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Banana River EcoTour: Dolphins and Manatees
4.8
155 Ratings
Merritt Island
Experience the beauty of the Banana River in a span of two hours through our tour. Encounter dolphins and manatees in their wild settings on our EcoTour. Travel around The Indian River Lagoon and understand the uniqueness of this area. Personalized tours can be arranged if requested.
Experience the beauty of the Banana River in a span of two hours through our tour. Encounter dolphins and manatees in their wild settings on our EcoTour. Travel around The Indian River Lagoon and understand the uniqueness of this area. Personalized tours can be arranged if requested.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cocoa Beach - Embark on a two-hour boat tour through the Banana River, where you’ll encounter manatees, dolphins, and a variety of other wildlife.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Sail through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and observe a diverse array of wildlife in their natural surroundings.
- Cocoa Beach - Embark on a two-hour boat tour through the Banana River, where you’ll encounter manatees, dolphins, and a variety of other wildlife.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Sail through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and observe a diverse array of wildlife in their natural surroundings.

What's Included
-
- US Coast Guard approved life jackets
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- US Coast Guard approved life jackets
Location
2550 N Banana River Dr
North Banana River Drive
Tours depart from Kelly Park. This is a county park with free public parking and public restrooms. Please be sure and park in the parking lot DIRECTLY across the street from the BP Gas Station.
Feel free to relax on a picnic table under the pavilion and your captain will meet you there.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(155 Ratings)
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Mokesmom
Jun 11, 2025
Simply the best ! - Absolutely the best tour . Saw dolphins , manatees, rays, pelicans, anhingas etc. got up close to space station. Captain CJ was informative , numerous . Trimaran boat gave us a very smooth ride. Too interested in seeing animals so didn’t take many pics Can’t wait to book another tour with him when we return in October .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax828968
May 29, 2025
Manatee Nirvana - We did the Eco Tour with Captain C.J. and it was a highlight of our week. Captain C.J. was gracious, professional and accommodating from booking through tour. He is very knowledgeable about the Indian River Lagoon , it's history and all of its plants, birds, and aquatic life. We saw lots of heron, egrets, pelicans, anhinga, and dolphin throughout our two-hour cruise. But, for my sister and me, the best of the best was seeing a dozen or more manatees, highly active, coming to surface, and slapping their tails on the water. Have never seen anything like that. Was so engaged, I forgot to take pics. :(
One additional note: our initial 9 am tour was cancelled morning of due to a minor mechanical issue with boat. C.J. offered a full refund or a reschedule. We could only go out the next morning due to our travel schedule. C.J. rearranged his own personal schedule to accommodate us. Really instilled a lot of confidence and goodwill.
I am already looking forward to booking again next opportunity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Briggsnak
May 14, 2025
A BRILIANT CRUISE ON THE BANANA RIVER - had a briliant trip with these guys,,very informative,saw lots of wildlife,captain and crew were very friendly and helpfull would def book again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlotte
May 5, 2025
Dolphins and manatees galore! - Loved this trip, Captain CJ knows so much about the wildlife and the surrounding areas. We saw manatees thrashing about in a frenzy (which is apparently normal behaviour in mating season!) we saw dolphins hunting and saw mothers training their young how to hunt. Lots of seabirds also seen. Highly recommend this trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer34540963347
May 1, 2025
Great tour! - Captain CJ was personable and knowledgeable. We saw many manatees and dolphins and learned of their habits. The side trip to see the NASA buildings was exceptional.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P8441zjchristinem
Apr 21, 2025
Adventurous! - Amazing Adventure filled with so much knowledge about the Marine Life, and local Wildlife, Kennedy Space Center and the Rocket Launches! My husband, son and I really enjoyed our tour and will definitely be back again on our next adventure! Thank you for making such a wonderful memory in our lives!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kellpell
Mar 30, 2025
Excellent eco tour! - Captain CJ was great! Shared his extensive knowledge about marine life/wildlife in the area in a way that kept both the adults & kids entertained! We saw dolphins, manatees, an alligator, a variety of birds & even saw a SpaceX satellite launch while on the boat. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Goldengirls345
Mar 21, 2025
Fantastic!! - We took the 2 hour Eco Tour. Captain CJ was great. Even though it was an extremely cold day he did a fantastic job. We saw dolphins, mantee, seabird and local sites. Captain CJ was super informative and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheryl_g
Mar 13, 2025
Perfect Morning Cruise! - Perfect way to start the day. Got to see all the wildlife and learn about their habitat. Miss ages 4 and 8 really enjoyed it!
Review provided by Viator
Clpandolfe
Mar 23, 2025
Informative Captain - Our captain was a wealth of information and even though we didn't see the number and variety of birds that I had hoped to, we did see dolphins and manatees. He was very personable and i would recommend the trip for anyone who wants an exposure to area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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