Immerse yourself in the wildlife and natural environment of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on this kayak adventure. With the provided kayak, paddle, and instruction, paddle through the waterways where the manatees float about, looking for vegetation to eat. Then search for local pods of dolphins as well as bird and other marine life. Learn about the ecosystem as you travel through your guide's in-depth commentary.

Kayak tour with a guide through Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
See manatees and dolphins in their natural environment
Use of kayak, paddle, and lifejacket
Learn about the ecosystem and local fauna through guided commentary

What's Included

2 hour kayak tour
Professional guide
Kayak
Paddle
PFD

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Haulover Canal Launch Site
Haulover Canal, Mims, FL 32754, USA

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
What to bring:
Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet. Towel (left in car)
Water Shoes – sandals or Crocs that can be worn in the water
Bring an extra change of clothes just in case
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Camera & Dry bag (optional) These are fairly useless to capture bioluminescence, but great for capturing people.
Bottled water, Snacks
Any special personal paddling gear if you like
You may bring a flashlight, though we will provide a safety light.
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 42 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Kylie_P

We had an excellent time with our guide Chaz. The trip was relaxing, yet exciting. We learned so much. Our kids 8 & 5 enjoyed it just as much as us!

Reviews

5.0

197 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 197 reviews

Amazing way to connect with nature

Jordann_R, Apr 2024

Chas was awesome and provided so much insight on our tour. We were able to see several manatees, a gator and even dolphins playing. Highly recommend this experience!

Martin

Martin_C, Apr 2024

Trip was great! Chaz gave us a quick lesson on kayaking and then spent the rest of the time paddling a couple of areas. We saw 15+ manatees that came right up to the kayaks - amazing experience. We found 1 decent size gator and chased a pod of dolphins. Highly recommend!!!

Great experience!

James_C, Feb 2024

The experience was great! The guide Chaz was awesome! His knowledge and personality totally made the kayaking a great experience!

We had an excellent time...

Kylie_P, Feb 2024

We had an excellent time with our guide Chaz. The trip was relaxing, yet exciting. We learned so much. Our kids 8 & 5 enjoyed it just as much as us!

Nature

Kimberly_M, Oct 2023

It was so awesome. If you a nature lover do it! I actually enjoyed it more than Mickey. Our guide was great. He was very informative. I felt safe the entire time.

Awesome

Patty_B, Oct 2023

We loved the experience. The manatee were incredible. We even saw som dolphins. Our guide was great and was very knowledgeable.

Amazing

Kirsy_C, Sep 2023

I love it!!! It was so amazing experience, we got to see manatees and dolphins. I highly recommend it

Definitely Book This!

CIndy_R, Sep 2023

EXCELLENT GUIDE! He was calm, cool, & collected.. Even when we saw an alligator! Do Not Hesitate to Book with Him! He has a LOT of experience! Also, He is very knowledgeable about the foliage and wildlife there. Definitely Worth It! Don't hesitate to book!😊

Tour was a lot of fun and...

Mill_M, Aug 2023

Tour was a lot of fun and there were many manatees, one who gently pushed our kayak around. Saw ospreys, dolphins including a baby, and one gator who was scared of us.

Great tour! Lots of manatees!

Amber_C, Aug 2023

Really enjoyed our guide, very down to earth. And seriously, we saw so many manatees! And even a few dolphins in the distance! Good length of time too! Be sure to bring water and wear pants or wear lots of sunscreen. I have a sit-in so I wasn’t prepared for my legs to be out with the sit-ons. Overall really enjoyed ourselves!

AMAZING Experience!

Gordon_H, Jun 2023

Carey was very personable and his knowledge was extensive, and seeing groups of manatees up-close was amazing! I highly recommend!

Lots of manatees, few dolphins, and plenty of other wildlife to see!

Brian_W, Jun 2023

Chaz was a great guide and entertaining! Lots of info and great experience for our family. Highly recommend.

Fun experience

Jeremy_W, Jun 2023

Seeing the manatee up close! The dolphins were neat to watch but they were not as close. The guide was knowledgeable abs personable.

Manatee for you to see

Marty_H, Jun 2023

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!

beautiful kayaking trip

Aaron_D, May 2023

Birds, Dolphins, Manatees, on a beautiful day in a beautiful place. Guide was great-we tried to watch a rocket launch ( the guide got us to a great viewing location) but the launch was postponed.

So much fun!

Tori_K, May 2023

Chaz was awesome! Very knowledgeable! We had the best time! Dolphins and the manatees! It was a very cool experience!

Awesome time

Mary_M, May 2023

Our guide was Carey. My 12-year-old son and I had the best time. Carey kept us laughing and gave great information on all the wildlife and trees. I felt very safe on tour the whole time. My son was all smiles. Those manatee are HUGE!

Great experience with my grandson.

Anne_C, Apr 2023

This was so much fun for me, a 68 yr old grandma, and my 12 yr old grandson. We saw herons, flamingos, turkey buzzards, pelicans, jellyfish, a sting ray, dolphins and, the highlight was the manatees that swam right up to our kayak. Kudos to Carl, our guide from “ A Day Away” tours. It was a great experience.

Don’t think twice, do it!

Tara_W, Apr 2023

This was such a beautiful experience. To see the manatees up close like that almost had me in tears. Beautiful animals. Great tour guide.

It was absolutely...

Rebecca_B, Apr 2023

It was absolutely beautiful my family enjoyed this adventure the tour guides went above and beyond the wildlife was everywhere we saw manatees ,wild dolphins, cranes and a alligator the manatees were so close you could reach out and touch them what a nice back to nature experience

From $55.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Manatee and Dolphin Kayaking Encounter

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What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

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End point

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Additional Info

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