Clear Bottom Kayak & Paddleboard Tour at Kiwanis Island
Paddle clear-bottom kayaks on the Indian River Lagoon in 1.5 hours
Duration
1.5 Hours
Includes
Kayaks, lifejackets, paddles
Highlights
Explore Florida wildlife by kayak or paddleboard on a guided daytime tour on the Indian River Lagoon near Kiwanis Island Park. Choose a clear-bottom kayak or a paddleboard/sit-on-top hybrid and look for nature above and below the waterline.
- Choose a clear-bottom single or tandem kayak
- Switch to an adult or child paddleboard/sit-on-top hybrid
- Paddle the Indian River Lagoon with a guide
- Spot wildlife in and around the water as you go
- Start near Kiwanis Island Park on Merritt Island
What's Included
- Kayak or paddleboard
- Lifejackets (sizes 35 lbs+)
- Paddles
- Drybags and cell phone dry cases
Things to know
Tour requires a minimum of 2 people; if the minimum isn’t met, you may be asked to change time/location, rebook, or upgrade to a private tour. Weight limits apply: up to 400 lbs for kayaks and up to 280 lbs for paddleboards.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour for a full refund. Private reservations require 14 days’ notice for a refund. For parties greater than 14 attendees, cancel no later than 14 days prior for a full refund. The operator may cancel or reschedule due to severe weather.
FAQs
Arrive 30 minutes before your guided tour time for waiver signing and bathroom use. Tours leave promptly at the scheduled start time.
Bring water, sunscreen (apply before you arrive), hat and sunglasses, bug spray (if desired), and a towel. Wear flip flops or water shoes; tennis shoes work in the park but may get wet. Dress for the weather—this is a water-based activity and your clothes may get a little wet.
Yes. Every attendee (adults and children) must complete a waiver, one per person regardless of age.
Meeting details
951 Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island FL
More about Kiwanis Island Park
Kiwanis Island Park is the launch point for one of the most memorable paddling adventures on Florida's Space Coast, sitting right along the Indian River Lagoon in Merritt Island. This quiet waterfront park offers easy access to calm, sheltered waters that are ideal for spotting manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat. The lagoon here is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, and Kiwanis Island Park puts you within paddling distance of seagrass beds and mangrove shorelines where wildlife gathers throughout the day. With its convenient parking, shaded picnic areas, and gentle shoreline entry, the park is a welcoming starting point for visitors of all experience levels.
From Kiwanis Island Park, you will glide out onto the Indian River in a clear kayak or transparent paddleboard, watching the lagoon's hidden world unfold beneath your feet. Manatees often drift through these shallows to graze on seagrass, and pods of bottlenose dolphins are known to surface nearby, sometimes close enough to hear their breath as they exhale. The water around Kiwanis Island Park reflects mangrove silhouettes, pelicans skimming low, and the occasional ray fluttering across the sandy bottom. Knowledgeable guides share insight into the lagoon's ecology, the manatees' seasonal patterns, and the dolphins' playful behavior, turning a paddle into a true wildlife encounter.
This tour from Kiwanis Island Park is perfect for families with kids, couples looking for a peaceful outdoor date, photographers chasing that under-the-kayak shot, and travelers who want a softer, nature-focused alternative to the area's theme parks and rocket launches. First-time paddlers feel comfortable thanks to the calm water and patient instruction, while seasoned kayakers love the chance to see manatees and dolphins up close. Whether you come at sunrise for glassy water or later in the day for warm light on the lagoon, Kiwanis Island Park sets the stage for an unforgettable connection with Florida's wild side.
