Kayaking in Cocoa Beach: Manatees and coastal wildlife

Paddle a remote estuary where manatees drift past and dolphins surface nearby

Kayak the Indian River Lagoon near Cocoa Beach in a small group of up to six paddlers, led by an experienced guide who provides all gear and safety equipment. The tour lasts two hours and focuses on spotting manatees, dolphins and wading birds in one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries. A guide in English or Spanish is included. Children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour to see wildlife

• Receive gear and safety equipment
• Kayak through Indian River Lagoon
• Look for manatees, birds, and dolphins
• Guide takes photos and shares them

The experience

You paddle through a remote section of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the continent's richest wildlife habitats, with an experienced guide steering the group toward manatees, dolphins and wading birds. The kayak, paddle, USCG-approved personal flotation device, whistle and lights all come with you: no gear to rent separately or figure out beforehand. The group stays small, capped at six paddlers, so the guide can watch each person and adjust the pace if someone needs it.

The two-hour paddle moves at a pace that lets you actually look around instead of rushing between stops. Your guide handles navigation through the lagoon's channels and knows where to find the animals. You focus on paddling and watching. Bottled or sparkling water, fresh fruit, chips and granola bars are included, so you're not managing hunger or thirst on the water. The guide photographs moments along the way and texts them to you afterward at no extra cost.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle, USCG-approved personal flotation device, whistle and lights.
• bottled or sparkling water, fresh fruit, chips and granola bars.
• guide in English or Spanish.
• photos of the paddle texted to you after the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00

AgesAdult (20 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Springs to Sea Old Florida Eco Tours

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Cocoa Beach without a car or arriving with limited time, confirm the departure point and whether the operator offers pickup. The small group size means the guide can work around your schedule once you're on the water, but getting there is on you to arrange.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 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 wildlife am I likely to see kayaking the Indian River Lagoon?

Manatees, dolphins and wading birds are the main animals you'll encounter. The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America's most biodiverse estuaries, so sightings depend on the season and time of day, but your guide knows where to paddle for the best chance of spotting them.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The guide leads paddlers of all fitness levels, and children from age 4 are welcome. Your guide provides instruction and adjusts the pace to match the group.

What's included in the price?

The kayak, paddle, personal flotation device, whistle and lights are all provided. You also get bottled or sparkling water, fresh fruit, chips and granola bars during the paddle, and your guide will text you photos taken along the way.

How long is the kayaking tour?

The paddle lasts two hours from start to finish, moving through a remote section of the lagoon at a pace that lets you watch for wildlife without rushing.