or have experience on the water, the route is enjoyable and accessible for a wide range of skill levels. Boat traffic on the Harris Chain of Lakes can be busier on weekends, especially in warmer months. For the most peaceful conditions, we recommend launching in the morning when the canal is typically at its calmest.

No experience is needed. Our guided tours are designed to be relaxed and beginner-friendly, and we provide basic instruction before launching. The paddle route is calm and easy to follow, making it enjoyable for first-time paddlers as well as those with experience.

Our recommended paddle route is approximately 3 miles roundtrip, and most paddlers complete it in about two hours at a relaxed pace. If you enjoy taking your time, stopping for photos, or exploring along the way, a 3-hour rental allows for a more leisurely experience. For those planning to paddle beyond the canal and stop at Fish Camp on Lake Eustis for lunch or a drink, we recommend a 4-hour rental so you can enjoy your stop without feeling rushed.

The Dora Canal is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, fish, and occasionally alligators. Every trip is different, but there’s always something interesting to see along the way.

Yes, alligators live in the waters of the Dora Canal and the Harris Chain of Lakes—they’re a natural and important part of Florida’s ecosystem. The good news is that alligators are typically shy and prefer to avoid people. It’s very common to see them resting along the shoreline or quietly swimming away as paddlers approach. The most important rule is simple: give wildlife space and enjoy observing from a distance. If you can take a selfie with a gator, you’re definitely too close! A few helpful tips to keep in mind: Alligators naturally avoid people and rarely approach boats or paddlers. Never feed alligators or other wildlife. Feeding wildlife is illegal in Florida and can make animals lose their natural fear of humans. Stay aware of your surroundings and respect wildlife from a distance. Our tours and rental routes take place during daylight hours, which is the best and safest time to be on the water. If you ever notice an alligator behaving unusually or posing a concern, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) operates a Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-392-4286.

Yes! We operate from a public park in downtown Tavares, and launching on Lake Dora is free. You’re welcome to use the beach area we launch from. If you see us set up, feel free to stop by and say hello—we always enjoy meeting fellow paddlers and are happy to share route tips and local advice. On weekends, we also carry a small selection of paddling essentials and merchandise, including waterproof phone cases, dry bags, sunscreen, hats, and shirts in case you need something for your trip. If winds are strong on Lake Dora, an excellent alternative launch is Summerall Park (1001 Wells Ave, Tavares), located near the entrance to the Dora Canal. From there, you can enjoy a scenic paddle through the canal toward Lake Eustis before turning around and returning to your launch point, often in calmer conditions.

Yes! We’re animal lovers, and well-behaved pets are welcome to join you on your paddle adventure. Because we operate from a public city park, pets are required to remain on a leash while on land, so be sure to bring one with you. For time on the water, we strongly recommend a properly fitted pet life vest. Even strong swimmers can tire, and a life vest makes it much easier to help your pet back onto a kayak or paddle board if needed. We also suggest bringing a water bowl and fresh water to keep your pet comfortable and hydrated in the Florida heat.

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.

Your safety is our top priority. We closely monitor the weather, wind, and water conditions leading up to every tour and rental to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable to paddle. If high winds or unsafe conditions are expected—especially on Lake Dora—we may contact you ahead of time to adjust your plans. In many cases, we can offer an alternate launch location with more sheltered water so you can still enjoy your paddle. If conditions are not safe for paddling and we need to reschedule or cancel, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide alternative options whenever available. If we have to cancel due to inclement weather and no alternative works for your schedule, you will receive a full refund.

Cancel 24 hours or more in advance – Receive a full refund minus non-refundable credit card processing fees. Cancel less than 24 hours in advance – Receive a 50% refund. Cancel on the day of your reservation or no-shows – No refund will be issued. Trip Protection Option: Guests who add Trip Protection at checkout may cancel up to the start time of their activity for a full refund, minus non-refundable processing fees. (Highly recommend)