Kayaking in Cocoa Beach: Manatees and Dolphins

Paddle calm backwaters in search of manatees and dolphins

A fully guided kayaking tour in Cocoa Beach's Thousand Islands Marine Sanctuary where you paddle for 2 hours along mangrove shorelines and tidal flats in search of manatees, dolphins and other marine wildlife. A professional guide provides individual help getting in and out of your kayak and basic instruction if you need it. No paddling experience is required. Children from age 6 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided kayaking and wildlife viewing

• Meet at the starting location
• Receive hydration and supplies if needed
• Begin fully guided 2-hour kayak tour
• Paddle along mangrove shorelines
• Observe manatees, dolphins, and wildlife
• Enjoy learning about Florida lagoons

The experience

You'll meet at A1A Outdoor Center before heading out to the backwaters. The guide handles the basics (how to get into your kayak, simple paddling technique if you're new to it), and then lets you set the pace. If you're already comfortable paddling, they stay back and help only when you ask. The tour itself is 2 hours of paddling along the calm inshore waters where manatees and dolphins actually live, not a rushed circuit of marked stops. You'll move through mangrove shorelines and across shallow tidal flats where the water is clear enough to spot bottom-dwellers like stingrays and crabs.

Wildlife sightings are frequent but not guaranteed on any single trip. Manatees and dolphins are the draw, but you'll also see otters, osprey, bald eagles, shorebirds and jumping fish. The guide knows where to look and what to listen for. A1A has run this tour for 15+ years, and the operator notes they're known as the "Most Respected Tour" in the area. The kind of detail that matters when you're trusting someone to get you safely into a kayak and out into open water.

Bring cash for gratuity to the guide (10–15% is customary). The center has sunscreen, dry storage and water on hand if you need them. Public transportation is available nearby if you're not driving. Dress for the weather. The tour runs rain or shine.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the tour.
• individual assistance getting into and out of your kayak.
• basic paddling instruction if needed.
• access to the Thousand Islands Marine Sanctuary.
• dry storage for personal items at the center.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by A1A Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to paddle at your own pace with a guide who knows where manatees and dolphins congregate. The small-group format and flexible speed mean experienced paddlers aren't held back, and beginners get the help they need without feeling rushed.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What wildlife will I actually see on the kayak tour?

Manatees and dolphins are the primary sightings, along with otters, raptors like osprey and bald eagles, shorebirds, and shallow-water creatures including stingrays, crabs and jumping fish. Sightings vary by trip, but the guide knows the backwaters and where to paddle for the best chances.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this tour?

No experience is necessary. The guide provides individual help getting in and out of your kayak and basic paddling instruction if you need it. If you're already an experienced paddler, the guide stays out of your way unless you ask for help.

How long is the actual paddling time on the water?

The tour is 2 hours of paddling along the mangrove shorelines and tidal flats of the Thousand Islands Marine Sanctuary. You'll meet at the center beforehand for a brief orientation.

What should I bring, and what does the center provide?

Bring cash for gratuity to the guide (10–15% is customary). The center provides sunscreen, dry storage for personal items and water. Dress for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.