Where to Go: the 5 Best Dolphin and Manatee Tours in Cocoa Beach

1.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with Cocoa Kayaking. A guide such as James, Ian, or Susie leads you through mangrove tunnels and open lagoons while explaining wildlife and ecology. Groups are limited to 10, photos are included, and manatees, dolphins, birds, stingrays, and tarpon may appear.

“Our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable, great personality, and answered all our questions. Saw manatees and dolphins, loved it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 836 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle calm Cocoa Beach waterways for about two hours with Fin Expeditions. Your English-speaking guide teaches basic kayak skills, leads you through narrow mangrove tunnels, and looks for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, and comb jellies. Choose a single or tandem kayak. Guides including Holly, Erin, Jordyn, Gabby, and Ian are praised for clear instruction and friendly storytelling.

“A great way to explore nature, be educated on your surroundings, meet other travelers and get exercise. Our guide was knowledgeable, cordial and had a great sense of humor”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 241 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Kayak through Haulover Canal with a small-group guide who knows the local wildlife. You may see manatees, dolphins feeding on baitfish, alligators, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and many birds. Brian, Zach, Tyler, Terrance, and other guides have been praised for their wildlife knowledge and patient help.

“It was a great adventure - lots of fun - we found manatee bones/stingray/horseshoe crab - the water was so clear & beautiful”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch at Haulover Canal for a guided two-hour paddle through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Guides such as Chaz, Zoe, Drew, and Carey help you find manatees, dolphins, birds, jellyfish, and the occasional gator. Kayak, paddle, and PFD are included, but bring water shoes, sunscreen, water, and dry clothes.

“I love it!!! It was so amazing experience, we got to see manatees and dolphins. I highly recommend it”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Best value

Set out from Haulover Canal near Cocoa Beach by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, with a guide leading you through mangroves and wildlife habitat. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Captain Mike are praised for clear instruction and local wildlife knowledge. The 90-minute trip may include manatees, dolphins, alligators, birds, comb jellies, and sunset views.

“Tour guides were fantastic! Saw manatees, dolphins, raccoons and many species of birds. Great experience all around!”

Check availability →Read our full review