Kayaking and SUP in New Smyrna: Dolphins and Manatees
Two hours paddling through mangrove channels where dolphins and manatees actually live
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard through New Smyrna's waterways on a guided adventure with a live English-speaking guide, paddles, kayaks and life vests included. You paddle at a relaxing pace through channels where dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, pelicans and ospreys live, and stop on islands to learn the town's history. New Smyrna is one of only a few places in the world where you can see the West Indian Manatee. Children from age 4 are welcome.
The Experience
You meet your guide at the water's edge where the kayaks and SUP boards are already set up. The guide shares facts about the wildlife and New Smyrna's history as you paddle through pristine waterways—the pace is relaxed, not a race. Your guide knows where the dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, pelicans and ospreys congregate, and steers the group toward those areas so you're not searching blindly.
The waterways pass through mangrove channels and open water where you see live conch and the animals that depend on them. You stop on islands along the way, which breaks up the paddling and gives you a chance to stand and take in the landscape. The whole thing runs two hours, which is long enough to move through different sections of the ecosystem without the day becoming a slog.
Life vests, paddles and the kayak or SUP board itself are all included, so you show up with nothing but a willingness to be on the water. The guide handles the navigation and the wildlife spotting; your job is to paddle and look around. This is one of the few places on earth where West Indian Manatees live, and the operator was rated by the Travel Channel as one of the top tour operators in the USA.
What’s included
- Kayak or SUP board, paddles and life vest.
- a live guide in English who shares wildlife facts and New Smyrna history.
- stops on islands throughout the waterway.
Operated by Three Brothers Boards Dolphin and Manatee Paddle Board Tours
Is this one for you?The paddling is relaxed and the pace is set by the guide, so this suits anyone comfortable being on the water for two hours—no kayaking experience needed, and children from age 4 can join.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 9 similar options
Kayaking and SUP in New Smyrna: Dolphins and Manatees★ 4.88 (533)2hENUS$ 69
Daytona Beach Paddleboard Tour: Dolphin & Manatee Wildlife GuidePaddle through Daytona Beach estuaries for 2 hours with a local guide spotting dolphins, manatees and sea turtles from a standup paddleboard★ 4.91 (2,662)2hENUS$ 69View ›
Daytona Beach Dolphin & Manatee Kayak Wildlife AdventurePaddle the Halifax River near Daytona Beach and kayak alongside dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and bald eagles★ 4.82 (412)2hENUS$ 69View ›
Indian River Lagoon Dolphin Boat Tour: Guided Wildlife on PontoonGuided 2-hour boat tour of Indian River Lagoon with certified naturalist and parking included—see dolphins, sea turtles★ 4.66 (38)2hUS$ 40View ›
Daytona Beach: Catamaran Sailing & Dolphin WatchCatamaran sailing tour on Halifax River in Daytona Beach with dolphin and manatee sightings. Small groups up to 6, drinks included, heated cabin for winter.★ 4.62 (205)1h 15mENUS$ 64View ›
St. Johns River Cruise: Blue Spring State Park manatee tourCruise the St. Johns River from Blue Spring State Park on a 2-hour guided nature tour where you'll spot manatees, wading birds, and alligators among cypress forests.★ 4.73 (337)2hENUS$ 38View ›
Orlando: Blue Spring Manatee Kayak Tour with Naturalist GuideFloat through Blue Spring near Orlando, spot wild manatees up close from your kayak, and hear stories from a Florida naturalist. Includes bottled water and all fees.★ 4.90 (394)2hENUS$ 95View ›
Zipline Obstacle Course Daytona Beach: 40 obstacles, 10 zip linesClimb and zip through nearly 40 obstacles across two aerial courses in Tuscawilla Park, Daytona Beach—harness and gloves included, live guide, about 2.5 hours total.★ 4.59 (82)2h 30mENUS$ 59View ›
Segway Ride on Daytona Beach: 60-Minute Cruise on SandRide a beach-ready Segway on Daytona's sand for 75 minutes after a quick safety briefing—the guide keeps you on legal riding areas while you handle★ 4.84 (56)1h 15mENUS$ 90View › 
Top questions
What wildlife will I actually see on the New Smyrna kayak and SUP adventure?
Dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, bald eagles, pelicans, ospreys and live conch are all present in the waterways. New Smyrna is one of only a few places in the world where you can see the West Indian Manatee, and the guide knows which channels and areas they frequent.
How long does the kayaking and SUP adventure take?
The adventure runs two hours total, including paddling through the waterways and stops on islands where the guide shares history about New Smyrna.
Do I need my own kayak or SUP board, or is one provided?
Kayaks and SUP boards are provided, along with paddles and life vests. You don't need to bring or arrange any equipment.
Can children go on this kayaking and SUP adventure?
Children are welcome from age 4 and up. They can paddle their own kayak or SUP board, or ride with an adult.
What's included in the price of the New Smyrna kayak and SUP tour?
The kayak or SUP board, paddles and life vest are all included. Your guide is a live English speaker who leads the group and points out wildlife and historical sites along the way.
Kayaking and SUP in New Smyrna: Dolphins and Manatees
2h · EN
from US$ 69 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.88533 reviews
