Top Space Coast How to Get Around

Cocoa Beach may be well-known for its beaches and fantastic surf, but there’s more to this city’s ecosystem than the oceanside. Join this tour to discover the wild side of the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands. Behind the beach, you’ll sail though the Banana River on an eco tour. This natural habitat is full of wildlife viewing opportunities, including dolphin and manatee spotting.

Arriving at Port Canaveral early, but there’s a lengthy space of time in between before your flight time? This tour to Kennedy Space Center is just for you. We’ll pick you up from your cruise terminal or your hotel at Port/Cocoa Beach and start the journey to Kennedy Space Center. While enjoying your tour, we'll keep your luggage secure. You can purchase your admission ticket before on their website, on our way to the location, or even up on arrival, or select the option with it included. Enjoy from a variety of activities for adults and kids a Bus Tour, the Space Launch Complex, Nature and Technology, Shuttle Launch Experience, Movie Theater, Character Appearances and much more. The property also hosts restaurants for lunch. A maximum of 5 hours is given to travelers There at Kennedy your driver will brief you on time for being ready to head back to Orlando to make it back in good timing for your flight, or check in to your hotel.

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.

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.

Explore the waterways of the Indian River Lagoon and let your captain and crew do the navigating on this group sightseeing and wildlife-spotting cruise aboard a tiki-themed boat. It’s a family-friendly experience that is ideal for nature lovers young and old, including those requiring wheelchair access. Just don’t forget to bring your camera along to capture the memories.

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.

Experience the best of Florida’s Space Coast on this small-group dolphin and manatee tour from Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral. Unlike large tour boats, your 6-passenger vessel can access shallow backwaters and hidden areas where wildlife naturally gathers, giving you closer, more authentic encounters with dolphins, manatees, and other native species. We see dolphins on all of your tours and manatees on most. But this is more than just a wildlife cruise. In just two hours, you’ll enjoy a complete guided experience of the region: learning about local ecosystems, the history of the Space Coast, famous landmarks, and even rocket launches from nearby Cape Canaveral. Led by your top-rated local captains, this relaxed, family-friendly tour is perfect for cruise guests, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants to see more than just the surface of Florida’s coast — without crowds or rushed sightseeing. Our tours are designed for small groups and require a minimum booking of two guests.

Discover the lush landscapes of Central Florida and observe local wildlife during this kayaking excursion from Cocoa Beach. Join a small group and climb aboard your kayak to begin your tour of the calm waterways. Paddle through mangrove tunnels in the lagoon making sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees and dolphins that reside in the area.

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.

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.

Go kayaking after dark in Cocoa Beach to witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. Meet your guide and set out on a small-group adventure into the Banana River Lagoon, which after sunset during the summer months glows with bioluminescence. Paddle at your own pace through the glowing water and admire the views. All equipment including life jackets is included.

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.

After the sun goes down, experience a touch of natural magic on this guided nighttime kayaking adventure into Florida’s own "Bioluminescent Bay." Perfect for a unique, romantic date night, this tour takes you out onto the river during the summer months to witness the incredible spectacle of glowing waters, where the local marine life flashes and sparkles with every splash and stroke of your paddle. You don't need to be an expert to join the fun—as long as you can stand up and sit down with ease, you can comfortably handle the relaxed, semi-slow paddling pace. Your group will be fully taken care of from start to finish, as we supply all the kayaks, paddles, life jackets, safety glow sticks, and an expert guide to navigate the dark waters and show you the absolute brightest spots on the river.

Experience Florida’s Indian River Lagoon after dark on a guided bioluminescent kayak tour. Paddling at night increases the chance to see natural light displays created by microscopic organisms, a phenomenon not visible during the day. Led by a certified Florida Naturalist, the tour offers context on the lagoon’s ecosystem while maintaining a calm pace, making it a low-impact way to explore one of North America’s most diverse estuaries.

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.

The tours focus on getting you as close as possible to dolphins and manatees while keeping the experience safe, beginner-friendly, and fun. With experienced local guides and small group sizes, guests consistently enjoy up-close wildlife encounters in calm, easy-to-paddle waters. You’ll often see dolphins swimming nearby and manatees just beneath your board, creating unforgettable, real moments in the wild. Backed by over 17 years of experience, and featured on nationally televised programs, this is one of the most trusted and memorable eco tours in Port Canaveral. No prior experience is needed, and our team ensures every guest feels comfortable on the water.

Discover the fun of clear-bottom kayaking with a small-group tour in Cocoa Beach. Paddle around the Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach in search of a unique natural phenomenon: bioluminescence. Keep an eye out for glowing plankton and glowing jelly fish during this seasonal tour (available July to mid-October; book the New Moon for the best glow).

Get to see Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach more easily than by foot or rental car on this private e-bike tour. Glide around beauty spots such as Manatee Sanctuary Park and Jetty Park: choosing to let your bike do the work or using your own pedal power. Hear background on the sights you’d otherwise miss, and choose to tailor your itinerary and visit a local pub or micro-brewery en route.

Spend a day on the backwaters of Cape Canaveral aboard your own fishing charter. Board your private vessel and ride along the Banana River, taking in the beautiful Florida coastline while you fish. The area is known for its abundance of fish such as mangrove snapper, snook, red drum, spotted sea trout, and many more species.

Experience the waterways around Merritt Island on a CraigCat, a compact power catamaran designed for stability and easy handling. With side-by-side seating and simple controls, it’s accessible for first-time drivers while still offering an engaging ride. This rental allows you to explore independently without the crowds or noise of larger boats, making it a flexible option for couples or friends looking for a different way to be on the water.

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.

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.

Enjoy a hassle-free all-day beach experience at Cocoa Beach with Beach Shack Rentals. We provide shuttle service to and from our beachfront location, where each guest receives a comfortable beach chair with leg rest under an umbrella. Our team sets everything up for you right on the sand, so there’s no need to carry heavy gear or worry about finding a spot — just relax and enjoy the beach. Guests can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, walking the shoreline, exploring Cocoa Beach, or renting surfboards and boogie boards directly from us for added fun in the waves. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the beach day for added peace of mind, and there are plenty of nearby restaurants, bars, shops, and local spots to enjoy at your leisure. Our team is also happy to share local tips for dining, shopping, and activities. This experience is perfect for cruise guests, families, and beachgoers looking for comfort, convenience, and a stress-free beach day at one of Florida’s most popular beaches.