The 15 Best Cocoa Beach Tours

1.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★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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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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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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4.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 831 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Set out from Merritt Island near Cocoa Beach for a two-hour guided night kayak through waters where summer plankton or winter comb jellies may glow. Your guide supplies the kayak, paddle, and flotation device, and points out local wildlife. Guides such as Aidan, Caleb, Zoey, and Sean have led trips with a strong focus on safety and natural history.

“You get to kayak through an area with bioluminescent jelly fish. Our guides, Drew and Jordan, were very informative and helpful.”

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5.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 605 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75

Meet your guide at Haulover Canal for a 90-minute evening paddle through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included. The guide leads a small group to look for glowing comb jellyfish and other wildlife, with past guides including Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo.

“Getting to see the bioluminescence and the peacefulness of kayaking at night under the stars. Our guide Seven did a really nice job of sharing information about the location and the wildlife within it.”

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6.Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour (Titusville)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 350 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $65

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, paddle a single or tandem kayak for about 90 minutes through water that can glow blue when disturbed. Guides such as Terrance, Brian, and Jeremiah have shared local wildlife and refuge stories, helped beginners, and pointed out comb jellies. The effect varies with season, moonlight, and conditions, so bring bug spray and expect wet feet.

“Small group with two wonderful guides. Brian was knowledgeable and set a good relaxing pace sprinkled with stories and nature backgrounds. Took us away to a quiet area away from the larger tour groups. Bioluminescence was amazing. Lots of fish, stars, and birds (a few landed on some kayaks!!). Good attention to safety as there was a large wind storm when we gathered They were clear in communicating and mingling safety. We saw one of the bigger tour companies send out a group only to need a rescue down in the canal. Didn’t look like fun for them I’m glad Florida Adventures prioritized safety because the rest of the tour…”

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7.Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 321 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

At Haulover Canal near Titusville, you’ll get a quick paddling lesson, then head out in a clear kayak to watch bioluminescence glow beneath you. The roughly 90-minute night tour visits Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and may bring sightings of fish, shoreline snakes, gators, birds, or other wildlife. Guides including Celeste, Anthony, and Blane lead small groups.

“Thanks to our guide, Celeste, this was a magical night. She is so knowledgeable and that just added to the wonder of gliding across dark water sparkling with tiny bioluminescent creatures. She clearly loves the natural world and lives in it with curiosity and attention. She was so warm and friendly as well. I can't wait to do this again; my husband and I loved it!!”

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8.Cocoa Beach Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47

Set out from Sunset Waterfront Bar & Grill for a roughly 90-minute cruise through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands and onto the Banana River for sunset. The crew plays music, and may point out dolphins, manatees and birds. Guides such as Diane and Pat have shared local wildlife and area details, but formal narration is not included.

“Our Captians Steve and Rick were great. Very knowledgeable and saw lots of dolphins and manatees. The sunset was beautiful as well. Well worth the money.”

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9.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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10.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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11.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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12.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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13.Bioluminescent Kayak Tour by THE #1 Rated Company in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · from $79

Set out after sunset with Fin Expeditions for a 90-minute kayak trip into the Banana River Lagoon, where the water can glow with bioluminescence in summer. The group is limited to 10, and kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are included. Guides who have led tours include Jordyn, Emily, and Ian.

“I am over 2 years late writing this review (we went in 2022) but let me tell you, it was a magical, unforgettable experience. The full moon, the quiet of the water, and the glittering blues and greens and whites like fireflies in your hanRead more”

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14.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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15.Manatees/Sunset/Bioluminescence Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 189 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

From Haulover Canal on Merritt Island, paddle with a guide through local waters in search of manatees, dolphins and birds. The roughly three-hour outing includes just under two hours on the water, sunset views and, in season, a chance to see bioluminescence. Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Amanda is one guide named for her wildlife explanations.

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