Top Space Coast Outdoor Activities

The Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands can only be seen by boat or helicopter, offering a truly unique view of Florida’s natural beauty. This chain of mangrove islands in the Banana River is home to an abundance of dolphins, manatees, coastal birds, and native plant life, making it one of Cocoa Beach’s most breathtaking ecological treasures. You will see Port Canaveral, the worlds largest cruise ship port and famous Cocoa Beach. This is the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life!

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.

Our tried and true method has taught thousands of surfers from all over the world. On top of that, we do our lessons in the center of Cocoa Beach, walking distance to Ron Jon's surf shop, a life guarded beach, and plenty of restaurants and stores.

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.

Explore the Indian River near Orlando and Cocoa Beach on this guided, small-group kayaking tour. Paddle through the warm waters and see local wildlife such as dolphins and manatees. See how these gentle giants spend their day, sunning themselves along the local coves and lagoons or gliding through the waterways. No experience necessary, and all kayaking gear is provided.

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.

Hang ten in Cocoa Beach even if you’ve never surfed a day in your life with this quick surf lesson. Your experienced surf instructor will show you the ropes, first on the Cocoa Beach Pier then they’ll take you out into the Atlantic Ocean to ride the waves. Bring your own board or rent one nearby.

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.

Jetty Park Fishing Tours offers a one-of-a-kind fishing experience from the shore—no boat required. Run by two Cape Canaveral locals who grew up fishing the jetty daily, our tours are guided by true experts with firsthand knowledge of the area. We provide all the gear, bait, and instruction, making it easy and affordable for anyone to enjoy fishing. Removing the barrier of high upfront costs. It’s fun, beginner-friendly, and rooted in real local experience.

Discover one of Cocoa Beach’s most unique indoor experiences. Unlike typical arcades or attractions, this is a fully guided virtual reality experience designed for first-time players and small groups. You won’t just watch, you’ll step inside immersive worlds where you can explore, play, and interact in ways that feel surprisingly real. What makes this experience stand out is how easy and accessible it is. Our team walks you through everything, so even if you’ve never tried VR before, you’ll feel comfortable right away. You can enjoy a variety of experiences in one visit, from action-packed games to interactive challenges, all in a private, small-group setting. It’s also one of the best ways to take a break from the Florida heat while still doing something fun and memorable. Whether you're visiting Cocoa Beach or looking for something different to do locally, this is an experience you won’t find anywhere else nearby.

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.

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.

Add “learning how to surf” to your checklist during your visit to the Kennedy Space Center. With 70+ miles (112+ kilometers) of beaches and reliable swells, Cape Canaveral is a fantastic place to learn the art of surfing. During this private lesson, your coach will get you in the water safely—and likely get you surfing on your own by the end of your time together.

If you’re looking to see bioluminescence but only have a few hours to spare when you’re in Mims, Florida, prebook this Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge sunset kayak tour. Head out onto the water with a guide leading the way as the sun goes down. Your guide points out animals and marine life as you kayak—especially the many bird species found in the area—before going to see bioluminescence in the dark of night.

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).

Discover the beauty of Cocoa Beach on the Dolphin Eco Cruise aboard Wildside. This 2-hour adventure takes you through the scenic Thousand Islands, where you can spot playful dolphins, manatees, and a variety of coastal birds. Perfect for families and nature lovers, the cruise includes informative commentary from the crew about local wildlife and ecology. Relax in shaded seating while enjoying complimentary refreshments, and feel free to bring your own snacks. This eco-friendly tour caters to all ages and is an ideal way to connect with Florida's stunning natural environment. - Duration: 2 hours on a comfortable 32-foot pontoon style power catamaran - Capacity: Up to 22 guests, making it a cozy experience - Includes: Bottled water, soda, and shaded seating - Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with dolphin toy for kids

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.

Go kayaking in Cocoa Beach with a small-group tour. Meet your guide and set out on a scenic paddle around the Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach, including through a mangrove tunnel. Keep an eye out for local wildlife including dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of birds. All equipment including life jackets and dry bags is provided.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer looking for your next journey—look no further—this Indian River Lagoon Clear-Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Eco Tour from Merritt Island is must-do. This experience lets you choose from a glass-bottom kayak or paddle board to explore the river, and its wildlife, with a guide who makes the most of your time. Plus, your mode of transport’s glass bottom allows for easy viewing as you search for manatees, dolphins, and more.

Immerse yourself in the wildlife and natural environment of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on this kayak adventure. With the provided kayak, paddle, and instruction, paddle through the waterways where the manatees float about, looking for vegetation to eat. Then search for local pods of dolphins as well as bird and other marine life. Learn about the ecosystem as you travel through your guide's in-depth commentary.

Paddle through a bioluminescent lagoon on a guided night kayak tour launching from Apollo Beach ramp near Orlando. Led by certified naturalist guides, this small-group experience maximizes visibility of glowing water conditions while maintaining a relaxed pace. The structured format removes uncertainty around timing and location, offering a reliable way to experience this natural phenomenon.

This tour focuses specifically on comb jelly bioluminescence, a rare phenomenon different from Florida’s well-known dinoflagellate glow. Instead of constant sparkle, comb jellies emit soft rainbow flashes as they move — creating a subtle, ethereal light show beneath your clear kayak. Launching from calm, protected waters in Merritt Island, this experience is ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Transparent kayaks paired with carefully balanced LED lighting allow you to clearly observe the jellies and marine life below without overpowering the natural darkness of the lagoon. Your guide shares the science behind bioluminescence and the ecology of the Indian River Lagoon. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, guests may encounter fish, rays, dolphins, or manatees in this diverse estuary. With small groups and a peaceful setting, this immersive eco-tour offers a refined way to witness one of Florida’s most fascinating nighttime natural events.

Florida-Adventurer is the only company to offer a group rafting bioluminescent option. Each raft can hold up to 10 of your closest family or friends. This means no one is left behind! Fun for all ages! There’s room for all to experience the wonder of bioluminescence. We are also less than 3 miles from the SpaceX launch pads. It is not uncommon to watch a rocket launch at night from the water, less than 3 miles from the famous Kennedy Space Center launch pads 39A and 39B! So while you watch the magnificent blues of the water that surrounds you, you might even watch the sky light up from a launch. With or without a launch, the surrounding nature, bioluminescence, and stars make for a really special adventure.

Discover the calm waterways and abundant wildlife that Florida has to offer on this excursion from Cocoa Beach. Choose a kayak or paddleboard, whichever you’re more comfortable with, and set off on the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon. Paddle through mangrove forests and observe local wildlife like manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and several bird species.