Kayaking in New Smyrna Beach: Indian River Lagoon wildlife

Paddle through a lagoon where dolphins and manatees live alongside you

Guided kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon near New Smyrna Beach puts you on the water for two hours with a paddle and a guide, looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs and fish in one of the country's most important estuaries. The kayak, paddle and lifejacket are provided. Children from age one can join. Moderate fitness is needed for the paddle.

The experience

You'll launch into the Indian River Lagoon, a waterway classified as one of the most biodiverse lagoons and estuaries in the country. The guide navigates the route while you paddle, staying alert for the creatures that live here: dolphins and manatees in the deeper channels, birds perched in the trees, and smaller species like crabs and fish in the shallows. It's a hands-on experience. You're not watching from a boat, you're operating the kayak and actively looking.

Part of the search happens in the water itself: the guide will point out spots where you can look for crabs and conchs, and you'll paddle close enough to examine them. Another part happens in the mangrove trees that line the waterway. Arboreal mangrove crabs live in the branches, and spotting them means looking up as you paddle past. The two-hour window keeps the pace steady without rushing, and the guide's knowledge of where to find each species shapes where you go.

The kayak, paddle and lifejacket come with you. The guide is there to lead the route and point out wildlife. Children from infants onward can join: babies and toddlers ride in a kayak with an adult. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and lifejacket.
• live guide in English.
• two hours on the Indian River Lagoon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday

AgesAdult (18 to 95 years) · Senior (96 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 5 years)

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 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Daytona Beach Kayaking

Is this one for you?The two-hour paddle requires moderate fitness and steady effort on the water, so it suits travelers who are comfortable with physical activity and want to operate the kayak themselves rather than ride as a passenger.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (1 to 5 years).

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 will I actually see on the Indian River Lagoon?

The lagoon is home to dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs and fish. You'll paddle through channels where these species live and the guide will help you spot them. You'll also search for crabs and conchs in the water and mangrove crabs in the trees along the shore.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No prior experience is required, but you do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for two hours. The guide handles navigation while you operate the kayak.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

The kayak, paddle, lifejacket and guide are all included. You provide the physical effort to paddle. The guide provides the route, wildlife knowledge and safety oversight.

How long does the kayaking last?

The experience runs for two hours on the water, with the guide leading you through the Indian River Lagoon to search for wildlife.