Paddle a clear-bottom kayak at sunset on the Indian River Lagoon
1.5 Hours
Kayak, lifejacket, paddle
Explore the Indian River Lagoon at sunset on a clear-bottom kayak or paddleboard for a closer view of Florida’s wildlife above and below the waterline. Launch from Kiwanis Island Park in Merritt Island and paddle with your guide.
Tour duration is 1.5 hours plus a brief speech. A minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour; if not met, you may be notified up to 2 hours prior and asked to change time/location, rebook, or upgrade to a private tour. Weight limits apply (up to 400 lbs for kayaks; up to 280 lbs for paddleboards/hybrids).
Cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled tour for a full refund. Private reservations require 14 days’ notice for a refund. Parties greater than 14 require 14 days’ notice for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before launch are not eligible for a refund.
Arrive 30 minutes before your guided tour time for waiver signing and bathroom use. Tours leave promptly at the scheduled start time.
Yes. Complete one waiver per person for every attendee (adults and children). Complete the digital waiver before you arrive so the tour can launch on time.
Bring water, sunscreen (apply before you arrive and bring some with you), a hat and sunglasses, bug spray (if desired), and a towel. Wear active or beach wear and choose flip flops or water shoes; tennis shoes work in the park but may get wet.
951 Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island FL
Cocoa Kayaking delivers consistently exceptional mangrove tunnel tours with guides who clearly love what they do. The booking process is remarkably smooth, with online waivers and helpful staff like Genevieve making everything easy from the start. Once you're on the water, you'll understand why people keep coming back—the mangrove tunnels themselves are stunning, and wildlife encounters with manatees and dolphins are incredibly common, often happening just feet from your kayak. The guides are the real stars here. James (also known as "Turtle"), Ian, Captain Mike, Emily, and Noah each get glowing praise for being knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely engaged with their groups. They're skilled at spotting wildlife that you'd miss on your own, from comb jellies to manatees surfacing right beside kayaks. Even experienced kayakers mention that going with a guide made all the difference in experiencing the Banana River Lagoon. They take photos during the tour and send them afterward, handle all the logistics, and adjust the pace to suit everyone from three-year-olds to seasoned paddlers. Whether you're visiting from a cruise ship or planning a family outing, this operation has the experience and local knowledge to make it memorable.
Cocoa Kayaking very kindly and swiftly set up our family of four with a wildlife viewing kayak trip with Captain Michael. We had two small children and they were very kind and accommodating, even supplying us with pictures from our trip. We spotted a dolphin and several manatees. Highly recommend!
Rachel
April 6, 2026
Cocoa Kayaking very kindly and swiftly set up our family of four with a wildlife viewing kayak trip with Captain Michael. We had two small children and they were very kind and accommodating, even supplying us with pictures from our trip. We spotted a dolphin and several manatees. Highly recommend!
Rachel
April 6, 2026