Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Did you know that Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to enjoy wildlife and dolphin cruises in Florida?
Cocoa Beach is home to The Thousand Islands, a vast and rich natural mangrove habitat in the Banana River.
It’s brimming with wildlife including fish, pelicans, manatees, and of course, the bottlenose dolphin!
Whether you’re in the area for an extended stay or you’re just passing through, experiencing a dolphin cruise in Cocoa Beach is a must.
Below are some of the best tours you can take for a truly amazing dolphin cruise adventure!
Best Dolphin Tours In Cocoa Beach!
Photo Credit- Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 100 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 hours
During this relaxing 2-hour tour, you’ll venture through the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands to explore the vast ecosystem of the Mangrove Islands.
These islands are most abundant with wildlife, meaning your chances of seeing a dolphin are high!
Each tour is led by eco tour guides that will identify wildlife you may see along the way, and provide educational information and history about each.
Wildlife sightings could include birds, manatees, turtles, fish, dolphins, and more.
This tour is also wheelchair and stroller accessible, service animal friendly, and usually has a maximum of 40 participants.
This tour is family-friendly, eco-friendly, and one of the oldest running tour businesses in the Cocoa Beach area.
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Captain Sean and First Mate Diane were awesome! They were knowledgeable, fun and friendly. We went as a family and took a 2 and 3 year old and they were entertained the entire time. And we got to see lots of dolphins!”
Steve_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 105 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 hours
On this Cocoa Beach dolphin cruise, you will explore the calm waterways and abundant wildlife of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.
You will choose your mode of transportation (kayak or paddle board) before floating off through charming mangrove forests in search of local wildlife.
You’ll likely observe wildlife such as manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and several bird species along the way.
Take in the peaceful coastal Florida scenery and relax on this intimate small group tour.
You can choose from several daily tour times to fit your schedule, and all tours are in English.
What’s Included with this tour?
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Kayak and paddle board equipment
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Lifejacket
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Drybags for cell phones and cameras
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professional photography (photos sent within 48 hours of tour)
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We were lucky to experience a lot of wildlife on our tour! Manatee, birds, alligator and a very active dolphin! Our guides were very knowledgeable and organized. We had a great time!”
Cara_P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- BK Adventure
This company is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 85 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Explore the Indian River near Cocoa Beach by kayak on this 2-hour, small group wildlife tour.
Departing at your chosen time in the afternoon to paddle through crystal clear waters.
You’ll spot many species of local wildlife and stunning lagoons along the way. Manatees are very abundant in these waters.
You’ll likely witness these curious gentle giants sunning themselves in the shallows of the groves or gliding past you in the waterways.
Keep your eye out for the playful bottlenose dolphin, too. These inquisitive mammals are known to make regular appearances!
Participants over the age of 8 are welcome, and the tour usually has a maximum of 10 travelers per tour.
Kayaking gear and light refreshments are included on this small-group tour.
What’s included with this tour?
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light refreshments
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kayaking gear (kayak, PFD, paddle)
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We were out for 2 hrs with our knowledgeable guide, Freedom. She took us to a cove full of manatees and explained all kinds of interesting facts about them, as well as Manatee safety and habitat. Also saw a few dolphins and many birds. Great trip and great guide.”
Teresa_M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 9 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
This small group tour will take you to a stunning wildlife refuge in Cocoa Beach at sunset.
You can choose between using a kayak or a stand-up paddle board to peacefully float through the mangroves with a professional guide.
You’ll see local wildlife including herons, egrets, manatees, and dolphins as you take in the beautiful Floridian sunset off the coast of the Kennedy Space Center.
Most travelers can partake in the tour, but those pregnant or with back injuries or other health problems are not advised to participate.
Lifejackets and dry bags are provided to keep your belongings safe.
What’s included with this tour?
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Kayak (paddle)
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Paddle board (paddle)
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Lifejacket
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Dry Bags
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We really enjoyed our tour guide Emilie, she was incredibly knowledgeable and down to earth. We saw a bunch of manatees, a pod of dolphins, and tons of fun shore birds. All in all a great experience!”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- SOBESURF INC
This tour is rated 5 Stars with over 85 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Paddle with manatees and dolphins near Merritt Island on this 2 hour tour in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve.
You can choose a low-impact stand-up paddleboard or a kayak which are both environmentally friendly and the best way to spot Florida’s wildlife.
You’ll also pass by the Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum & Military Museum and catch a free glimpse!
View manatees, dolphins, birds, and fish in their natural habitats as a professional guide takes you through the preserve safely.
This tour is suitable for all skill levels and ages, so if you’re new to paddle boarding or kayaking, it will still be a memorable time.
What’s included in the tour?
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All equipment needed
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All taxes, fees and handling charges
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Free parking
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Local guide
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Photos during tour
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Standup Paddle Instruction and coaching (if needed)
Here is what a past guest said about this tour:
“We had a wonderful experience – well organized, very friendly guide and the most amazing flora and fauna to explore. Would highly recommend!”
Megan_W ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Florida Adventurer – Bioluminescent Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars On Viator with over 4 Reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 1.5 Hours
This is one tour you won’t want to miss if searching for a dolphin cruise in Cocoa Beach!
Spend an afternoon paddling on the Indian River Lagoon on this one and a half hour sunset kayaking tour.
