Kayaking Thousand Islands Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Manatees

Paddle through narrow mangrove passages where manatees and dolphins live

Kayak through the Thousand Islands and mangrove tunnels near Cocoa Beach with Cocoa Kayaking, a locally owned operator running small groups of no more than ten people. You paddle a Wilderness System Tarpon kayak (tandem or single) with all gear cleaned before your tour. The 2.5-hour outing is timed for 9:00 am when wildlife viewing is best, and photos taken during the paddle are emailed to you within 48 hours.

The experience

You launch from a site with free parking and paddle into a maze of mangrove tunnels where the water narrows and the trees close in overhead. The Thousand Islands sit in shallow water, and you'll move between them watching for West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins and wading birds. Manatee mating season runs March through August, when sightings are most active. The kayaks have excellent back support, and dry bags keep your phone and valuables safe. Life jackets fit anyone 30 pounds and up, with fresh ones for every paddler.

The 2.5-hour paddle is built around wildlife, not distance, so the pace stays manageable even if you've never kayaked before. A guide leads the group and points out what moves in the water and trees. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and bug spray: Florida heat and sun are relentless on the water. Bathrooms are available before and after the tour, and you'll sign a waiver when you arrive. Cell phone dry boxes are on hand if you want to protect your gear beyond the included dry bag.

Photos taken during your paddle are included and sent to your email within 48 hours, so you have a record of what you saw. Parking is free, and public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving. Last-minute photos printed at the launch site cost $10 per adult if you want a physical copy before you leave.

What’s included

• Kayak and paddle.
• life jacket.
• dry bag.
• guide.
• photos emailed within 48 hours.
• free parking.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:30 and 12:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (2 to 15 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.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cocoa Kayaking

Is this one for you?The 2.5-hour paddle moves at a wildlife pace, not a fitness pace, so you're watching and paddling gently rather than covering distance: suited to anyone comfortable sitting in a kayak and moving with a paddle, from age two up.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 15 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.

When is the best time to see manatees on this kayak paddle?

Manatee mating season runs March through August, when sightings are most active. The 9:00 am tour time is when wildlife viewing is best year-round.

What kayaks and safety gear do I get?

You paddle a Wilderness System Tarpon kayak (single or tandem, your choice) with a paddle, life jacket and dry bag included. All gear is cleaned before each tour, and life jackets fit anyone 30 pounds and up.

How many people paddle together on this tour?

Groups stay small: no more than ten people per tour, so you're not paddling in a crowd.

What should I bring and what's available at the site?

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, bug spray and a towel. Bathrooms are available before and after the tour, and cell phone dry boxes are on hand if you need extra protection for your gear.

Do I get photos from the paddle?

Photos taken during the tour are included and emailed to you within 48 hours. If you want a printed copy at the launch site, last-minute photos cost $10 per adult.