Tired of the usual attractions? Get your family out on the water for a day of kayaking through Florida’s wild waters. At Florida-Adventurer, our Manatee and Dolphin kayaking tours are not only one of the best outdoor activities near Orlando, but they are also the most authentic way to see exciting marine life up close. Ditch the crowds at theme parks; we guarantee your kids will love every minute of watching a dolphin leap just two feet away or a bunch of baby manatees surface right under their kayak.
What to Expect from the Tour
Manatees, sometimes called sea cows, are as curious about us as we are about them. Inside the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Haulover Canal is the go-to spot for manatees because of the shallow, warm waters of the Indian River Lagoon. As the temperature drops in the fall and winter, manatees migrate here from other parts of the state. If you are visiting during the warmer months, you are bound to see them in large groups for mating.
Although manatees can also be found in the Crystal River and Blue Spring area, Haulover Canal is much closer to Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center, so it’s a better stop if you want to make the most of your day.
And of course, this is also where you get to see incredibly social bottlenose dolphins in their full glory. It’s really common for them to jump out of the water or swim in unison all around you, just inches away. Unlike motorboats, our kayaks don’t disturb the dolphins, so they feel safe enough to come right up to us. You may even spot a baby dolphin tagging along with its mother.
Besides manatees and dolphins, you are also likely to see:
· Sea turtles (especially loggerheads)
· Horseshoe crabs
· Fiddler crabs
· Stingrays
· Pelicans
· Osprey
· Mullet
· Starfish
Kids can’t get enough of these tours, and it’s easy to see why. Our guides make sure everyone has a very hands-on experience; we do keep a respectful distance to keep the animals out of harm’s way, but you will still get close enough to feel like you are paddling beside them.
If you are looking for a fun opportunity to get your little ones to explore the wonderous wildlife on their own terms, you have come to the right place!
What Else You Can Do Here
Before or after your kayaking trip with us, there are some fantastic local spots to grab a bite to eat or stroll through the nearby shops for one-of-a-kind souvenirs:
Dixie Crossroads (Titusville)
This is the place locals swear by for rock shrimp, a dish you won’t find done this well anywhere else. Our personal favorite is the tender little shrimp, char-grilled to perfection and quite similar in taste to lobster tails. You don’t want to skip their complimentary corn fritters dusted in powdered sugar.
El Leoncito (Titusville)
In the mood for freshly made tamales and a perfectly seasoned ropa vieja all under the same roof? Head over to El Leoncito for Cuban-Mexican fusion done right and reasonably priced. It’s cozy, the food is filling, and sometimes, you can catch a rocket launch while sipping on a margarita from the outdoor patio.
Shilohs Steak & Seafood (Titusville)
Another great spot with a view of the Indian River, go to Shilohs for juicy steaks and fresh seafood. Sit out on the deck, catch the sunset, and maybe watch a dolphin or two as you finish off your grilled catch. Pro tip: try the smoked/blackened Mahi Mahi; it’s nicely flaky with just the right amount of spice.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
If your kids are not too scared of the alligators, black-tip sharks, bobcats, and other similar fauna, consider driving through the backroads of this refuge. The 7 miles of untouched nature on the Black Point Wildlife Drive feels worlds away from anywhere. You can pack a picnic and stop by the designated areas along the drive, or hop out for a short trail walk to stretch your legs.
Florida’s Fresh Grill (Cocoa Beach)
When the locals here want to make their evening feel special, but not over-the-top, they go to Florida’s Fresh Grill for tasteful ambience, intimate service, and of course, sea-to-table fresh cuisine. The lobster-crusted sea bass is what we urge you to try, and after one bite, you will know why. Their crab cakes, coconut shrimp, grilled scallops, ribeye with blue cheese butter, even vegan salads are all worth a try.
Papa Vito’s Italian Restaurant (Cape Canaveral)
For your pizza cravings, Papa Vito’s is where it’s at. Thin crust, huge slices, and toppings that taste like they were picked fresh that morning. They also have a delicious vegetarian menu.
Titusville Antique Mall
This hidden gem is packed with treasures of all shapes and sorts. The mall has more than 100 dealer booths selling everything you can dream of: rare collectibles, mid-century furniture, Pyrex dishes dating back to the 1950s, handmade dolls, old vinyl records, books now out of print, vintage signs, postcards, Disney memorabilia, and so much more.
Merritt Island Farmers Market (Crisafulli Groves)
Open every Saturday, this is the local heartbeat of Merritt Island. You can get your hands on organic, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, local honey (including herb-infused ones), artisanal breads, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, and a ton of lip-smacking snacks.
Get Off the Beaten Path and Onto the Water: Book Your Kayaking Orlando Tour Today
Our tours last 90 minutes; just the right amount of time to keep the children engaged without tiring them out. We make sure the pace is easy, and our friendly guides are always around to lend a hand. And for parents, it is a great way to unwind while the kiddos are having the time of their lives.
Whether you are a local looking for a weekend activity or a family visiting from out of town, our single and tandem double kayaking tours let you escape the crowds and busy city life – all at just $50 per person. So, it is affordable too! Reserve your spot on our next Florida Manatee and Dolphin kayaking tour today.
