Kayaking in Titusville: Manatees and Dolphins

Paddle past dolphins hunting and manatees surfacing for air

Kayak through the canals near Titusville in Florida's Cocoa Beach area with a wildlife expert guide who teaches you about the dolphins and manatees you encounter. The tour lasts 90 minutes and includes the kayak, paddle, life jacket and launch fees. Children from age 5 are welcome, and the guides speak English.

The experience

You launch into canals where dolphins and manatees live year-round. The area holds upwards of 200 manatees at any given time, and your guide knows the spots where resident dolphins hunt baitfish and breach the surface. As you paddle, keep your eyes on the water: manatees are curious and often swim right up to kayaks for a closer look, and you may get the chance to touch one. Dolphins are equally playful and frequently pass within arm's reach of your boat.

Your guide is a wildlife expert who points out each creature and explains their behavior and habitat as you move through the water. This is a small-group excursion, not a crowded outing, so the pace stays intimate and the guide can answer questions as they come up. The tour runs 90 minutes from launch to return, and the kayak, paddle, life jacket and all fees are included. You show up and paddle.

The ecosystem here is one of the most biodiverse in the northern hemisphere. Beyond the dolphins and manatees, you'll see the landscape that supports them: the canals, the shallow water, the way the refuge is built. This is the best daytime outdoor activity in the Cocoa Beach area if you want to be on the water and moving through it yourself, not watching from a boat.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and life jacket.
• launch fees.
• 90-minute guided paddle with a wildlife expert who teaches you about the dolphins and manatees you encounter.
• small-group tour with multiple daily departure times.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day, 5 start times, from US$ 60 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Florida Adventurer - Bioluminescent Kayaking

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers commentary as you paddle, so you follow along at your own pace without needing to listen from a stationary spot. This works well if you want to learn about the wildlife while you're actually moving through their habitat, not watching from the sidelines.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

How many manatees and dolphins will I actually see on this kayaking trip?

The area holds upwards of 200 manatees at any given time, and resident dolphins hunt here regularly. Your guide knows where they breach and will paddle you toward active sightings. You may see both species, though sightings depend on the day and the season.

Can I touch the manatees if they come close to my kayak?

Manatees are curious creatures and often swim up to kayaks for a closer look. You may get the chance to pet one if it approaches, though the guide will advise you on how to interact safely and respectfully.

What's included in the kayaking tour price?

The kayak, paddle, life jacket, launch fees and expert guide are all included. Gratuities for the guide are optional.

How long does the manatee and dolphin kayaking tour take?

The tour lasts 90 minutes from launch to return, so plan for about two hours total including check-in and gear setup.

What should I bring or wear for this kayaking activity?

Sunscreen, bug spray and aquatic footwear are recommended. The life jacket and paddle are provided, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.