Kayak the Indian River: Paddle with dolphins and manatees

Glide beside dolphins and manatees, then rest with snacks on a secluded island

Paddle a kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the Indian River's Mosquito Lagoon in east-central Florida, spotting dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, eagles, herons, osprey, stingrays and crabs. The outing lasts around two hours and includes a break on an island with snacks and drinks. All equipment and a live English-speaking guide are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Paddle and wildlife viewing on Indian River

• Launch kayak on Indian River
• Observe dolphins, manatees, turtles, and birds
• Stop on island for break
• Enjoy snacks and drinks
• Take photos of wildlife and scenery
• Return from paddle tour

The experience

You choose your vessel (single kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard), and paddle through the Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system that stretches 156 miles along Florida's coast. The waterway is home to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, wading birds like herons and osprey, and stingrays. The guide leads you through the shallow estuarine lagoon, pointing out wildlife as it appears. The pace is built around relaxation and nature-watching rather than distance or speed.

Partway through, you pull ashore on an island to rest, stretch and take in the natural environment. The guide brings snacks and drinks for the break, and takes photos throughout the outing so you have images to keep. All participants get a paddle, lifejacket with whistle and the vessel of their choice. Infants can ride on an adult's lap, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Vessel of your choice: single kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
• paddle and lifejacket with whistle.
• island rest stop with snacks and drinks.
• guide in English.
• photos taken during the outing.

Options for this experience

3 options

Single KayakGuide in English · 09:00Single-seat sit-on-top kayak (1 person)

Tandem KayakGuide in English · 09:00Cost per individual

Stand Up PaddleboardGuide in English · 09:00For one person

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

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

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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Inner Compass Eco Adventures Paddleboard/Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Choose a single kayak if you want to paddle independently, pick a tandem kayak to share the effort with a partner, or select a stand-up paddleboard if you prefer a different balance and view of the water. The two-hour timeframe fits easily into a morning or afternoon without dominating your day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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 wildlife might I see paddling the Indian River's Mosquito Lagoon?

The Mosquito Lagoon is home to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, a variety of fish species, alligators and birds including herons, osprey and eagles. You may also spot stingrays and crabs in the shallow water.

How long is the paddle and what happens during it?

The outing lasts around two hours on the water. You paddle through the lagoon with a guide, stop on an island partway through for a rest and snacks, and the guide photographs the experience so you leave with images.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what's provided?

You don't need to bring anything. All participants receive a paddle, lifejacket with whistle and your choice of vessel (single kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard) at no extra cost.

Can I bring an infant or small child on this paddle?

Infants and small children can join. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the paddle. Children in prams or strollers can be accommodated at the start and end points.

What is the Mosquito Lagoon part of?

The Mosquito Lagoon is the northernmost sub-basin of the Indian River Lagoon system, a shallow estuarine lagoon that stretches 156 miles from Ponce de Leon Inlet in the north to Jupiter Inlet in the south, bounded by the Florida mainland and a chain of barrier islands.