80% of the season manatee are mating, so that makes for eventful trips to what we’ve dubbed as “The #ManateeBox”. This location can see upward of 200+ manatees at one time depending on season and time of year. Kayaking to see Manatee and Dolphin is an amazing way to relax and connect with nature. The guides at Florida-Adventurer are committed to knowing when and where to see these animals on a daily basis so we can provide the best possible experiences for our guests during their excursions with us. Below we have provided a “what you should know” so that you, the guest, can have the best possible experience with Florida-Adventurer!
In the winter “the box ” provides the Manatee warmth and fresh drinking water. The rest of the year it serves as a rest area out of the current of the canal and as a meeting place for manatee breeding herds. Sometimes we’re privy to witness the manatee breeding herds in action, now that’s something you won’t see at SeaWorld! During this Manatee and Dolphin kayak tour, we see a variety of wildlife such as Dolphin, Birds, Fish, Stingray, Horse Shoe Crabs, jelly-fish, and maybe even an Alligator! After you arrive and we’ve checked everyone in and outfitted our guests in pfd’s (that’s nautical for life jacket), we will go over a brief orientation. That means we will make sure you understand how to maneuver your kayak so you can safely navigate your way on the water. After that , we will get everyone out onto the water by the designated launch time.
90 Minutes • Ages 5+ • Year round
Some of the best moments happen between the wildlife sightings: paddling together, taking in the quiet water and seeing Florida's Space Coast from a completely different perspective.
We launch from a shallow sandy bottom shoreline, from there we embark to “the box”. During the paddle to our 1st destination, it is not uncommon to see wildlife swimming, flying, or standing at the water’s edge. Yes, you may see an alligator lol, after all the alligator is Florida’s official state reptile, though it isn’t often that we see them (though the owner thinks it’s a sign of good fortune to see an alligator face to face on the water and paddle away). Once our group reaches “the box”, we will spend time floating around, and above the manatee in our kayaks. This is where we will spend bit our time taking in the manatee behaving naturally in their environment and answering any questions you may have. From this point, our group of #FLAdventurers will begin the search for dolphin. This part of the tour will take us through Bairs Cove and the Mangrove trails which we call “the Maze” in the heart of The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. To get to these Mangrove trails we will traverse the shallows or “flats” as the locals would have it. The “flats” are a good place to see Stingray, BlueCrab, Horseshoe crab, bait fish, Redfish, and some Seagrass. Sure you can “See” dolphin in tanks at Seaworld, but not like this.
We offer you the chance to witness the Bottlenose Dolphin in the act of predation. We have a few places we frequently see dolphin preying on baitfish. These animals can hit bursts of speed up to 25 MPH in the blink of an eye. It is not uncommon to witness these resident Indian River Lagoon Bottlenose Dolphin breech the waters surface out to their dorsal fin, LITERALLY, just feet from your kayak, while snapping at a Mullet in the air!! It is truly “a once in a lifetime tour” for our out of State/Country guests. So if you’re in Florida near the Kennedy Space Center, this Manatee and Dolphin kayaking tour is 2nd to none! *The majority of our guides are college kids working their way through school, So tips are always accepted, never expected.
Our 2 person tandem kayaks are brand new and annually updated! We also supply a 2 sided paddle because, well, you probably wouldn't get far without it!
Our tours are about 1 1/2 hours of water time on average. Kayaks, PFD, Whistle + Flashlight included. Our Florida Adventure Guides are professional and personable!
Payment due at time of scheduling via Credit Card. Refund Policy: See refund policy here.
Florida Adventurer guides are trained, 1st responders. Each guide is CPR and 1st Aid certified to act in a deliberate and proficient manner in the event of an emergency. Each Tour leader is equipped with a 2-way ship to shore radio in the event emergency services are required. Your safety is paramount.
Each person is equipped with a Coast Guard Approved Life Vest, Whistle + Flashlight at the beginning of the tour for the safest possible experience!
