Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Kayaking with Manatees

Manatees nuzzle your kayak, dolphins hunt nearby, pelicans dive overhead

Kayaking on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge puts you in the water where endangered manatees spend their mornings, with a professional guide, kayak and paddle included. You'll search for dolphins and watch osprey, roseate spoonbills and horseshoe crabs in their element. The operator prioritizes observing these animals on their terms—no disturbance, just presence in their habitat. Children from age 5 are welcome; the morning takes 2 hours.

The Experience

What makes this different from watching manatees from a tour boat is that you're floating at their level in a kayak, moving slowly enough that the animals approach you. The manatees here are herbivores that live year-round in these shallow waters, and they're curious about kayaks—they'll nuzzle and grip the hull. You're not chasing them; you're drifting in the spots they favor, and the guide positions the group to let the animals decide whether to interact. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is their protected home, and the morning unfolds on their schedule.

After the manatee encounter, the kayaking shifts to searching for dolphins fishing in the nearby waters. The refuge holds other wildlife too—pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and occasionally alligators. The guide knows where to paddle and what to watch for, so you're not guessing at empty water. Bring clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes like Crocs or sandals, and a towel left in the car. A camera and dry bag are optional but useful for capturing the moment without losing your phone to the water.

The full experience runs 2 hours. Infants sit on an adult's lap; children from age 5 can paddle their own kayak or ride with a parent. The operator provides the kayak, paddle, personal flotation device and professional guide—everything you need to get on the water. You'll need a moderate level of fitness to paddle for the duration, and the activity isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. Public transportation options are nearby if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Professional guide.
• kayak and paddle.
• personal flotation device (PFD).
• 2-hour morning on the water.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by A Day Away Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Best for small groups or families with children from age 5 who want to paddle at the animals' level rather than watch from a distance—the manatees approach the kayaks, and the guide keeps the pace slow enough that you're observing, not chasing.

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Top questions

What are the manatees actually like when you paddle up to them?

Manatees on Merritt Island are curious and often approach kayaks to nuzzle and grip the hull. They're herbivores that live in these shallow waters year-round, and the guide positions the group in their favorite spots so the animals can choose whether to interact. The operator's approach is to observe them on their terms—no disturbance, just presence in their habitat.

Do you actually see dolphins, or is it just a search?

Dolphins often fish actively in the waters near the refuge, and the guide knows where to paddle to find them. The search is part of the morning, but sightings are common enough that the operator includes them in the itinerary.

Can my 5-year-old paddle their own kayak, or do they sit with me?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the kayaking. Younger children can ride on an adult's lap in the kayak, and older kids can paddle their own with the guide's instruction and supervision.

What do I need to bring, and what does the operator provide?

The operator provides the kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD). Bring clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes like Crocs or sandals that can stay on in the water, a towel to leave in your car, and a change of clothes just in case. Bottled water and snacks are your responsibility; a camera and dry bag are optional but helpful for photos.

How long is the kayaking, and what time does it start?

The kayaking runs 2 hours in the morning. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car to reach the refuge.

Is this activity safe if I have a back or spine condition?

The kayaking isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to paddle for 2 hours, so consider your comfort with that commitment before booking.