When you think of kayaking, a whole range of images might come to mind. You might think of helmeted adventurers an ever-flimsy-looking paddle to beat back gushing rapids. Or you might imagine happy tourists gliding along perfectly still open ocean, searching for signs of whales or dolphins below.

However you imagine it, if you're reading this article, there's a good chance you're not enough of a kayaking die-hard to drop a ton of well-earned vacation money on a kayak tour. And that's where Groupon comes in: virtually anywhere you go, you're bound to find kayaking deals on Groupon with prices cut in half—sometimes more. To get you inspired, check out some of the top kayaking tours on Groupon from across the country.

Best Urban Kayak Tours

Skyline Kayak Tour from Manhattan Kayak | New York City

As far as urban kayaks go, it doesn't get much more urban than NYC. An experienced team of instructors takes paddlers of all skill levels along the glittering skyscrapers and beneath the leaping bridges that make up NYC's iconic skyline. Tours start at $30 per person.

Navy Pier Fireworks Tour from Wateriders Kayak Tours | Chicago

Snake your way along the Chicago River while admiring the architecture that helped make the city famous, including the massive Merchandise Mart and the Gothic-inspired Tribune Tower. Tours finish with a float alongside Navy Pier and beneath a nighttime fireworks show. Tours start at $65 per person.

Best Wildlife Kayak Tours

Lopez Island Sea Kayak Tour from Outdoor Adventure Center | Lopez Island, WA

If you're cruising along miles of protected shoreline in a sea kayak, the only thing more likely than spotting some wildlife is having a blast. That's just what you get on this tour outside Seattle, where bald eagles, harbor seals, porpoises, herons, and cast of other air and aquatic creatures make regular appearances. Tours start at $44 per person.

Kayak Swamp Tour from Honey Island Kayak Tours | Pearl River, LA

The croaks of frogs and songs of cranes serenade you as you made your way through the sticky southern-Louisiana swamplands. All the while, an experienced guide is there to shell out historical facts about the area, provide kayaking tips, and let you know how to spot a gator prowling on the surface.

Best Scenic Kayak Tours

Sunset Kayak Tour from Beach Town Tours | Galveston, TX

It doesn't get much better watching a summertime sunset slip past the horizon—unless you're actually in the water, that is. This tour lets you do exactly that in the calm waters of Galveston Bay. Bring along a drink and toast to a perfect summer evening before paddling back ashore beneath the moonlight. Tours start at $52 for two people.

Guided Tour of Anacapa Island from Blue Ocean Kayaking | Oxnard, CA

You'll cruise over the Santa Barbara channel's deep-blue waters while taking in glimpses of Anacapa Island's rocky outcrops—and that's before you even get into your kayak. A ferry shuttles kayakers to the island, where they get into their vessels to explore Anacapa's natural caves and paddle through craggly arches. Tours start at $159 per person.

Want to know more about hitting the water?

Take a look at the Groupon Guide's other water-acitivity articles to learn more about how you can have a blast on the water this summer.

• Understanding the Rapids Behind Whitewater Rafting: What happens beneath the choppy surface that makes it so fun to raft over?
• How to Paddle a Canoe: Mom was right—sitting up straight is important.
• All about Flyboarding, AKA the Water Jet Pack: Channel your inner Poseidon and use the water to magically soar into the air.
• Why You Should Take a Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga Class: Learn how fun (and surprisingly easy!) it is to find your zen on the water.