Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages, provided they are comfortable paddling.

Do I need prior paddling experience?

No experience is necessary, as guides provide instructions suitable for all skill levels.

What should I bring on the tour?

Bring water, sun protection, and any personal medication. The guide will provide paddles and safety gear.

Are kayaks and paddleboards available?

Yes, guests can choose between kayaking or paddleboarding based on their preference.

What is the best time of year to see manatees and dolphins?

Spring and summer typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Is the tour family-friendly and accessible?

Absolutely, the tour is designed to accommodate families and beginners.

Manatee and Dolphin Encounter Tour | Wildlife in Merritt Island |

Adventure Brief

Discover the thrill of paddling alongside dolphins and manatees in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon with Calypso Kayaking. This guided tour offers close encounters with marine life in a pristine setting—ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

2–3 hours

easy

From $84.75

Situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Indian River Lagoon offers one of the most compelling opportunities for marine wildlife encounters. This estuary, extending through Titusville and Cocoa Beach, teems with diverse species—most notably playful bottlenose dolphins and gentle manatees—that thrive in these nutrient-rich waters. The Manatee and Dolphin Encounter Tour by Calypso Kayaking invites adventurers to experience this vibrant ecosystem on guided kayaking or paddleboarding excursions. These tours deliver intimate wildlife sightings, often just inches from your paddle, in a setting that balances excitement with respect for nature. What sets Calypso Kayaking apart is their focus on eco-friendly practices, ensuring the preservation of this delicate habitat while offering guests a genuine, up-close perspective on marine life. The tour navigates through shallow lagoons and channels dotted with mangroves and seagrass beds—crucial breeding grounds for the species encountered. Participants frequently spot playful dolphins breaching nearby or slow-moving manatees grazing peacefully, fostering unforgettable moments amidst Florida’s stunning coastal landscape. The water’s clarity varies with the season, offering particularly superb viewing during mid-morning hours when the sunlight penetrates the shallow waters. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers, families, and seasoned paddlers alike. Guides share engaging insights about local ecology, conservation efforts, and the history of the lagoon, enriching the experience with educational context. Whether as a first-time paddler or an experienced explorer, visitors will find this tour both accessible and rewarding. Save time to check out nearby spots like Playalinda Beach and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—just a short drive away. The Indian River Lagoon truly shines as a showcase of Florida’s diverse coastal environment and remains a highly recommended destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

About Calypso Kayaking

Calypso Kayaking is a Merritt Island, Florida outfitter offering guided kayak and paddleboard experiences on the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding waterways. The company specializes in a mix of guided wildlife tours, night bioluminescence paddles, equipment rentals, and private boat excursions that showcase the Space Coast ecosystem.

Tours include plankton and comb jellyfish bioluminescence paddles in clear kayaks, manatee and dolphin encounter tours, sunset-to-bioluminescent combo trips, and a private four-hour boat tour through mangrove tunnels and scenic shoreline.

Calypso Kayaking operates rentals at Manatee Cove Park with one-hour, two-hour, and full-day options for kayaks and paddleboards. Rentals allow guests to explore islands, search for shells, and watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and endangered manatees in their natural habitat.

Guided experiences are led by professional local guides who focus on safety, wildlife observation, and responsible paddling practices. Night tours emphasize low-impact viewing of bioluminescent plankton and comb jellyfish while using clear kayaks to increase visibility below the waterline.

The private boat tour offers a seated alternative for groups who prefer a powered vessel to access the same rivers, mangroves, and coastal views, with opportunities to observe wildlife and sunsets. Calypso Kayaking markets its variety of tours and rentals to visitors near Orlando, Cocoa Beach, and the broader Space Coast seeking memorable, nature-based experiences on Florida’s Indian River system.

Schedules include daytime, sunset, and night departures; rentals offer flexible start times. Safety briefings, life jackets, and basic paddling instruction are supplied to every guest prior to departure and during check-in routinely on site.