Indian River Lagoon Paddle Boarding Tour: Manatees & Mangroves

Paddle through manatee habitat and past Jupiter Lighthouse on the Indian River Lagoon

A 90-minute private paddle boarding tour on the Indian River Lagoon near Jupiter, led by a master naturalist guide who teaches paddle technique and points out marine life (manatees, sea turtles, sea stars and conchs) in the shallow waters and seagrass beds. Winter months bring migrating manatees through the area. The tour departs near Coral Cove Park and heads toward Cato's bridge and the Jupiter Lighthouse. Location may shift to a more sheltered area on breezy days.

The experience

You start near Coral Cove Park, where your guide covers paddle technique before you push off into the Indian River Lagoon. The route heads toward Cato's bridge and the Jupiter Lighthouse, passing mangrove-lined shores and the homes that dot Jupiter's waterfront. The shallow sand bar areas are thick with seagrass (the feeding ground for manatees and sea turtles), so sightings depend on tide and season. Winter transforms this stretch into a "manatee highway" as the animals migrate to warmer water. Other times you might spot sea turtles, bright sea stars, or conchs on the sandy bottom.

The 90-minute paddle is built for someone comfortable on the water around boat traffic. Weekends and holidays bring fast-moving boats and their wakes, so the experience shifts with the day and the season. Your guide stays with you the whole time, sharing what lives in these waters and what the landscape tells. Photos are emailed within three days.

All gear is provided: paddle board, life jacket, whistle, paddle, and filtered drinking water. Children from age 9 can join, and infants sit on an adult's lap. Service animals are welcome. The tour may move to a more sheltered location if the wind picks up.

What’s included

• Paddle board, life jacket, whistle and paddle.
• filtered drinking water.
• 90-minute guided paddle with a master naturalist.
• photos emailed within three days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (9 to 12 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet on Jupiter Island directly off Beach rd. Parking will be on the west side of the road. You will look for white van. bathrooms located at Coral Cove Park just north of meeting spot.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by South Florida Paddle

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you paddle at your own pace with your guide rather than in a group, and the naturalist focus means you learn what you're seeing instead of just passing through. Book this if you want hands-on time on the water and a guide who knows the wildlife and the landscape.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 12 years). Under 9: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life might I see on the Indian River Lagoon paddle boarding tour?

Manatees, sea turtles, sea stars and conchs are common sightings depending on the tide and season. Winter months bring migrating manatees through the area in larger numbers, while the shallow seagrass beds attract sea turtles year-round.

Do I need paddle boarding experience to join this tour?

No experience is required. Your guide teaches essential paddle technique before you depart, so you learn as you go. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness and be comfortable on the water around boat traffic.

What happens if the weather is windy?

The tour location may change to a more sheltered area on breezy days to keep the paddle safe and manageable.

Is this tour private, or will I paddle with other groups?

This is a private tour, so it's just you, your group and your guide on the water.

What's included in the paddle boarding tour?

The paddle board, life jacket, whistle, paddle and filtered drinking water are all provided. Your guide also emails photos within three days after the tour.