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 To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Kayak
Professional guide
PFD
Paddle
2 hour kayak tour
Gratuities
Options
Launch Times
Availability Schedule
Reviews
224 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the work
meeksmen,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Save $ by booking with the company directly on their website. Saw a flamboyance of flamingos fly by us which was very unique. I had a manatee's face like 2 feet away from the kayak. Be prepared to paddle that kayak if it's windy you'll need to power through it. Jorge and Hope were both very friendly guides.
Birds and Manatees galore!
melGainesville,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jorge and Hope led us on the best kayaking tour! We saw flamingos, egrets, roseate spoonbills (my fav), pelicans and so many more! We also got to experience a manatee coming right up to our kayak to say hello. Such a beautiful experience. Thank you! Can’t wait to try the bioluminescence tour!
A most excellent excursion
380tiffanim,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a super cool experience, definitely recommend taking this tour if you’ve got the time. It is very beginner friendly, and our guide even offered to tow us if we got tired! We learned quite a bit about the geography and wildlife in the surrounding area. The manatees were definitely the highlight of the tour, but there were also quite a few birds to be seen as well. Shout out to Matthew B, our excellent tour guide!
Great large group experience!
kize439,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group (DiscoveryBound) has been kayaking with A Day Away Kayak Tours for the past 20+ years. We usually have around 40-50 kayakers each year in March or April and have really enjoyed working with the company. They divide our group in 1/2 and we are able to go out around the same time and the guides are so knowledgeable, fun, supportive for stragglers and very professional. They are safety conscious and spend time in the beginning explaining everything and even on the water. We always see manatees and birds and yes at times, jellies, dolphins, and those gators! They share their knowledge of the mangroves, manatees, birds, etc. A big shout out to our guides: Jorge, Drew, Zoey, Matt & Clay! In booking the reservation with them for years, the office staff have been wonderful booking our group each year! We highly recommend A Day Away Kayak Tours! Enjoy the tour!
Perfect day on the water
P3842EDjennyc,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and her fiancé enjoyed a tour with Jorge and had nothing but good things to say! They saw SO much wildlife enjoyed their time paddling. Jorge was friendly and informative, and we would definitely recommend him again! Worth it!!
Amazing experience! Matt...
Jared H,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience! Matt was a great guide, very knowledgeable, and entertaining. Thank you for the great tour!
Most relaxing hour!! We came in early as my companion was tiring.
E4986TWsharonh,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Guide was Brandi and she was incredibly knowledgeable about where we were and what we were seeing. My sister and I are in our 70's and not really the best of shape, Brandi gave a good lesson on what muscles to use and how to get the most out of the paddle. I have only been kayaking one time before so this is good to know. Would 100 out of 100 book a bioluminescence tour if I had more time in Florida.
Kayaking with the family
Eden D,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We went on our journey with David and he was a great guide! We got to see all sorts of creatures, even a surprise seahorse was floating around. David was super knowledgeable on all of the creatures we saw, and the views were just stunning!
A Great Morning on the Water
Asusto,Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great day on the water. We kayaked among about 20 manatees at the boat launch lagoon and then went out to the bird island sanctuary where we saw a flock of flamingos and spoonbill and egret rookeries in the trees. Our 9 year old granddaughter was happy we did not run into any alligators as we had seen a bunch of them the day before at Midway Airboat and that was close enough. We didn't see dolphins but did see some at the tidal pool at Sebastian Inlet State Park the next day The length of the tour and level of exertion were just right. Double kayak for 9 year old was a good call. Our guide Matthew was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful-- the trifecta.
Amazing tour with an amazing guide!
Melcherfamily2021,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time on our tour. Caleb was friendly, informative and really chill. He was very in tune with the group and knew when people were getting tired and what the group was capable of. We seen plenty of awesome wild life such as manatees, dolphins, flamingos and pelicans. Overall I highly suggest going on any of their tours you will have a blast!
From US$75.00
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Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours