Cocoa Beach: Sunset Catamaran Sail & Dolphin Spotting Tour

Summary

Sunset colors, dolphins playing, gentle breeze over Banana River

You’ll sail Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Lagoon at sunset on a comfortable catamaran with drinks included, watch for dolphins and manatees with a local guide sharing stories, and feel that hush as daylight fades over the Thousand Islands—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how suddenly the world changed color out on the Banana River Lagoon. One minute we were all squinting in the late afternoon sun, sunscreen still sticky on my arms, and then—just like that—the sky started melting into these soft pinks and oranges. I was leaning against the rail of the catamaran, drink in hand (they had sodas and water, which honestly hit the spot after a salty day), when our guide—her name was Jamie, I think—pointed out a ripple in the water. “That’s probably a manatee,” she said. I half expected to miss it, but sure enough, this big gray shape surfaced for a second. Everyone got quiet for a beat. It smelled faintly like sea grass and sunscreen and something sweet from someone’s bag.

We drifted through what they call the Thousand Islands area—not actual islands you can count or anything, more like tangled mangroves and winding channels. The catamaran felt steady even when kids moved around or someone laughed too loud at pelicans dive-bombing for fish. Jamie told us stories about local wildlife (she grew up here; you could tell by the way she pronounced “lagoon”), and at one point she spotted dolphins riding our wake. There was this moment where everyone just watched them—nobody bothered with their phones for once—and you could hear nothing but water lapping against the hull.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed out there. Maybe it was just being off my phone or maybe it was that warm Florida air at dusk, but time sort of slowed down. I caught myself thinking about how small Cocoa Beach looked from the river—just lights starting to blink on behind the mangroves. When we finally headed back, nobody seemed in a rush to get off. It’s funny how an evening can sneak up on you like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset catamaran sail and wildlife viewing

• Board spacious catamaran in Cocoa Beach
• Sail through Banana River Lagoon
• Spot dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds
• Cruise Thousand Islands mangrove channels
• Relax and enjoy sunset views

Top questions

What wildlife can I see during the Cocoa Beach sunset catamaran sail?

You might spot dolphins, manatees, pelicans, ospreys, and other coastal birds while sailing through Banana River Lagoon’s Thousand Islands area.

Are drinks included on this Cocoa Beach sunset cruise?

Yes, soda and bottled water are included during your sunset catamaran sail.

Is there shaded seating or restrooms on board?

The eco-friendly catamaran offers shaded seating areas as well as a restroom onboard for comfort during your tour.

Is this sunset sail suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; it’s suitable for all fitness levels.

Where does the tour take place?

The sunset catamaran tour sails through Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Lagoon and explores the Thousand Islands mangrove area.

Do I need to book transportation to get there?

Public transportation options are available nearby if you’re not driving yourself to Cocoa Beach marina.

What’s included

Your evening includes sailing aboard a spacious eco-friendly catamaran with shaded seating and restroom access; complimentary soda and bottled water are served as you glide through Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Lagoon with your local guide pointing out wildlife along the way before returning after sunset.