6 Wildlife Kayak Tours in Cocoa Beach Worth Booking

1.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Join Cocoa Kayaking for a 2.5-hour paddle through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Guides such as James, Ian, Susie, and Michael share local ecology while you search for manatees, dolphins, birds, tarpon, stingrays, and crabs. Small groups cap at 10, photos are included, and the 9:00 am departure offers the best wildlife odds.

“Our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable, great personality, and answered all our questions. Saw manatees and dolphins, loved it!”

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2.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Meet your guide at Haulover Canal for a 90-minute paddle through Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included. Guides such as Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo have helped make the glowing comb jellyfish, dolphins, manatees, and starry sky the highlights of this small-group outing.

“Brea was an excellent tour guide giving our small group plenty of opportunities to see the bioluminescent comb jellyfish. She is very knowledgeable so you will learn a lot about the area. We also saw some dolphins in the moonlight and could hear the manatees come up for air. It is a great trip!”

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3.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Launch from Haulover Canal near Titusville for a guided 90-minute paddle through Florida’s wildlife-rich waterways. Florida Adventurer supplies the kayak, paddle, and PFD. Guides such as Brian, Zach, and Tyler point out manatees, dolphins, birds, stingrays, and alligators, though sightings are never guaranteed.

“Our guide Trevor was very knowledgeable, laid back, and fun. We were able to see a ton of manatee "playing" in the water, a jellyfish, dolphin, stingrays and horseshoe crabs. Definitely a good time!”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Best value

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!”

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5.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!”

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6.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak or Paddle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 69 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Set out from 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd with Three Brothers Boards for a two-hour guided kayak or paddleboard trip through Cocoa Beach’s waterways. You may see dolphins, manatees, turtles, pelicans, spoonbills, and conch while learning about local nature and town history. Guides including Jack, Jake, and Spencer have earned praise for their friendly storytelling.

“We had a great trip! Jack was an amazing guide.”

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