ORLANDO · FLORIDA
Orlando’s best days out.
The 15 most popular cocoa beach tours around Orlando, from the theme-park gates out to the spring runs and the Space Coast. Prices, run times and who to book each one with.
Ride the Banana River eco tour from Cocoa Beach for dolphin and manatee spotting, narrated by a naturalist, with a restroom on board.
Most Popular“Such a great tour! The dolphins were very active and we saw all kinds of wildlife! The guides were great and very informative! Highly recomend!”
Kayak Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands mangrove tunnels with a small guide, spotting manatees and dolphins. Gear and photos included.
“We had an amazing trip out with our guide Michael - he knew so much about the wildlife, flora and fauna - it ended up being just our family and it was the perfect way to spend Christmas morning - the manatee were shy today but the birds and dolphins wished us a Merry Christmas…”
Kayak Cocoa Beach mangrove tunnels for manatees and dolphins. Small groups, guided paddle, single or tandem kayaks, about 2 hours.
“The experience was a great way to get out into the wilderness of the mangroves. Unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins or manatees but our guide Holly was very knowledgeable which made the trip a great activity to participate in.”
Paddle at night near Cocoa Beach to see bioluminescent dinoflagellates or comb jellies with a guided kayak tour and PFDs included.
“Absolutely perfect, we arrived early and watched a large group of manatee's play. It was great! Our guide was fun and had lots of information on all the topics we had questions on. Really a great time.”
Paddle through the Banana River at night and watch plankton glow in the dark on a small-group bioluminescence kayak tour.
“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!”
Paddle a night kayak on Haulover Canal in Titusville to spot blue bioluminescence, fish trails, and glowing comb jellies on a 90-minute tour.
“Terrance was an amazing guide. He informed us of the history of the area, was very patience with the beginners, and took amazing photos.”
Bioluminescent clear kayaking at Merritt Island in 100% clear kayaks. Spot glowing life below. Small group, about 90 minutes.
“Blare was an incredible guide who provided an unforgettable experience, will certainly be back and ask for him specifically!”
Cocoa Beach Banana River sunset cruise with wildlife spotting, crew music, and a smooth start to dinner by the water.
“Some of the wild animals like the manatees are more difficult to spot and the dolphins are feeding so they are under the water more. The sunset view was beyond my expectations and our guild Diane was also very informative. Boat captain Rusty was also a great partner.”
Kayak Haulover Canal for manatees and dolphins on Florida’s Space Coast. Small group wildlife spotting, gear included, calm water.
“We had a wonderful time with our tour guide Brian! It was very fun, peaceful, and beautiful to kayak around surrounded by nature, the flora and fauna.”
Paddle through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in search of manatees and dolphins, plus lots of Florida wildlife, in a guided 2-hour tour.
“Excellent tour and not to strenuous. Drew was awesome guide. Great knowledge and enthusiasm! Don’t let him tell cow jokes😁. We have done a lot of outdoor activities and this is definitely a top adventure”
Cocoa Beach manatee and dolphin kayak or paddleboard tour through mangroves. Small group, gear included, photos sent after. 90 minutes.
“Wonderful experience and Captin Mike was very knowledgeable about wildlife and fauna. We saw dolphins, cone jellies and Horseshoe crabs on our kayak trip.”
Sunset kayak in Cocoa Beach through mangrove tunnels in small groups, searching for dolphins and manatees with guides and free photos.
“What a wonderful experience! Our tour guide, Caleb was absolutely wonderful! He knew so much about the area, and answered all of my silly questions. He made the tour so fun, and relaxing. We did see a few dolphins at the end of the trip, tons of birds (amazing birds I can’t name them all…”
Kayak or SUP Cocoa Beach for 2 hours, spotting manatees and dolphins in the Banana River, with wildlife lessons and lifejackets included.
“Christian was our guide. This was such a fun adventure. He did a great job! It was a hot day but being in the water was worth it!”
After dark kayaking in Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Lagoon as bioluminescence lights the water. Small group, gear included, $79, 1.5 hours.
“I am over 2 years late writing this review (we went in 2022) but let me tell you, it was a magical, unforgettable experience. The full moon, the quiet of the water, and the glittering blues and greens and whites like fireflies in your hanRead more”
Manatee and sunset bird kayak from Merritt Island, ending with nighttime bioluminescence. Paddle rivers near Cocoa Beach in 3 hours.
“Tour is fabulous guide Amanda is knowledgeable”
From the springs to the Space Coast, and every way to spend the day.
