New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

Discover the New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

The New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour offers an engaging way to explore Florida’s diverse coastal wildlife. Priced at $65.00 per person, this 2-hour outdoor excursion departs from Divito Park in New Smyrna Beach and is ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet nature-filled activity. With all gear included, this tour is accessible for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, with a focus on spotting dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and pelicans.

This adventure stands out with its opportunity to explore interior waterways and islands, moving beyond the typical beachside experience. The tour’s high 5.0 rating from 349 reviews and 97% recommendation rate suggest a consistently positive experience. However, some reviews highlight that wildlife sightings depend on luck, and cityscapes or bridges may interrupt the natural scenery. This tour offers a memorable way to encounter Florida’s aquatic mammals in their habitat.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $65 per person for around 2 hours, this tour offers a compact yet immersive wildlife experience.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see dolphins, manatees (including the rare West Indian Manatee), sea turtles, conchs, and pelicans.
• Guides and Equipment: Guides like Spence, Fletcher, and Mike receive praise for their knowledge and patience, especially for first-time paddlers. All necessary gear—kayaks, paddles, life vests—is provided.
• Location and Setting: The tour takes place starting at Divito Park and explores interior waterways and islands that are less accessible from the beach.
• Wildlife Viewing Variability: Sightings depend on luck, with some reviews mentioning limited animal encounters or cityscape views, not always the pristine natural scenery expected.
• Booking and Cancellation: The tour is booked on average 8 days in advance, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours prior.

Starting Point at Divito Park in New Smyrna Beach

The adventure begins at Divito Park, located at 198 Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach, FL. This easily accessible meeting point is near public transportation options, making it straightforward to find and join the tour. Since service animals are allowed, travelers with support animals can participate comfortably. The tour group is limited to 20 travelers, maintaining a personal experience and reducing crowding.

Participants should arrive ready to paddle and prepared for Florida’s weather, as the activity is weather-dependent and cancellations for poor conditions are fully refundable. Most travelers find the activity suitable, even without prior kayaking experience, as all gear is supplied, and guides are known for their patience and clarity.

Exploring the Interior Waterways and Islands

Unlike typical beachside tours, this adventure ventures beyond the shoreline to explore interior waterways and smaller islands. These areas tend to be quieter and more natural, offering better chances to see wildlife in a relaxed setting. When paddling through mangroves and around islands, visitors get an intimate look at Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems.

The interior waterways also provide varied scenery—bridges, small inlets, and lush vegetation—that add visual interest. Some reviews note that views can include cityscapes and bridges, which might detract from the natural feel, but the focus remains on wildlife sightings.

Wildlife Encounters and What You Might See

The main attractions are dolphins and manatees, with the chance to observe West Indian Manatees, a rarely seen species worldwide. Sightings of sea turtles, conchs, and pelicans are also common, although not guaranteed. The wildlife encounters depend on season, time of day, and luck, with some reviews mentioning limited sightings or only seeing dolphins near the tour’s end.

Dolphins are often described as beautiful and playful, with guides like Spence, Fletcher, and Mike known for choosing good spots to observe them. Manatees, including the rare West Indian variety, are a highlight for many, though some reviews note that wildlife sightings can be sparse on certain days.

The Role of the Guides and the Paddling Experience

Guides like Spence, Fletcher, and Mike receive high praise for their knowledge, patience, and friendliness. They are experienced with first-time paddlers and help guests feel comfortable on the water. Guides also take photos during the trip to capture wildlife moments and answer questions about the local ecology and history.

Many participants appreciate the relaxing pace of the tour and the informative storytelling from guides. The equipment, including kayaks, paddles, and life vests, is in excellent condition, ensuring a smooth outing.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those new to kayaking. The two-hour duration provides a manageable workout, but paddlers should be comfortable sitting and paddling for the full time. Since the tour is limited to 20 participants, it’s a comfortable experience that allows for personal attention from guides.

Support animals are allowed, making this accessible for travelers with service animals. No specific mention of physical disabilities suggests that paddlers should have a basic level of mobility.

Comparing the Experience to Expectations

While many reviews praise the friendly guides and the opportunity to see wildlife, some mention that sightings can be limited, and the scenery may include urban elements like cityscapes and bridges. Still, the overall positive ratings and consistent recommendation rate indicate that most find this tour offers good value for a nature-focused paddle in New Smyrna Beach.

The cost of $65 is reasonable considering the equipment, guidance, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s a great choice for those wanting a short, relaxed outdoor activity that combines adventure and education.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Reservations are typically made 8 days in advance, and the tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before. Weather cancellations are fully refundable or can be rescheduled, which adds flexibility for travelers planning around Florida’s unpredictable weather.

Since the activity is weather-dependent and wildlife sightings vary, booking with flexible cancellation options is recommended.

The Sum Up: A Relaxed Way to Encounter Florida’s Coastal Wildlife

The New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour provides an authentic chance to observe Florida’s aquatic mammals and seabirds in a peaceful setting. The friendly guides and all-inclusive gear make it accessible, even for beginners, with most participants rating it highly.

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the interior waterways, island views, and opportunity to see rare manatees make this tour worthwhile for nature lovers. It’s best suited for those seeking a short, relaxing paddle and a chance to learn about the local ecology from knowledgeable guides.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, nature-centered outdoor activity in Daytona Beach, this tour offers a clear, enjoyable experience—pending wildlife activity and weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, all gear is provided, and guides are patient and experienced with first-time paddlers.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Common sightings include dolphins, manatees, especially the rare West Indian Manatee, sea turtles, along with conchs and pelicans.

How flexible is the booking?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather-related cancellations are also fully refundable.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Divito Park, located at 198 Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach.

What should I bring or prepare?
Since gear is included, bring water, sun protection, and dress for the weather. Support animals are allowed, but no specific physical accommodations are detailed.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions and animal activity, but guides do their best to position guests for sightings of dolphins and manatees.