The 15 Best Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours

Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour - A naturalist’s view of the lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,052 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Top choice

Board a wheelchair-accessible boat at 420 W Cocoa Beach Causeway for a two-hour cruise through the Thousand Islands estuary. A certified naturalist explains the mangroves and wildlife, while the captain looks for dolphins, manatees and birds. Restrooms are onboard; soft drinks are sold separately. Wildlife sightings vary, and manatees may be scarce in cold weather.

“What an amazing 2 hour tour. Captain Rich and First Mate Diane were very perfect. They shared so much knowledge and were quick to point out the sightings and made sure everyone got to view and the pictures they wanted. Both added a little comedy to the tour as well. Diane was a doll and took pictures of us. She also had some great recommendations on places to visit. She told us about Black Point Drive and we visited that the next day. During our tour, we saw several dolphins who were putting on a great show, 3 different Manatees, one of which was eating. It was a site to…”

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

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

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

Explore Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands on a guided kayak trip of about two and a half hours, with a group capped at 10. Guides such as James, Ian, and Susie share local ecology and take photos for you. Paddle through mangrove tunnels and open water while watching for manatees, dolphins, and birds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was so serene and our guide Ian was the best. He was very patient and helpful. We loved our time on the water.”

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

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

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

Spend about two hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s calm waterways with a guide, looking for dolphins, manatees, and birds while threading through mangrove tunnels. Kayaks, paddling instruction, and a choice of single or tandem boats are included. Groups are limited to 11, and guides such as Erin, Holly, Jordyn, and Makayla have led trips.

“Fun, guide seemed knowledgeable. We left timely and enjoyed it very much. We got to see the dolphins which was cool but didn't see any manatee's.”

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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking | Wildlife Refuge (Titusville)

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

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

Launch at Haulover Canal near Mims with Florida Adventurer for about 90 minutes on the water. Your kayak, paddle and PFD are provided, and guides such as Brian, Zach and Josh lead small-group trips through local wildlife habitat. You may spot manatees, dolphins, alligators and birds, but sightings vary.

“Our guide Tyler was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and friendly. I would come back and do this every day. No dolphins on our tour but 30-50 manatees. We were able to pet them and they hung out with us for a bit. Exceeded my expectations. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. We will be doing this again. Felt safe the whole time. Thank you for a great memory Tyler”

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Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

5.Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

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

Paddle Haulover Canal with an A Day Away Kayak Tours guide for about two hours, watching for manatees, dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. Your kayak, paddle, and lifejacket are provided, and your guide explains the refuge’s ecosystem. Guides have included Chaz, Zoe, David, and Drew, though assignments can vary. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

“Birds, Dolphins, Manatees, on a beautiful day in a beautiful place. Guide was great-we tried to watch a rocket launch ( the guide got us to a great viewing location) but the launch was postponed.”

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

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

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

From Haulover Canal, paddle a kayak or stand-up paddleboard through the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon with a guide. The 90-minute tour may bring you near manatees, dolphins, alligators and coastal birds, with mangrove passages and, on an evening departure, sunset views. Equipment and photos are included. Call after booking to reserve your kayak or paddleboard.

“This tour was excellent! It was the highlight of our trip being able to see manatees and dolphins up close. Our tour guide Noah did a great job.”

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Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

7.Sunset Tour Mangrove, Dolphins, Manatee #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about two hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s mangrove channels with a guide who teaches basic paddling and points out local wildlife. You’ll use a tandem kayak by default, with limited single kayaks available on request. Dolphins and manatees may appear, but sightings are not guaranteed. Complimentary photos and parking are included.

“We had the most amazing beginner friendly kayak ride through the mangroves and saw a beautiful sunset. Jordan is super knowledgeable about the area, and we say dolphins and manatees close up! 10/10”

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Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

8.Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Paddle a kayak or stand-up board through Cocoa Beach’s Banana River Manatee Refuge and past the Thousand Islands Conservation Area. A guide leads the relaxed two-hour outing and points out wildlife and local plants. Dolphins and manatees are possible, not guaranteed. Tours cost $65 per person, include lifejackets, and welcome children.

“Christian was our guide. This was such a fun adventure. He did a great job! It was a hot day but being in the water was worth it!”

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Dolphin Adventure Sail in Cocoa Beach

9.Dolphin Adventure Sail in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 165 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Spend about two hours aboard a catamaran on Cocoa Beach’s sheltered waterways, watching for dolphins, manatees and coastal birds. The group is capped at six, and crew members such as Captain Andrew, Captain Bryan and first mate Speedy have led trips. Soda and bottled water are included, but plan to bring your own snacks.

“Had a great time. Staff was friendly and helpful as well as informative. Saw dolphins and manatees. The boat was clean and drinks were plentiful.”

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Homosassa: Gulf of Mexico Airboat Ride and Dolphin Watching

10.Homosassa: Gulf of Mexico Airboat Ride and Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 137 reviews · from $82

Take a 1.5-hour airboat ride from Homosassa through mangroves, canals, and Gulf backwaters, passing historic shell mounds and watching for dolphins, manatees, birds, and other wildlife. A US Coast Guard captain and eco-guide leads the small group, with captains including Irish Dave, Fish, Stephanie, and Gavin.

“We had a great time on the airboat. Nice long ride out to the Gulf and back. We like the fact that the boat was not overcrowded, just 6 passengers. Our guide Irish Dave was most helpful and informative. The dolphins we cute and up close. We highly recommend the trip for a family outing.”

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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Merritt Island

11.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Merritt Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

At Merritt Island, near Cocoa Beach, you can explore by kayak or paddleboard with a guide who points out wildlife and shares local history. The roughly two-hour trip includes equipment and may bring you near dolphins, manatees, spoonbills and other birds. Early starts can mean cooler paddling and fewer motorized boats.

“Seeing all the animals! We saw manatee, dolphins stingrays and jellyfish. Guide was very knowledgeable!”

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Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

12.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 110 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Spend two hours cruising Cocoa Beach’s mangrove-lined Thousand Islands aboard a covered pontoon with a USCG Master Captain and an English-speaking naturalist guide. Watch for dolphins, manatees and birds while learning about the Indian River Lagoon. Past crews have included guides Pat, Bryan, Diane and Bill. Drinks are sold on board; coolers are not allowed.

“Good way to spend an afternoon. Two hours on a slow cruise gave us the opportunity to view the many species of flora and fauna that populate the Banana River basin.”

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Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL

13.Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 109 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Captain Dave leads a two-hour boat tour from Palm Bay through Turkey Creek and the Indian River Lagoon. With no more than six people aboard, you can look for dolphins, manatees, birds and alligators, learn about the local ecosystem, and possibly stop at a remote shell-covered island.

“Captain Dave is knowledgeable, fun, and patient! Top tier- 5 stars aren’t enough!!! Thanks Capt Dave— the chicken family :)”

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Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area

14.Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

At Haulover Canal, near Mims and about an hour from Orlando, you’ll paddle the Indian River with a local guide for roughly two hours. Kayak, paddle, and PFD are provided, and groups are limited to 10. Manatees and dolphins are the draw, with birds and other wildlife possible too. Guides have included Jacob, John, Freedom, and Brie.

“This was a great time and our guide Brie was awesome. She loves her job and it shows in her enthusiasm and passion.”

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Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour

15.Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Start at 9 a.m. in Merritt Island for a two-hour guided paddle in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. Choose a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, get instruction as needed, and watch for manatees, dolphins, and other native wildlife. Equipment, parking, and tour photos are included. One past outing had a guide named Andrew, though guides may vary.

“It was a beautiful day and very relaxing. The guide was great. We weren't able to see any dolphins but did catch sight of one manatee coming up for breathe.”

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