Cocoa Beach: 2-Hour Dolphin & Manatee Boat Tour

Dolphins and manatees on the Indian River Lagoon in one afternoon

You board a 35-foot boat in Melbourne and spend two hours drifting the Indian River Lagoon, spotting dolphins, manatees, alligators and migratory birds with a guide who knows where to look. Water and ice are included. The boat fits up to 23 passengers and returns you to the dock by early afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

2-hour Indian River Lagoon tour

• Board Tiki themed 35' boat
• Tour Indian River Lagoon Estuary System
• Visit Historic Dragon Point
• Spot dolphins and manatees
• Observe alligators and migratory birds
• Enjoy wildlife and nature views

The experience

The boat rocks gently as it pulls away from the dock, and the water spreads out flat and wide in front of you. You're on a 35-foot Tiki-themed vessel with maybe twenty other people, all of them scanning the surface, waiting. Two hours on the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System doesn't sound like much until you realize that's exactly how long it takes to drift past Historic Dragon Point and the shallow channels where dolphins actually live. The crew hands out water and ice before you leave the dock: small thing, but it matters when you're out on the water for the full stretch.

Dolphins show up fast, or they don't. That's the honest part. When they do, they move like they're putting on a show just for the boat, rolling and splashing in the shallows. Manatees are slower, more deliberate. You'll see them gliding underneath if you watch the water long enough, their shapes soft and gray against the sand. Alligators sun themselves on the banks. Migratory birds cut across the sky depending on the season. The guide knows what to look for and where to point, which matters because the wildlife doesn't announce itself. You're looking at a working estuary, not a tank.

The boat holds up to 23 passengers, so it's not a private charter, but it's small enough that you're not crammed shoulder-to-shoulder. Families bring kids. Older travelers come solo. Wheelchairs fit on board, and if you've got an infant, there are specialized seats. The pace is slow (you're cruising, not racing), which means you can actually breathe and take photos instead of gripping the rail. Two hours moves faster than you'd think when you're watching the water.

What’s included

Your two hours include the boat tour of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System and Historic Dragon Point, a knowledgeable guide, water and ice, and access to a 35-foot Tiki boat that accommodates up to 23 passengers. Specialized infant seats and wheelchair accessibility are available.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 13:30 and 16:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 23

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 effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cruise Cocoa

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see dolphins and manatees without arranging your own boat or spending a full day on the water. Two hours is enough to drift the estuary and spot wildlife with a guide who knows where to look, and it leaves your afternoon open.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 definitely see?

Dolphins and manatees are common, but sightings depend on the day and season. Alligators and migratory birds are also present in the estuary. The guide will point out what's active.

How long is the tour?

Two hours on the water, departing from Melbourne, Florida.

How many people are on the boat?

Up to 23 passengers. The boat is a 35-foot Tiki-themed vessel.

What's included?

Water and ice are included. Entry to the boat and the two-hour tour are included.

Can I bring a wheelchair?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, sunscreen and a hat. Water is provided, but you may want to bring extra if you're sensitive to sun.

Is there parking?

Public transportation options are available nearby. Check with the operator for parking details at the departure point.