Kayaking Tomoka River: Dolphins, manatees and 160 bird species

Paddle past dolphins and manatees on the Tomoka River

Kayak or paddleboard the Tomoka River near Daytona Beach with a live guide who navigates you through the Manatee Sanctuary and Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park, pointing out over 160 bird species, sea turtles, bald eagles and pink spoonbills along the way. The tour runs two hours and suits all fitness levels. Children from age 4 are welcome. Paddles, lifevests and your choice of kayak or paddleboard are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour through Tomoka River and park

• Set off to Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
• Explore wildlife and historic ruins at Addison Blockhouse
• Paddle down Tomoka River waterways
• Observe Florida nature and 160 bird species
• Learn about Timucua Indians history

The experience

The Tomoka River waterways start near Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park, where your guide leads you through the park on foot first, pointing out wildlife and explaining the historic ruins before you push off. Once on the water, you paddle yourself through the Manatee Sanctuary and the broader Tomoka State Park, following the same routes the Timucua Indians used centuries ago. The guide stays with the group, calling out sightings and sharing facts about the ecosystem, the birds overhead and the history woven through the landscape.

What sets this operation apart is the depth of knowledge: the guide covers not just where to spot dolphins and manatees, but the species diversity (over 160 bird types live here), the park's role in protecting the sanctuary, and the cultural history of the region. The company has run over 70,000 tours in 17 years and was featured by the Travel Channel as one of the top tours in America.

You control the pace on the water. The two-hour window gives you time to paddle at a steady clip, pause for sightings and absorb the landscape without rushing. Lifevests and paddles are provided. You choose between a kayak or paddleboard depending on what feels right for your balance and comfort.

What’s included

• Paddle and lifevest.
• kayak or paddleboard of your choice.
• guide-led paddle through the Tomoka River Manatee Sanctuary.
• walk through Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park with historical explanation.
• wildlife and ecosystem commentary throughout the two-hour outing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 10:30 and 12:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (9 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak or paddleboard yourself, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water doing the work rather than watching from a boat. The guide stays with your group and handles navigation and interpretation, which means you focus on paddling and spotting wildlife without needing to plan the route or research what you're seeing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 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 will I actually see on the Tomoka River?

Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles and pink spoonbills are common sightings, along with over 160 different bird species that live in the park. Your guide points them out and explains their role in the ecosystem as you paddle.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The tour suits all fitness levels and children from age 4 are welcome. The guide leads the group and the waterways are navigable for beginners. You operate the kayak or paddleboard yourself, but the pace is steady and manageable.

What happens at Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park?

Your guide leads you through the park before the paddle begins, pointing out the historic ruins and explaining the site's significance. Then you return to the water and paddle through the broader Tomoka State Park, where the guide continues sharing the history of the Timucua Indians who paddled these same waterways.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour runs two hours total, including the walk through Addison Blockhouse and the paddle through the Manatee Sanctuary and Tomoka State Park.

What's included and what do I need to bring?

Paddles, lifevests and your choice of kayak or paddleboard are all included. Bring water, sunscreen and a camera. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet and closed-toe water shoes if you have them.