6 Tours in Cocoa Beach to Build a Day Around

1.Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,052 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $47Our pick

Cruise the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands and Banana River with a certified naturalist and captain. Look for dolphins, manatees, alligators, turtles, and Florida birds while learning about mangroves and the estuary. The two-hour boat ride costs $47.50, includes an onboard restroom, and returns to the dock.

“Rich and Pat were very entertaining. It was a cold morning on the water and there were only 4 passengers, but they still gave top-notch service! We were able to see 2 small groups of dolphins.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join Cocoa Kayaking for a 2.5-hour paddle through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Your guide, often James, Ian, Susie, or Michael, leads you through mangrove tunnels and open water while explaining local wildlife and ecology. Kayaks, paddles, life jackets, photos, and parking are included. Wildlife sightings vary, but early tours offer the best chance.

“We had a fantastic kayaking tour a few weeks ago with Cocoa Kayaking. From start to finish the experience was excellent. We saw plenty of animals including manatees, dolphins and a stingray! Lovely day and would highly recommend it to everyone of all ages.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 836 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59

Paddle Cocoa Beach’s calm waterways with a guide such as Holly, Erin, Jordyn, or Makayla. You’ll learn basic kayak handling, pass through mangrove tunnels, and look for dolphins, manatees, birds, crabs, and comb jellies. Single and tandem kayaks, equipment, and instruction are included.

“Most fun ever! Thank you to our guide Andrew!! Saw dolphins and the mangroves were amazing! Would do this again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

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

Kayak for about two hours with a guide such as Aidan, Caleb, Sean, or Zoey through the Indian River Lagoon near Merritt Island. Summer brings cloudy blue-green dinoflagellate glow, while winter offers gentle comb jellies you can hold. Expect calm water, wildlife, wet clothes, and a safety-focused nighttime outing.

“this tour was so cool! our guide Matt was amazing. He was very knowledgable concerning the science behind the experience. It was a bit cold out there on the water in the dark in Feb but, we still had a blast!! would for sure recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

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

Paddle a kayak through the Banana River near Haulover Canal for 90 minutes, watching plankton and comb jellyfish glow beneath your paddle. Guides such as Faith, Brea, Seven, Leslie, and Leo share facts about the refuge and help you manage the water after dark. The small group holds up to eight people.

“The tour and tour guides were AWESOME! What a great experience. We had to wait out the wind but got to see a rocket launch while we waited. Highly recommend for families.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour (Titusville)

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

Kayak for about 90 minutes through the Indian River Lagoon or Banana River near Titusville. Guides such as Terrance, Brian, Clint, and Jeremiah lead easy night trips for beginners, pointing out glowing plankton, comb jellies, fish, stars, and local wildlife. Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are included.

“Our guide, Clint, was awesome! He definitely made sure we had a great experience and he was very knowledgeable. We would definitely go on another tour with him and we highly recommend this experience!! Probably the best part of our vacation!!”

Check availability →Read our full review