Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
It’s an encounter unlike any other as you spend the morning floating gently in the endangered manatee’s favorite lounging spots on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These friendly Florida herbivores just love to nuzzle, grip, and cuddle your kayak for a truly magical morning.
The kayaking adventure continues with a search for playful dolphins, often fishing actively nearby. As if beholding these majestic mammals in their element isn’t enough, you’ll likely enjoy many other Florida natives including pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and even the occasional gator.
As visitors in the manatee’s natural habitat, you can expect to observe and study the famed Sea Cows. Keep in mind that we seek not to disturb, overwhelm, or disrupt the manatee’s natural behaviors, but rather let you experience them on their terms.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What to bring:
Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Towel (left in car)
Water Shoes – sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water
Bring an extra change of clothes just in case
Camera & Dry bag (optional) These are fairly useless to capture bioluminescence, but great for capturing people.
Bottled water, Snacks
Any special personal paddling gear if you like
You may bring a flashlight, though we will provide a safety light.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Kayak
Professional guide
PFD
Paddle
2 hour kayak tour
Gratuities
Options
Launch Times
Availability Schedule
Reviews
216 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun outdoor activity
Shirley D,
Mar 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour and not to strenuous. Drew was awesome guide. Great knowledge and enthusiasm! Don’t let him tell cow jokes😁. We have done a lot of outdoor activities and this is definitely a top adventure
Fun on the Water
Julie J,
Feb 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a very fun experience! Our guide was fantastic and incredibly knowledgeable! Beautiful area!
Great experience to see wildlife
Garrett B,
Jan 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide, Drew, was very fun and was able to share some of his knowledge on the area and wildlife. My wife and I were celebrating our honeymoon and Drew made sure to cater to what we wanted to get out of the experience. A cold front came in the night prior to our trip so the weather ended up being very unfavorable with the cold wind. Drew kept us out of the stronger currents as best he could and protected from the wind. We did the excursion in hopes of spotting a wild manatee which is a dream of my wife’s. Drew may have spotted a manatee nose but we weren’t able to see it resurface. We did see bio-luminescent jelly fish, many species of birds, and our favorite was the dolphins. One down side was the amount of boat traffic and fisherman in the area on the bank and in water. I would recommend planning your trip around less active times of the week. Ours was Saturday at noon and the weather was unfavorable so I can only imagine how busy it gets on a better weather day.
Our guides were right on...
Elizabeth R,
Dec 31, 2024
- Viator
5.00Our guides were right on time with all equipment needed and reviewed the tips and rules quickly. They were knowledgeable about where we could find wildlife and answering all our questions. They were fun and kind and engaged us in fun facts and let us take our time watching the animals. Zoe and David were great!
Highlight of our honeymoon!
JodieAnn L,
Jul 18, 2024
- Viator
5.00Our kayaking trip to see the manatees was the absolute highlight of our honeymoon. The serene waters and close encounters with these gentle giants were magical. A special shout out to Zoey, who made the experience even more wonderful. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious, and she was such great company throughout the trip. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend this adventure to anyone looking for a unique and peaceful experience!
Related Experiences
Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission
4.52
Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River
4.81
Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops
4.58
Sunset Catamaran Sail in Cocoa Beach
4.96
Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River
4.94
Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour
4.94
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
4.80
Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking
4.93
Indian River Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboarding Manatee and Dolphin Tour
4.88
Florida Bioluminescence Clear Kayak Tour | Cocoa Beach (Kiwanis Island)
3.90
Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter
4.92
2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida
4.90
Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours