Where to See Dolphins and Manatees: the 14 Best Tours

1.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Our pick

Meet Three Brothers Boards in Daytona Beach for a gentle paddle through canals, around an island, and under seven bridges. Guides such as Brock, Dallas, Walker, and Spencer teach beginners, watch for dolphins and manatees, and offer kayaks if standing feels difficult. The tour lasts about two hours, but allow three.

“An amazing spur of the moment activity. We were first timers and the tour guy, Ryan, was excellent with teaching us and showing us a great time; especially in windy conditions. A must do! They’ve totally encouraged a new activity into lives. Thank you.”

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2.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddleboard through Fort Myers and Bonita Springs waterways with a guide such as Eric or Chase. Look for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, starfish, conch, and other wildlife, then stop at a white-sand beach for shells and coastal views. Boards and safety gear are provided, and beginners ages six and up can join.

“Our tour guide Eric was great and full of knowledge. We were lucky to be able to watch the dolphins play for a while.”

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3.Dolphin, Manatee and SeaTurtle SUP Adventure Tour of St Augustine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,219 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Choose a kayak or paddleboard for a relaxed two-hour wildlife trip from St. Augustine. Guides such as Ryan, Spence, Nolan, and Joseph help beginners get moving and point out dolphins, turtles, birds, and changing marine life conditions. The route includes Anastasia State Park and views of the lighthouse.

“Had a great time kayaking & paddle boarding with family. Ryan was an awesome guide. Beautiful views. 5⭐️😎🛶”

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

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

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!”

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5.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”

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6.New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 457 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet your guide at DiVito Park for a two-hour paddle through New Smyrna’s waterways. Guides such as Michael, Spencer, and Fletcher explain local wildlife and history while helping beginners handle the kayaks. Wildlife sightings vary, but dolphins, manatees, turtles, birds, fish, and mangroves are all possible.

“Had a great time. Went in January. Saw a mother and baby dolphin, spinning sharks and lots of birds. I used a 1 person kayak. They suggest if you can SUP then you can see into the water better but I enjoy kayaking. I would recommend.”

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7.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak Tour of Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 258 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Set out from 212 S Beach St with a guide such as Walker, Spencer, Dan, Cam, or Mike for a two-hour paddle along Daytona’s Halifax River. Kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided, but some departures have used paddle boards, so confirm your equipment before booking. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

“the views were beautiful, our tour guide cam was awesome! very peaceful and relaxing trip i would come here every time i come to florida! definitely recommend doing this!!”

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8.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”

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9.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”

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10.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!”

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11.Catamaran Sailing Dolphin/Manatee Watch in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $64

Sail the calm Halifax River aboard Howling Owl, a small catamaran limited to six people. Captain Randy and his crew keep the ride relaxed, with shaded and sunny seating, water, soft drinks, a bathroom, and chances to spot dolphins, manatees, and pelicans. The trip lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and returns to 721 Ballough Road.

“Super relaxing experience. We traveled with a child and two teenagers, everyone enjoyed it! We saw several dolphins including a baby! Definitely recommend!”

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12.Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin Swim, Sea Lions, Manatees, & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 33 reviews · 2 hours · from $135

At Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, you spend 60 minutes with dolphins, then 30 minutes with sea lions and 30 minutes with manatees. A 15-minute briefing, buffet lunch, two non-alcoholic drinks, lockers, showers, and restrooms are included. Groups are limited to 10, though some animal sessions may be shared.

“I really enjoyed this. The guide was super friendly and gave us a lot of time to interact with the dolphins. Ofcourse seeing them in the open ocean is better, but they are treated well and with a lot of respect.”

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13.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure tour of Osprey with Florida History

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Join Three Brothers Boards in Osprey for a two-hour paddle through the mangrove islands of Little Sarasota Bay. You’ll spend about 15 minutes reaching the bay and 90 minutes exploring by kayak or paddle board, with possible sightings of dolphins, West Indian manatees, and other wildlife. Equipment and parking are provided.

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14.Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin and Manatee Interaction with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · from $139

At Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, you receive a short briefing, then spend 50 minutes in the water with dolphins, including playful behaviors, a fin ride, a wave, and group time. A 15-minute manatee visit and buffet lunch with two non-alcoholic drinks follow. Showers, lockers, and marina access are included, but transport and photos cost extra.

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