Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

Discover the Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Tour in Cocoa Beach

This 90-minute kayaking adventure offers a chance to see Florida’s gentle manatees and playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Priced at $50 per person, this tour is highly recommended, with a 5.0/5 rating based on 202 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate. It departs from Haulover Canal in Mims, just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, making it accessible for visitors staying in the area.

The tour operates with multiple start times, in both morning and afternoon sessions, giving flexibility for different schedules. The small group size, capped at 30 travelers, ensures a more personalized experience. The mobile ticket makes booking easy, and the total activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s an excellent choice for nature lovers and families seeking a tranquil, wildlife-focused outing.

While the tour provides all necessary equipment—including kayaks, safety gear, and paddles—it’s advisable to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and aquatic footwear. The experience is suitable for most travelers, though children under 5 years old cannot participate. The overall balance of accessibility, expert guides, and chances to observe Florida’s marine mammals makes this tour stand out.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $50 per person for a 90-minute wildlife kayaking experience
• Expert guides lead the tour, sharing knowledge about local wildlife and habitat
• Multiple start times available, offering flexibility for different schedules
• Expect to see manatees, dolphins, stingrays, and various bird species
• All necessary equipment, including kayaks, PFDs, and paddles, are included
• The tour takes place at Haulover Canal, offering scenic views of the coast

Starting Point at Haulover Canal in Mims

The adventure begins at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch in Mims, Florida. This convenient meeting point is just a short drive from Cocoa Beach, making it an accessible base for visitors. The tour concludes back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Launching from this site allows paddlers to explore the vibrant waterways of the canal and surrounding ecosystems. The launch site provides a comfortable setting to gear up and start the journey with the guidance of wildlife experts. The location also offers scenic vistas of the coast and mangroves, enhancing the overall experience.

Expert Guidance and Small Group Setting

The guides on this tour are known for their extensive wildlife knowledge. They point out various creatures and share insights about their behaviors and habitats. Many reviews highlight guides like Brian, Clint, Zach, Dane, Trevor, and Tyler as being friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable.

The small group size ensures that everyone can comfortably paddle and participate in wildlife spotting. The guides often spend extra time with guests, making the experience more personal. This approach allows visitors to ask questions and learn about the ecosystem in an engaging way.

Encountering Manatees in Their Natural Habitat

The most memorable aspect of this tour is the opportunity to see manatees, often called the gentle giants of the sea. The guides know where to find them, and it’s common to see 30 to 50 manatees in the area. Guests frequently get close enough to pet and observe these curious creatures.

The manatees tend to approach kayaks out of curiosity, making the experience feel intimate and special. Their gentle demeanor and size impress everyone, and many guests find it surreal to be so close to such majestic animals in the wild.

Dolphins in Action: Playing and Predating

Dolphins are a lively highlight of the tour, with many sightings of Bottlenose Dolphins swimming right by the kayaks. Observers often see dolphins breaching the surface, sometimes chasing baitfish or even preying, which adds an exciting element to the trip.

The guides are skilled at locating these playful marine mammals, and there is a good chance of witnessing dolphins in their natural behaviors. The sight of dolphins swimming confidently or interacting with the environment leaves a lasting impression.

Diverse Marine Life and Bird Species

Beyond manatees and dolphins, the waterways are teeming with other marine creatures like stingrays, horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, and pufferfish. The guides often point out various bird species, including pelicans and blue herons, adding to the richness of the ecosystem.

Guests frequently report seeing turtles and even alligators, making the tour a truly educational experience about Florida’s bio-diverse environment. This variety emphasizes the importance of conservation and showcases the vibrancy of the northern hemisphere’s ecosystems.

Scenic Route Along the Coastal Waterways

The kayaking route takes you through scenic canals and coastal waters near Cocoa Beach. The scenic views of the coast, mangroves, and surrounding flora provide a peaceful backdrop for wildlife spotting.

The pleasant scenery combined with the Wildlife Refuge setting enriches the experience, making it not just about spotting animals but also about appreciating nature’s tranquility. Many reviews note the beautiful weather and serene environment, which contribute to the tour’s appeal.

Family-Friendly Adventure and Practical Tips

Suitable for most travelers, the tour is accessible and safe, with equipment provided and guided paddling instruction. Children under 5 years old cannot join, but older children and adults find it a relaxing and rewarding activity.

Guests are advised to wear aquatic footwear, sunscreen, and bug spray for comfort. The guided nature of the tour and the small group size help ensure safety, even for those new to kayaking. The expert guides make the experience both fun and educational.

Pricing and Booking Flexibility

The cost of $50 per person provides a well-rounded wildlife experience, with all necessary gear included. The tour is typically booked 9 days in advance, indicating good availability for most travelers planning their visit.

Cancellation policies are flexible, offering free cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility allows for peace of mind if plans change unexpectedly.

How This Tour Compares to Other Wildlife Experiences

While this tour focuses on manatees and dolphins, it also offers opportunities to see various other species in a small group setting. The knowledgeable guides and scenic environment set it apart from more generic kayaking trips.

Some similar experiences include dolphin tours on the Banana River or sunset paddle tours, but this tour’s reputation for close-up wildlife encounters and expert guidance makes it particularly appealing for those seeking an authentic experience.

Final Thoughts on the Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Tour

The Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking tour from Cocoa Beach offers an exceptional opportunity to observe Florida’s marine mammals in their natural habitat. For $50, visitors gain access to scenic waterways, expert guides, and the chance to pet manatees and watch dolphins play.

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in wildlife, especially given its high praise from previous participants. The combination of scenic views, engaging guides, and close encounters makes it a worthwhile addition to any Florida itinerary.

Despite some limitations—such as children under 5 not being able to participate—the overall experience delivers value, education, and memorable wildlife sightings. Booking ahead is recommended to secure a spot on this small-group adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for children?
Yes, children under 5 years old are not admitted on this tour.

What should I bring?
Bringing sunscreen, bug spray, and aquatic footwear is recommended for comfort and protection during the kayak trip.

Are all equipment and safety gear provided?
Yes, the tour includes kayaks, PFDs, paddles, and launch fees.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see manatees, dolphins, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, jellyfish, pufferfish, and various bird species.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is available online, and it is typically scheduled around 9 days in advance.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at the Haulover Canal Kayak Launch in Mims, Florida.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guides help paddle confidently, making it suitable for those new to kayaking.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in total.

Can I expect a small group?
Yes, the tour is limited to 30 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

Are there other similar tours available?
Yes, options like Cocoa Beach dolphin tours on the Banana River or sunset kayaking are nearby, but this tour’s wildlife focus and expert guides make it stand out.