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.

Before you book

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

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (8 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Child (4 to 7 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

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.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 7 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 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.

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.