The 4 Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Cocoa Beach

1.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Our pick

At Haulover Canal near Cocoa Beach, you’ll paddle the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon in a kayak or on a standup paddleboard. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Mike point out manatees, dolphins, birds, alligators, comb jellies, and horseshoe crabs. The small group lasts about 90 minutes, with photos sent afterward.

“Katie was an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable and fun. She took us in the center of the manatees and through a great mangrove trail. We even saw an alligator!!! She took amazing pics of the group. It was an amazing tour! Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle from Cocoa Beach into the Banana River Manatee Refuge and Thousand Islands Conservation Area. Choose a one or two-person kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then follow guides such as Riley, Jack, Roman, or Christian in search of dolphins, manatees, birds, and unusual plants. The pace is easy, and children are welcome.

“Manatees, dolphins, sting rays, puffer fish, a black tip shark, jumping fish and beautiful birds on the conservation Island. Unforgettable!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 145 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Paddle the Indian River Lagoon from Merritt Island as sunset fades into darkness. Guides such as Bob, Savannah, Bryce, Mike, and Logan may lead the outing, offering a short lesson, wildlife facts, safety help, and time to make glowing handprints or swim in the bioluminescent water when conditions allow.

“Bob, Katie, and Trevor did great! We had an awesome time, I was slightly nervous being out on a kayak that late at night but felt super safe with them. Would recommend doing as later tour to see more of the bio but the tour was great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $150

Meet near Merritt Island or use the Cocoa Beach Country Club pickup point for a 90-minute night paddle with clear-bottom kayaks or paddleboards. Guides such as Mike, Chayse, Noah, and Jeremiah show you how to spot glowing plankton, comb jellies, and perhaps a manatee. Expect a small group of up to 12, calm water, and mosquitoes.

“The mosquitoes are ravenous out on the water. So, make sure you take your guide up on when they offer their "industrial strength mosquito repellent" and slather it everywhere - even over your clothes. But, braving the bugs is so worth it. The bioluminescent algae and comb jellies are beautiful. They produce a blue glow when the water is disturbed. We had a warm night with a light breeze, and it was lovely being out in the calm estuary. Our guide, Chayse, was great - upbeat, knowledgeable, and excited to share her passion for the natural beauty of the Merritt Island waterways. Bring a change of clothes, especially if you…”

Check availability →Read our full review