What to Expect on a Sunset Kayak Tour in Cocoa Beach?

If there is one awe-inspiring memory that you and your loved ones are going to cherish for years to come, it is a clear kayak sunset tour in Cocoa Beach! Join Florida-Adventurer as we explore the Banana River glowing in the soft light of an August evening with sun dipping low in the background. If you’re looking for an immersive experience with Florida’s waterways, our see-through kayaks will make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Must-See Sights on Your Cocoa Beach Sunset Kayak Tour

With kayaks that offer a 360-degree visibility, you will see the Sunshine State in a way that few ever do.

The Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Our sunset tours launch from the Kiwanis Island Park and take you out on the Banana River through the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary. It is named after the Ulumay tribe, a Native American group that lived in the area hundreds of years ago. The Ulumay were skilled in fishing, gathering seafood from the Indian River Lagoon, and using natural resources of the area in creative ways. As you paddle through the same channels, you can almost feel their presence today.

The sanctuary itself spans over 436 acres of coastal wetlands with a mix of mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. The stunning ecosystems are home to bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, gopher tortoises, diamondback terrapins, snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, mullet, west Indian manatees, river otters, and even some white-tailed deer that are occasionally seen grazing along the more forested parts. Paddling over the waters in our clear kayaks gives you a front-row seat to this underwater world.

Manatees and Dolphins

The Banana River is the prime spot for sea cows or manatees. These gentle giants are drawn to the warm, shallow waters of the river, where they munch on the abundant seagrass to their heart’s content. Watching them gliding gracefully through the water or surfacing for air nearby is a quite common sight for our kayakers. You might also see some playful dolphins hunt for fish, ride the bow waves of boats, or simply accompany your kayak and give you a chance to observe them up close.

Mangrove Forests

The mangroves, though tangled and wild, are the lifeblood of the ecosystem here. You will get to sail through a maze of natural tunnels while the air around you is filled with the sounds of life — fish splashing in the shallows, birds calling from the canopy above, and the gentle rustle of leaves. At sunset, the mangroves take on an almost magical quality. The light filters through the leaves and casts a golden hue on the water.

The mangrove roots stretch out into the water to form natural overhangs and small alcoves that feels like you are inside a cave. We highly recommend bringing a camera (inside a waterproof plastic bag, of course) so you can capture the unbelievable beauty surrounding you.

Dinoflagellates

This time of year (August-September) is one of the peak seasons for bioluminescence in the Banana River and the Indian River Lagoon, so be ready to encounter tons of bioluminescent algae (dinoflagellates). The tiny organisms create that “glow in the dark” effect in the water whenever they are disturbed by your kayak paddle. The blue-green glimmer really makes the water sparkle thanks to the light emitted by dinoflagellates.

The shimmer won’t be as pronounced during a sunset tour as it is during a midnight tour, but you will still catch glimpses of the glowing trails in the water as the daylight fades. When your fingertips meet the water, the surface lights up, as if the water is sharing its own hidden energy with you. We love it when the first-time- bioluminescence-watchers realize that the water is responding to their every move. As one of them described it, “it’s like holding a handful of stardust right in the palm of my hand!”

Secret Islands

Did you know there are a bunch of small, uninhabited islands scattered throughout the Banana River – accessible only by water? Some are naturally formed, while others were created from dredged materials during the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway. If you or your kids are bird-watchers, you will love the ospreys, herons, and pelicans that nest here. The islands are great for spotting schools of mullet, snook, and manatees as well.

Historic Shipwrecks

This is one of our favorite parts of the tour. Not many people know that there are a few remnants of shipwrecks and old boats scattered throughout the Banana River, some dating back to the early 20th century. They are mostly remains of fishing boats that have either run aground or been abandoned over the years, so it’s not anything grand or dramatic like you would find in the open ocean, but they can definitely add a bit of mystery to your visit.

Book Your Clear Kayak Sunset Tour Today!

If you:

· Love being out in the wild and cannot get enough of the great outdoors.

· Always up for trying something new and exciting.

· Looking for a romantic, quiet spot to watch the sunset together.

· Want to snap some incredible, one-of-a-kind pictures of the sunset, water, and wildlife.

· Want to do something fun and educational with your kids.

Contact Florida-Adventurer and book your 90-minute sunset clear kayak Florida tour with us! At just $60 per person, your trip includes the kayak, PFD, paddles, and our happy guides to show you the way. Whether you are 5 or 95, this tour is perfect for all ages. Since the sunsets are at their most spectacular during this late summer weather, spots fill up quickly so don’t wait. Visit our website to book your tour today