Wildlife Kayak Tours in Cocoa Beach: the 5 Best to Book

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

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

Paddle Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with a guide such as James, Ian, Susie, or Michael. You’ll move through open lagoon water and narrow mangrove tunnels while looking for manatees, dolphins, tarpon, stingrays, crabs, and birds. Tours last about 2.5 hours, include kayaks and photos, and limit groups to 10 people.

“Fun, exciting, totally different experience. Kayak took us through Mangroves, seeing manatees along the way. Best time we had in Cocoa Beach.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

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

Meet your guide at Haulover Canal for a 90-minute paddle through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. You’ll learn about bioluminescence, watch comb jellies glow beneath your kayak, and may spot dolphins or hear manatees. Guides including Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo have led outings.

“Getting to see the bioluminescence and the peacefulness of kayaking at night under the stars. Our guide Seven did a really nice job of sharing information about the location and the wildlife within it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Launch at Haulover Canal near Mims and paddle the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Captain Mike point out manatees, dolphins, birds, alligators, horseshoe crabs, and mangrove wildlife. The 90-minute tour includes equipment and photos sent afterward.

“We had an amazing time and learned so much about the wildlife and the preservation of the seashore! Would recommend for all!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Spend about two hours kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding through Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Manatee Refuge and Thousand Islands Conservation Area. Guides such as Riley, Jack, Christian, and Roman share local wildlife facts while you look for dolphins, manatees, storks, spoonbills, and more. Kayaks, boards, paddles, and lifejackets are included.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Cocoa Beach: Dolphin and Manatee Kayak or Paddle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 69 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Paddle for two hours through Cocoa Beach’s mangroves and waterways by kayak or paddle board. Guides such as Jack and Spencer explain local wildlife and history while you look for dolphins, manatees, turtles, pelicans, spoonbills, and live conch. The route includes the Banana River Manatee Refuge and a 30-minute pass by the Thousand Islands Conservation Area.

“We had a great trip! Jack was an amazing guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review