The 6 Best Wildlife Kayak Tours in Cocoa Beach

1.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with guides such as James, Ian, or Susie. Paddle open lagoons and narrow mangrove tunnels while watching for manatees, dolphins, stingrays, tarpon, crabs, and birds. Your guide takes photos and emails them within 48 hours.

“Equipment was good. Guide was knowledgeable and set a comfortable pace. Saw plenty of critters and birds. About the right length of time on the tour.”

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2.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Join BK Adventure for a 90-minute night paddle through Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo help you spot glowing plankton and comb jellyfish from your kayak. Equipment is included, and groups are limited to eight.

“Was a beautiful night but the bioluminescence was disappointing Also at times can be stressful if you’re not a experienced kayaker because you are bunched up with other kayakers and you might run into them.”

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3.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

You’ll paddle a provided kayak through Haulover Canal near Titusville with a guide such as Brian, Zach, or Terrance. Expect calm water, manatees, dolphins, birds, and possible alligator sightings, with several start times and a 90-minute route.

“Zach was amazing. He knew the history behind the canal, the manatees, the dolphins and the Native American history that began the canal. We were the only ones on that particular tour so he let us spend as much time as we wanted with the dolphins and in the cove were the manatees were sunning. We saw blue herons and other birds. He even knew the the history of the mangrove trees. It was relaxing and beautiful. Zach Roush was the most awesome guide ever.”

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4.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Best value

Launch at Haulover Canal near Cocoa Beach for a 90-minute guided kayak or paddleboard trip through mangroves and the Indian River Lagoon. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Mike point out manatees, dolphins, birds, alligators, and smaller sea life. Photos arrive by text or email within 48 hours.

“Awesome tour with our guide Noah. Even in the chilly overcast weather he made the tour fun. Saw lots of manatees, an alligator, and a few dolphins.”

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5.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle a kayak or stand-up board through Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Manatee Refuge and past the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. Guides such as Jack, Riley, Roman, and Christian explain local wildlife and plants. The two-hour outing suits families, though sightings depend on weather and season.

“Dolphin, manatee, hermit crabs, spoonbill , pelicans, osprey! It was a great afternoon. Our tour guide, Riley was very knowledgeable and provided a great leisurely experience”

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6.Wildlife Refuge Sunset Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $61

Set out from Haulover Canal near Kennedy Space Center for a two-hour guided kayak or SUP tour. Guides such as Logan, Noah, Mark, and Ethan lead small groups of up to 10 through mangroves and wildlife habitat, with sunset views and photos sent afterward.

“Ethen did a great job showing us the dolphins, many birds and mangroves. He was knowledgeable about the area. Kayaking was great even though the weather was a little cold.”

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