Keep your eyes open for plenty of local wildlife such as birds, dolphins, and possibly even manatees depending on the season.
Once the sun goes down, watch the water move and glow beneath you as it sparkles with bioluminescent plankton.
Throughout the tour, your guide will tell you all about the ecosystem, the wildlife, and the bioluminescent phenomenon!
This is the only bay in the continental United States where you can experience it!
All equipment and necessary instruction is given to participants.
What’s included on this tour?
- PFD’s (personal floatation device)
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kayak and paddle
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whistle
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flashlight
Here is what a past guest said about this tour:
“This is an experience you don’t want to miss. The sunset was breathtaking and there’s so much wildlife to see. The dolphins were fun to watch, and came so close you could almost touch them. The bioluminescent plankton was surreal to see once the sun went down. Dustin is a great tour guide, he’s very friendly and knowledgable about the ecosystem. The price was very reasonable as well. You won’t be disappointed!”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars On Viator with over 135 Reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
This incredible morning wildlife viewing tour will take you around Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on a kayak adventure.
Providing the kayak, paddle, and necessary professional instruction, you’ll paddle through the waterways in search of cuddly manatees and curious bottlenose dolphins.
During certain months of the year, manatees are more prevalent in these waters as they search for vegetation.
You’ll likely view many other native Florida wildlife including pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and even the occasional gator.
Tour guides ensure an eco-friendly experience for both humans and wildlife, taking extra precautions to not disturb, overwhelm, or interrupt the animals or the surrounding environment.
What’s included in the tour?
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2 hour kayak tour
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Professional guide
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Kayak
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Paddle
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PFD
Here is what a past guest said about this tour:
“Cary was a great guide! Very informative and entertaining! We saw manatees….some of us got close enough to pat them! We saw several dolphins, a few alligators, an osprey eating his catch, and many herons. They launch sight was easy to find. We were a group of active seniors and felt very safe. It was a very enjoyable experience and I would highly recommend this company!”
Patrcicia_S ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dolphin Tours In Cocoa Beach FAQ’s
Can You See Dolphins At Cocoa Beach?
Absolutely! There are plenty of spots throughout Cocoa Beach where you can see dolphins both from afar and up close and personal.
One of the best places to see them is Jetty Park.
From this thirty-five acre park, you can see entire pods of dolphins while enjoying a picnic, taking in a sunset, or walking the 1,200 foot fishing pier.
Another great spot to view them is Cocoa Beach Pier. This 800-foot long pier is home to restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and a tiki tavern.
Here, you can see plenty of dolphins feeding and playing, and may even get lucky and spot a whale or two!
Of course, the best way to view them is to get out on the water with one of the wonderful wildlife or dolphin cruises mentioned above!
What Is The Best Time Of Year To See Dolphins?
There’s no bad time to see dolphins in Florida! Due to the state’s constant warm air and sea temperatures, dolphins are active year-round.
However, dolphins are most active from sunrise until mid-morning when they are on the hunt for food.
What Is The Best Time To See Dolphins From The Beach?
You don’t have to be on a pier or a boat to catch a glimpse of a dolphin in Cocoa Beach.
In fact, you can view them right from the sand! There are plenty of signs that indicate dolphins are nearby.
Look for waves moving in the wrong direction, pelicans and seagulls circling above a particular spot, or odd splashes or bursts of water.
More obvious signs include dorsal fins appearing above the water, tail fin slaps, and full body jumps or “breaches” over the water.
The best beaches for dolphin viewing include Jetty Park Beach and Cocoa Beach.
How Long Does The Dolphin Cruise Last?
Dolphin cruises in Cocoa Beach typically last no more than two hours.
This will give you enough time to fully relax, take in the scenery, and spot wildlife.
If you’re short on time, some tours last an hour and a half and are perfectly fine, though you may not see as much wildlife, especially during certain months of the year.
What Should I Bring On The Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tour?
Never hit the water without your sunscreen. You’ll want at least SPF 30 to protect from the Florida sun.
Sun Bum Sun Screen
If you’re planning a boat cruise, quick drying beach towels are an essential item to pack. Unlike regular towels, quick drying beach towels are made from materials that dry quickly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet and heavy as the day goes on.
Quick Drying Beach Towel
Keep your phone dry and take beautiful pictures under water with a waterproof phone case.
Waterproof Phone Case
Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours!
Final Thoughts
Cocoa Beach is one of the best places in Florida to enjoy historic public beaches, boardwalks, piers, shops, and wildlife.
And when it comes to the latter part, Cocoa Beach is the perfect place to view dolphins in their natural habitat in any season.
If you’re visiting for a week or just a day, be sure to book one of the wildlife or dolphin cruise tours listed above to make the most of your time in Cocoa Beach.
You may be interested in these related posts:
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5 Best Clearwater Beach Sunset Cruises & Boat Tours
15 Best Beaches In Tampa, Florida! (2024)
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27 Best Things To Do In Clearwater Beach, Florida
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Booking a last-minute trip to Cocoa Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Hotels In Cocoa Beach
Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach – (Best-Rated Hotel Near Cocoa Beach)
Beachside Hotel And Suites – (Top Rated Beach Nearby Hotel)
Anthony’s On The Beach – (Best Budget Hotel In Cocoa Beach)
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach – (Resort With Private Beach Access)
Looking To Get Around In Cocoa Beach?
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