Cruise Cocoa offers private sunset boat tours from Merritt Island where you can watch Florida’s stunning sunsets while spotting dolphins and manatees. Bring your own food and enjoy a relaxing evening on the water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required as the tour is seated and relaxed on the pontoon boat.
Wildlife
History
Merritt Island has long been a vital fishing and wildlife habitat area, preserving natural ecosystems since the mid-20th century.
Conservation
Local tours prioritize eco-friendly practices to protect marine life and prevent pollution in the sensitive waterways.
Cruise Cocoa
Cruise Cocoa offers private sunset boat tours from Merritt Island where you can watch Florida’s stunning sunsets while spotting dolphins and manatees. Bring your own food and enjoy a relaxing evening on the water.
Cruise Cocoa is a Merritt Island, Florida boat tour operator specializing in sunset cruises, dolphin sightseeing, private charters, and bioluminescence experiences. Operating from departure points including Pineda Inn, Cocoa Beach launch sites, and Eau Gallie Boat Launch in Melbourne, Cruise Cocoa offers two-hour public and private boat tours that showcase wildlife of the Indian River Lagoon and nearby coastal waters.
Tours range from cozy 26-foot pontoon sunset cruises to private excursions aboard the Lei’d Back vessel for bioluminescence and intimate groups. Many cruises permit guests to bring their own beverages and snacks, and select departures from Pineda Inn include light drinks and snacks before setting sail plus a dinner discount at Pineda Inn. Private options include sunset, dolphin sightseeing, and combined sunset–bioluminescence trips for up to six passengers on designated Cocoa Beach private tours.
Captains and crew on Cruise Cocoa tours provide local knowledge about dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and other coastal wildlife while focusing on safe, relaxed sightseeing. Typical itineraries last about two hours and emphasize wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and quiet evenings on the water. Cruise Cocoa advertises family-friendly wildlife encounters and romantic sunset options for couples seeking scenic photos. The operation’s fleet includes the Lei’d Back vessel and a 26-foot pontoon used for many sunset and sightseeing trips. Reservations are promoted for both shared and private charters departing from Merritt Island and nearby Cocoa Beach and Melbourne launch points. Guests can capture photos of dolphins, manatees, and coastal birds from comfortable seating aboard the vessels during each cruise.
Departure Points
Merritt Island & Cocoa Beach
Multiple local launch sites
Private Capacity
Up to 6
Private Cocoa Beach tours up to six
Tour Types
11 Experiences
Sunset, dolphin, bioluminescence
Typical Duration
≈2 hours
Most tours last two hours
Reserve private charters or shared tours from Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach — BYOB and family-friendly options available on select departures.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Drinks
This private boat tour allows you to bring your own food and beverages, so plan ahead for a picnic-style dinner.
Wear Comfortable, Non-Slip Shoes
Choose shoes with good grip as pontoon boats can have wet surfaces, especially in the evening.
Use Insect Repellent
Evenings near the water can bring mosquitoes, so insect repellent helps keep you comfortable.
Bring a Light Jacket
Temperatures can drop slightly after sunset, so a light jacket is handy for staying warm on the water.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare on the water during the early part of the cruise.
summer
Insect Repellent
Helps prevent mosquito bites common near water in the warmer months.
spring
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm during cooler evenings, especially after sunset.
fall
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning sunset colors and wildlife views during the boat tour.