Top Cocoa Beach Nature and Wildlife Tours

Paddle the waters surrounding Florida’s Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island to try your luck at spotting some local wildlife with the help of a guide. Not only are you in with a chance of seeing dolphins and manatees from your paddleboard or kayak, but the area is also home to the likes of bald eagles, pink spoonbills, and sea turtles.

Explore the stunning Banana River Lagoon on a family-friendly eco activity, where dolphins and manatees roam freely in their natural habitat. This guided adventure lasts 2.5 hours, providing an intimate look at Florida's diverse wildlife while cruising through the scenic Thousand Islands. Perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages, this eco-conscious activity prioritizes responsible wildlife practices and offers comfortable vessels ideal for sightseeing and photography. Join local guides who share their in-depth knowledge, making every moment unforgettable. - 2.5-hour eco activity showcasing dolphins and manatees - Family-friendly vessels with comfortable seating for up to 36 passengers - Guided by experienced locals with expertise in the area - Eco-friendly practices ensuring a responsible wildlife experience

Experience the magic of nature from the water in kayaks and/or paddle boards! See Dolphins and a beautiful sunset, bioluminescent Algea during the Summer months June - Sept, and bioluminescent comb jellies all year. Our tours feature personal care and small groups into a quiet region of the lagoon... Safe and easy, free from the crowds of other companies. Bioluminescent sparking comb jellies are in the water year round creating a truly phenomenal effect as you explore through the Banana River Lagoon Nature Preserve. Summer months of June through September are truly amazing with bioluminescent phytoplankton called Dinoflagellates. They set the water on fire lighting up everything that moves, including you if you choose to go of a swim.... It's an experience like no other! Choose Paddle Board or Kayak. Equipment, expert instruction , photos and parking are included.

Experience the Indian River Lagoon's dazzling bioluminescence, just steps from Orlando, on this small-group tour. Paddleboard or kayak under the stars surrounded by glowing dinoflagellates, creating a mesmerizing natural light show with each stroke. Look out for Comb Jellies, native to the lagoon, which light up upon contact. Equipped with nets, gently scoop up these jellies for a close-up view as they illuminate the night, offering an unforgettable adventure in nature's wonder.

The laid-back waters of the Indian River and the lavish yachts flowing along the Intracoastal Waterway set the stage for this relaxing catamaran cruise launching from Merritt Island. Native wildlife is often spotted while sailing between Cocoa Village and Ponte Vedra Beach, including dolphins, manatees, sea birds, and more. Let your captain sail you smoothly through this ecologically diverse area while you kick back with soda and snacks.

Sit back, relax, and set sail for the sunset as your captain and crew take you cruising around the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands. Great for locals and tourists alike, you’ll enjoy plenty of chances to spot local wildlife. Feel very free to pick the crew’s brains about the flora and fauna you can see from the boat.

Cruise the Intracoastal waterways near Cocoa Beach on a guided boat tour focused on guaranteed dolphin sightings and relaxed sightseeing. Led by a local captain, this tour offers a stable and comfortable way to explore coastal habitats. The route maximizes dolphin encounters while providing a smooth ride suitable for all ages, making it an accessible way to experience the area from the water.

Prebook to secure the opportunity to see the natural wonder of bioluminescence on an evening kayaking trip on Florida’s Indian River Lagoon or Banana River. Paddle the waters to view the bioluminescence—neon-blue lights caused by dinoflagellate microorganisms. See your paddle illuminate the water, look for fish in the blue-lit shallows, and absorb the otherworldly atmosphere and mangrove scenery. Includes equipment, instruction, and choice of departures for ease.

Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands area on this guided kayak tour. Join a small group and follow your guide around the mangrove tunnels, keeping your eyes peeled for resident manatees, dolphins, and sea birds. Learn about the ecology of the area from your guide and enjoy a relaxing day out on the water.

Visit Brevard Zoo, ranked as one of USA Today's 10 best zoos in the country. Get up close with more than 800 animals. Since its inception Brevard Zoo has been community built. With your help, we have tremendous success at sharing our joy of nature to help wildlife and people thrive.

Look for wildlife and experience bioluminescence on this sunset and night kayak and paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. Paddle out to Horseshoe Crab Island, and look for wildlife such as crabs, manatees, and dolphins. After sunset, enjoy unobstructed views of bioluminescent glow in the water from your clear kayak and paddleboards.

