Jupiter Clear Kayak Tour: Manatees & Dolphins West Palm Beach

See straight through the kayak to the manatees below

You paddle a clear kayak through Jupiter's mangrove lagoon and Indian River, spotting manatees, dolphins, and starfish below the surface. A guide handles photography and points out wildlife while you glide over shallow, crystal-clear water. The tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the day, includes a dry bag and all kayak gear, and ends with a break on a nearby sandbar.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak tour in Jupiter lagoon

• Paddle through mangrove lagoon
• Observe wildlife like manatees and dolphins
• Glide over Indian River Lagoon
• Stop at sandbar to rest

The experience

The moment you sit down in a clear kayak on Jupiter's Indian River Lagoon, you realize why the bottom matters. You're floating above shallow, crystalline water with nothing between you and the marine life below: starfish on the sand, small fish darting past, and if you're lucky, a manatee gliding underneath like a slow gray shadow. The kayak itself becomes a window. Your guide paddles ahead, pointing out dolphins breaking the surface near the mangroves and calling out the shorebirds nested in the trees overhead. It's the kind of tour where you stop looking at the scenery and start looking through it.

The route takes you through the mangrove-protected lagoon near Cato's Bridge, inside the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, where the water stays calm and shallow enough that you can see the bottom the whole way. After paddling for a while, you pull up to a sandbar where you can step out, stretch, and let the water settle around your feet. The guide handles the photos: hand over your phone and they'll capture shots of you with the water and the trees behind you, which saves you from fumbling with a camera while trying not to tip. The whole thing runs 1.5 hours on weekends, 2 hours weekdays, so it's tight enough to fit into a morning but long enough that you actually feel like you've been out on the water.

Children under 18 share a kayak with an adult, which means you're not managing a separate boat while keeping an eye on a kid. They're right there with you. A dry bag keeps your keys and wallet safe, and the guide knows the lagoon well enough to read where the wildlife moves. You'll see what's actually living in Jupiter's waters instead of just paddling past it.

What’s included

• Use of a clear kayak and paddle, a dry bag to keep your belongings safe, and a guide who knows the mangrove lagoon and Indian River Lagoon.
• The guide will also take photos with your phone or camera so you can focus on paddling and spotting wildlife.
• Children 3 and older can join if they share a kayak with an adult.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Get Up And Go Kayaking - Jupiter

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Jupiter's marine life up close without arranging your own boat or worrying about wildlife spotting: the clear kayak and the guide's knowledge of where animals move are what make the difference between paddling past the lagoon and actually seeing what lives in it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 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. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife will I actually see on this tour?

Manatees, dolphins, starfish, shorebirds, and small fish are common. Sightings depend on the day and season, but the guide knows where to look and will point them out as you paddle.

How long is the tour?

1.5 hours on weekends, 2 hours Monday through Friday.

What's included in the price?

The clear kayak, paddle, dry bag, and a guide who knows the lagoon and will take photos for you.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The water is shallow and calm, and the guide will show you how to paddle. You should be comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Yes. Hand it to your guide and they'll take photos while you paddle, so you don't have to manage a camera on the water.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The water is shallow and calm, and you're in a stable kayak with a guide nearby. Many non-swimmers do this tour, but let the operator know your comfort level when you book.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The limit is 250 pounds per person or 425 pounds per couple sharing a kayak.

What should I wear?

Clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes or sandals that won't slip off, and sunscreen. The guide will give you more details when you confirm your booking.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The operator will provide the exact meeting location and parking details when you book. It's in the Jupiter area, accessible by car or public transit.