Merritt Island Kayaking: Manatee and Dolphin Encounter
4.9
197 Ratings
Mims
Embark on a magical kayaking adventure on Merritt Island, encountering endangered manatees and playful dolphins. Observe Florida's native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Haulover Canal Launch Site - It’s a unique experience as you drift serenely in the morning through the preferred hangout areas of the endangered manatee within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These gentle giants of Florida are known for their affectionate behavior, often approaching to bump, hold, and snuggle against your kayak, creating an enchanting start to the day.

The kayaking journey doesn’t stop there, as you go on to look for frolicking dolphins, commonly seen hunting in the vicinity. Witnessing these noble sea creatures in their natural setting is a sight to behold, and you’re also likely to encounter a host of other local wildlife such as pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and sometimes even an alligator.

While visiting the manatee’s domain, anticipate the chance to watch and learn about the renowned Sea Cows. It’s important to remember that our goal is not to interfere with, overpower, or alter the manatee’s innate activities, but to allow you to witness them as they are.

What's Included
  • 2 hour kayak tour with professional guide
  • Kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD) included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience a morning like no other, as you drift peacefully through the beloved haunts of endangered manatees within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. These affable vegetarian citizens of Florida will enchant you as they approach, touch and even hug your kayak, offering you an enchanting start to your day.

Your sea adventure extends beyond manatees to seeking out frolicking dolphins, often found actively fishing in the vicinity. Seeing these splendid sea creatures in their natural setting may be awe-inspiring, but Florida’s diverse fauna including pelicans, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs and occasional alligators will keep you further engaged.

As guests in the manatee’s domain, we aim to observe and learn about the renowned Sea Cows, rather than intruding upon or disrupting their natural behavior. The objective is to cherish their presence as they choose to share it.

  • What to bring:
  • Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Towel (left in car)
  • Water Shoes – sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water
  • Bring an extra change of clothes just in case
  • Camera & Dry bag (optional) These are fairly useless to capture bioluminescence, but great for capturing people.
  • Bottled water, Snacks
  • Any special personal paddling gear if you like
  • You may bring a flashlight, though we will provide a safety light.
Location
Haulover Canal Launch Site
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(197 Ratings)
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Martin_c
Apr 2, 2024
Martin - Trip was great! Chaz gave us a quick lesson on kayaking and then spent the rest of the time paddling a couple of areas. We saw 15+ manatees that came right up to the kayaks - amazing experience. We found 1 decent size gator and chased a pod of dolphins. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Ettaluvsdolphins
Mar 14, 2024
Great Kayaking Tour - We thoroughly enjoyed our kayak tour with guide Chaz. He was very knowledgeable and was sure to point out all wildlife and provided historical facts. I would us this outfitter again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judyselby
Mar 12, 2024
A Day Away Was Great! - We did this tour with Chaz as our guide - he was great - very knowledgeable, fun, flexible. Kayaking was great and we saw many different animals - alligators, many manatees, dolphins, turtles, birds (large blue herons and flamingos plus others). Our scheduled tour with another company was cancelled and Chaz worked it out so we could still do a tour - he even extended his planned day. Thanks very much Chaz! We had a terrific day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U7982zikaties
Mar 11, 2024
Fantastic experience! - Chaz was super awesome! He was super funny, engaging, and very thorough with his explanations. Overall, he was very thoughtful and knowledgable about all things Florida Wildlife. He was a pleasure and I hope he continues his tour-guiding for many years to come!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_c
Feb 26, 2024
Great experience! - The experience was great! The guide Chaz was awesome! His knowledge and personality totally made the kayaking a great experience!
Review provided by Viator
Kylie_p
Feb 18, 2024
We had an excellent time... - We had an excellent time with our guide Chaz. The trip was relaxing, yet exciting. We learned so much. Our kids 8 & 5 enjoyed it just as much as us!
Review provided by Viator
I2488ycashleyb
Feb 3, 2024
Great dolphin and Manatee Tour - Tour was amazing! We got to see dolphins, manatees and flamingos! Our guide Chaz was great! He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were comfortable and safe!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
769darleneg
Jan 31, 2024
Great trip with Chaz! - We had a fabulous trip with Chaz as our guide. Perfect weather. Lots of manatees and dolphins. Cool bird life. Chaz was extremely knowledgeable and very nice. We definitely went above and beyond! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K7328yhrobinb
Jan 26, 2024
Definitely a Must Do - Our trip with Chaz was fantastic. He’s very knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife and the area and can also talk about almost anything! He’s also a great guide, helpful, skillful with the kayaks, serious about safety and just a really nice guy. Get him for your guide! The tour was wonderful. We saw manatee, dolphins and lots of mangroves. The two-hour timeframe is just right but know that you will get wet! We had towels for our car seats and it really helped.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P614lyjessicar
Nov 20, 2023
Wonderful Experience - We saw manatees and dolphins. It was amazing and I would recommend the day tour. Our guide was kind and explained a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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