Spend a few hours sailing Florida’s Atlantic waters with this sunset catamaran cruise launching from Cocoa Beach. Climb aboard this boat and enjoy the views as you sail along the Banana River Lagoon and the Thousand Islands. As the golden glow illuminates the water with a special hue, you might catch a glimpse of dolphins or other wildlife.

Kayaking in a standard kayak gives you a 360-degree view, but only a clear bottom kayak lets you see what lurks beneath your seat. Join a guide in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge for an evening tour of the glowing waterways. Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that involves small organisms releasing light. See this unforgettable sight as you paddle through Florida’s clear waterways.

Paddle through glowing bioluminescent waters on one of Florida’s most unforgettable nighttime adventures. Explore the famous Indian River Lagoon on Florida’s Space Coast in clear kayaks or on premium wood paddleboards as the water lights up with every paddle stroke. Your small-group tours are beginner-friendly and led by passionate local guides who help guests discover dolphins, comb jellies, jumping fish, and other nighttime marine life along the way. With over 17 years of experience and more than 90,000 guests on the water, Three Brothers Adventure Tours has been featured on nationally televised travel shows, including the Travel Channel, and recognized among TripAdvisor’s Top 10% of Experiences Worldwide. Perfect for families, couples, cruise travelers, and first-time paddlers visiting Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and Orlando. Watch every splash, paddle stroke, and movement beneath your kayak glow electric blue below. Experience Florida’s glowing waters.

Explore the waterways and mangrove tunnels around Cocoa Beach, Florida during this relaxing kayak excursion. Set off on your adventure just before sunset and take in the scenery during the golden hour. Paddle through the mangroves in search of the dolphins and manatees that reside in the waters. Lessons are provided for first-time kayakers so everyone can enjoy the evening.

Unwind at the end of the day on a private sunset sail through the Banana River Lagoon. This private catamaran experience offers a calm, unhurried way to enjoy Florida’s Space Coast as daylight fades. With ample space, shaded seating, and onboard facilities, you can relax in comfort while cruising waters known for frequent dolphin and manatee sightings—an easy, peaceful way to enjoy the evening.

Get up close with manatees and dolphins on a 90-minute kayaking tour from Orlando. Offered in the morning and afternoon, you’re able to begin the excursion at a time that works for your holiday schedule. Follow your guide to the area’s top manatee and dolphin hotspots around Cocoa Beach to maximize the possible encounters with the marine mammals. The scenic route from Haulover Canal also offers you pleasant views of the coast.

Sail through the calm waters of the Banana River Lagoon on a private catamaran tour designed for comfort and wildlife viewing. With open-air seating and panoramic views, this experience offers a stable and spacious way to explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. A crew navigates prime wildlife areas while you relax onboard, creating a personalized alternative to crowded sightseeing cruises.

Go kayaking after dark in Merritt Island with a small-group adventure that may include seeing bioluminescence. Choose between a clear-bottom kayak or paddleboard equipped with LED lights and set out to see local wildlife at night. Possible bioluminescent sightings include glowing plankton and glowing jelly fish, depending on the season and conditions. Dry bags are included.

Go paddling with the manatees on Merritt Island with a 2-hour manatee tour in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Choose a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak, both of which offer a low-impact, environmentally-friendly way to spot Florida wildlife, such as manatees, dolphins, fish, and a diverse population of birds. Expert instructors will guide you through the preserve, and this tour is well suited to paddlers of all experience levels.

Explore the serene Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach on a small-group eco cruise that brings you closer to dolphins and manatees. Glide through mangrove tunnels aboard the comfortable M/V Wildside, where you'll enjoy shaded seating and genuine interactions with the crew. This tour is perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a personalized experience away from the crowded boats. - Small group tours with a maximum of 22 guests for a more intimate experience - Daily departures at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM - Free parking and complimentary water included in the tour - Dolphin sightings guaranteed, or come back for free.

End your day with a relaxing paddle through the Indian River lagoon on this sunset kayaking tour. Launch into the lagoon and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like birds, dolphins, and possibly even manatees. With every stroke of your paddle, watch the waters come to life with bioluminescent plankton in the only bio bay in the continental United States.

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