Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: Florida's Banana River Lagoon

Mangrove tunnels, manatees, dolphins, and a biologist who knows them all

A two-hour kayak tour through the Thousand Island Conservation area in Florida's Banana River Lagoon, led by a state biologist or naturalist, where you paddle through mangrove tunnels and search for manatees, dolphins, birds and crabs in one of the most biodiverse water systems in the United States. You choose between a single kayak or a tandem, and the guide teaches you how to identify and respectfully handle the animals you encounter. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, dry bags, sunscreen and bug spray are provided; bottled water is included. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the pace is relaxed enough for all fitness levels.

The Experience

The tour starts with a safety briefing and paddle demonstration on shore before you get in the water. Your guide—a biologist or naturalist employed by the state of Florida—will teach you the basics and answer questions about the lagoon system itself. The kayaks are stable and designed for beginners, so you're not fighting the boat while you're trying to spot wildlife.

Once on the water, you paddle through the mangrove tunnels that wind through the Thousand Island Conservation area. The Banana River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse water systems in the United States, so the guide will point out manatees, dolphins, birds, and crabs as you move through the system. This is not a strenuous trip—the pace is relaxed and built for families with children as young as four. Your guide will identify each animal you encounter and show you how to safely and respectfully handle any creatures you find, turning the tour into an education rather than just a paddle.

Bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray come with your tour, along with all the gear: kayak, paddle, life jacket and a dry bag for your belongings. You'll choose between paddling a single kayak or sharing a tandem with a travel partner or family member at checkout.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag.
• bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray.
• two-hour guided paddle with a state biologist or naturalist.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Central Florida Kayaking

Is this one for you?The guide is a state biologist or naturalist, which means the animals and the lagoon system itself are the focus—not just a scenic paddle. You're learning from someone who knows the Banana River Lagoon and the creatures in it, and you'll handle the animals yourself instead of just watching from a distance.

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Top questions

What animals will I actually see on the Banana River Lagoon kayak tour?

Manatees and dolphins are the main draw, but the lagoon is one of the most biodiverse water systems in the United States, so you'll also spot birds, crabs and other wildlife. Your guide will identify each one and explain what you're looking at.

How long is the kayak tour and is it strenuous?

The tour lasts two hours and is designed as a relaxing paddle, not a workout—it's suitable for all fitness levels and families with children as young as four.

Will I learn how to handle the animals we find?

Yes. Your guide, a state biologist or naturalist, will teach you how to identify and respectfully and safely handle any creatures you encounter during the paddle.

What's included in the kayak tour?

The tour includes your kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag; bottled water, sunscreen and bug spray are provided. You choose between a single kayak or a tandem kayak at checkout.

Is there a safety briefing before we get on the water?

Yes. Before paddling, your guide will give a full safety briefing and paddle demonstration so you're comfortable with the kayak and the basics before you leave shore.