Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Looking for the best Cocoa Beach Kayak Tours? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, we’ll cover all the top-rated kayak tours in Cocoa Beach, including sunset excursions, bioluminescence kayaking, and incredible wildlife adventures.
Discover your favorite tour and plan for a day of excitement on Florida’s Space Coast. On these tours, kayak through the beautiful mangroves where it’s very possible to see manatees, dolphins, and more!
Let’s jump right in.
Top Choice √ Best Cocoa Beach Kayak Tour
Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/ Cocoa Kayaking
7 Best Kayak Tours In Cocoa Beach!
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 377 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2.5 Hours
Explore the mystical beauty of Cocoa Beach’s waterways on this Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour.
Nothing beats paddling through tranquil waters and the lush greenery of a mangrove tunnel.
Keep an eye out for Bottlenose Dolphins, West Indian Manatees, and endemic birds.
This tour provider keeps the groups to ten people or less, ensuring the best experience for everyone.
Your guide will keep you safe, share intriguing information, and take photos for you to take home and show your family and friends.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayaks
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Paddles
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Lifejackets
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Photos
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Guide James was great! We had a great time and saw a bunch of different wildlife in the area. The mangrove tunnels are enchanting.“
Evelyn_T ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 585 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Experience one of Cocoa Beach’s most magical phenomena on this top-rated Bioluminescence Kayak Tour.
Enter the diverse world of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for an incredible nighttime adventure.
You’ll paddle across a dark lagoon, keeping an eye out for dolphins.
As you travel over the black waters, they’ll light up all around you like phosphorescent fireflies.
Comb jellies glow beneath you, fish dart by like blue-green comets, and manatees move slowly through the waters.
What’s included in this 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’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We had an awesome time. I can’t say enough about our tour. Our tour guide, Chili, was great. He was very informative and patient with us. They also accommodated us on a different launching site closer to where we were located. We are very grateful for that. I would definitely use this company again. We are so happy with our experience.”
Lisa_D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 136 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Paddle among dolphins and manatees on this Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak Tour.
You’ll explore mangrove forests, paddle along the Indian River, and enter Mosquito Lagoon.
As you go, keep an eye out for marine life and birds. Admire the beautiful scenery and the tranquility of your paddle dipping in and out of the water.
Since this is a small-group tour, you’re ensured personalized attention from your guide.
Finish off with an incredible sunset seen from the water.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak
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Lifejacket
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Paddle
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Dry Bags
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Jen and Megan were AMAZING!! We came from Iowa and didn’t know anything about the area and what kind of wildlife there was and they were so knowledgeable and gave us a lot of interesting information. We were surrounded by manatees and one of them even pushed our kayak around! We also got to see a family of dolphins up close! We will definitely be back for the bioluminescence tour and ask for Jen and Megan it was the best part of our vacation!”
Austin_U ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Fin Expeditions
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 115 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Sunsets, manatees, and dolphins await on this Mangrove Tunnels, Manatee, and Dolphin Sunset Kayak Tour with Fin Expeditions.
Keep an eye out for wildlife and marine mammals while you paddle through an intricate maze of mangrove tunnels.
The thick mesh of branches and greenery make this a tranquil and remarkable experience.
As you go, you’ll learn about the ecosystem from your entertaining, friendly, and knowledgeable guide.
No worries if you haven’t kayaked before, this tour includes an intro lesson.
What’s included in this tour:
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A high-quality tandem kayak
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Complimentary photos of your experience are included
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Free Parking
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Comfortable high-back seats
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Life jackets
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Paddles
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Awesome guide! Saw dolphins fishing, tree crabs, tarpon, jumping fish, and tons of birds. Loved learning about the mangrove growth even. Thank you!”
Gabrielle_G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- A Day Away Kayak Tours
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 167 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Spend a morning floating gently along the waters of Cocoa Beach and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Manatees are super friendly herbivores and they love to scratch their backs on the bottom of the kayaks, nuzzle, grip, or even cuddle the watercraft. How cool does that sound?
Next, you’ll venture in search of local dolphin pods. You’re also likely to observe other wildlife as well, including osprey, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, and possibly even an alligator.
Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with an in-depth commentary about the animals and their environment.
What’s included in this 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’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“Chaz was a great tour guide and the experience was amazing. Being that close to the manatee was really neat. The tour is not strenuous and was easy for everyone in our group. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Do this tour you won’t be disappointed!”
Marty_H ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 14 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2 Hours
Wild animals and a gorgeous sunset combine into one magical evening on this Wildlife Refuge Sunset Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak, or Paddleboarding Tour.
Hop or step aboard the water vessel of your choice: a kayak or a paddleboard, then head out on a scenic tour.
Paddle through a mangrove forest, keeping an eye out for playful dolphins and friendly manatees.
While you go, your guide will share insights into the ecosystem and take pictures of you to keep as mementos.
Small-group sizes ensure the best experience.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak
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Lifejacket
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Paddle
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Dry Bags
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“We had an amazing time there, our guide Noah is the best! We saw a couple alligators, a lot of herons, dolphins cruising with ducks hanging to them, and many kinds of mangroves. Awesome experience!”
A Tripadvisor Reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit- Cocoa Kayaking
This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 10 reviews!
Tour length- Approximately 2.5 Hours
Get up close and personal with the spectacular natural world surrounding Cocoa Beach on this Thousand Islands Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour.
Join your guide and a small group of other travelers on a fun and scenic adventure.
Explore an exotic maze created by the twisting trunks and branches of mangrove trees.
Keep an eye out for manatees, jellyfish, and dolphins, and learn interesting information from your guide.
What’s included in this tour:
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Kayak
-
Lifejacket
-
Paddle
-
Dry Bags
Here’s what a past guest said about this tour:
“James was such an amazing tour guide! He made sure we all got to experience everything this tour had to offer, plus a good amount of laughs. If you’re wanting to look for some wildlife with fun people, I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Amelia_D ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cocoa Beach Kayak Tours FAQs
What Time Of The Year Has Bioluminescence In Cocoa Beach?
Bioluminescence occurs in Cocoa Beach throughout the year. Between June and September, you can see bioluminescence created by tiny dinoflagellate plankton.
In the winter months, comb jellies put on a glowing bioluminescent show beneath the waters.
During certain months you can see both dinoflagellate plankton and comb jellies. The result is truly spectacular.
How Do You Find Bioluminescence In Cocoa Beach?
Although it’s possible to see bioluminescence every night in Cocoa Beach, the best times to go are shortly before, during, or shortly after a new moon.
This way the night is darker and you’ll be able to see the bioluminescence more clearly.
The best places for seeing bioluminescence at Cocoa Beach include the Indian River, the Indian River Lagoon, and the Banana River.
Why Does The Water Glow In Cocoa Beach?
The water at Cocoa Beach glows due to the presence of either dinoflagellate plankton and/or comb jellies.
Both kinds of marine life emit glowing light. The light is caused by an internal chemical reaction that is released as energy.
Dinoflagellates produce a sparkling blue-green light that is often triggered by movement.
This includes the swirl of your paddle, fish dashing through the water, or manatees swimming gracefully beneath the surface.
Final Thoughts: Cocoa Beach Kayak Tours
There are few better ways to enjoy Cocoa Beach than by heading out on the water on a kayak.
Paddle quietly through mangrove tunnels, tranquil rivers, and scenic lagoons.
Spot wildlife ranging from dolphins and manatees to osprey, pelicans, comb jellies, and horseshoe crabs.
Learn about the ecosystem from your entertaining and knowledgeable guides.
No matter which of these Cocoa Beach Kayak Tours you choose, you’re certain to make memories to last a lifetime.
You may be interested in these related posts:
7 Best Dolphin Tours In Marco Island For 2024!
5 Best Dolphin Cruises In Fort Myers!
5 Best Public Beaches In Marco Island (And Nearby)!
15+ Awesome Things To Do In Naples & Southwest 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 – (Perfect For Solo Travelers & Couples)
Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach-Oceanfront – (Beachfront And Poolside View)
Courtyard By Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral – (Top-Rated Nearby Beach)
Anthony’s On The Beach – (Top-Rated Budget Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Cocoa Beach?
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