Cocoa Beach: Thousand Islands Kayak Tour with Manatees & Mangrove Tunnels

Summary

Kayak Cocoa Beach’s wild side with manatees dolphins and tangled mangroves

You’ll paddle through Cocoa Beach’s winding mangrove tunnels with a small group, spot wild manatees and dolphins if you’re lucky, and soak up the calm of Florida’s Thousand Islands from your kayak seat. With all gear included (plus dry bags for your phone) and photos sent afterward, you’ll end up with salty hair and some real memories.

What’s the experience like?

We pushed our kayaks off the sandy bank in Cocoa Beach just after sunrise — I could still smell sunscreen on my hands, which always makes me feel like summer break. Our guide, Jamie, handed out dry bags and made sure everyone had their life jackets sorted (mine was a bit snug but honestly, I liked the extra squeeze). The water was glassy at first, except for a pelican that crash-landed nearby. Jamie grinned and said we might see manatees if we kept quiet enough. I tried, but my paddle kept splashing anyway.

The Thousand Islands are kind of a maze — I lost track of direction almost immediately, but Jamie knew every twist in those mangrove tunnels. The air inside was thick and green, with roots curling down into the water like something from a Miyazaki film. It smelled earthy, like rain even though it hadn’t rained yet. At one point, a dolphin surfaced maybe twenty feet away — just a quick breath and gone again. Everyone froze except Jamie, who just nodded like this was totally normal. I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel to drift under those branches; even the birds sounded softer in there.

We did spot two manatees (or maybe one very patient manatee twice), grazing near the edge of the channel. They look so gentle up close — slow blinks, round faces. Someone tried to get a photo but dropped their phone in the dry box instead (good call). There were only eight of us paddling together, so it never felt crowded or rushed. Afterward my arms were tired in that good way, and Jamie promised to email us photos since none of mine turned out straight. Still thinking about that moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of water against the kayak hull… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak Thousand Islands and Mangroves

• Arrive at Cocoa Kayaking location
• Sign waivers before tour
• Receive life jackets and gear
• Use dry boxes and dry bags
• Kayak through Thousand Islands
• Paddle through mangrove tunnels
• Observe manatees, dolphins, and birds
• Return to shore and end tour

Top questions

What wildlife can I see on the Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour?

You may see West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and local Floridian birds during your tour.

Are kayaks and life jackets provided on this Cocoa Beach kayak tour?

Yes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are included with your booking.

How many people are on each kayak tour group?

Tours are small and personal with no more than 10 people per group.

Is there free parking at the starting point?

Yes, free parking is available before your kayak tour begins.

Are photos included in the kayak tour?

Yes, photos are taken during your tour and emailed within 48 hours after your purchase.

What should I bring for the Thousand Islands kayak trip?

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a wide brim hat, bug spray, and a towel.

Is wildlife guaranteed on this Cocoa Kayaking tour?

No, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed as you are paddling in nature.

Are bathrooms available before or after the kayak tour?

Yes, bathrooms are available before and after your tour.

Is this kayak experience suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; guides help everyone get comfortable.

What’s included

Your day includes use of single or tandem kayaks with excellent back support plus paddles and freshly cleaned life jackets for all sizes over 30lbs. Dry bags for phones are provided on arrival. Photos from your trip will be emailed within 48 hours after your tour ends—just don’t worry if yours turn out crooked like mine did!