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Cape Canaveral Tours
Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour
4.5

Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour

By A1a Outdoor Center
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 6-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 1–3 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More


  • Accommodation as per itinerary
  • Park Fees, Launch Fees
What's not included
  • Starter Guide Gratuities (recommended)
  • Guide Service on the water
  • Kayak or paddling lessons


Start:
  • A1A Beach Rentals & Outdoor Center, 6811 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, USA
    Meet at our shop for check in, then follow us to the kayaking location. This is 5-10 minutes by car from our shop. If you are travelling by taxi, Uber, Lyft, by bicycle, or walking, we need to make arrangement to get you to the kayak launch site, so please call us to determine the best solution.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 27365P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • Expect to get wet from the waist down.
    • Consider keeping essential items dry.
    • Sunscreen, hats, bugspray, and hydration are all suggested but not required by us. We sell these at our store.
    • This tour is not a "guided" tour. Lessons are not provided. You are expected to have a working knowldedge of flat water paddling. If you want a guide or instructions please return to our main page and choose a guided tour.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 27365P1

    From
    $55.00
    per adult
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 6811 N Atlantic Ave, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, USA
      Meet at our shop for check in, then follow us to the kayaking location. This is 5-10 minutes by car from our shop. If you are travelling by taxi, Uber, Lyft, by bicycle, or walking, we need to make arrangement to get you to the kayak launch site, so please call us to determine the best solution.
    • 1
    • 2
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • A1a Outdoor Center
      167
      Cape Canaveral, Florida
      Joined in February 2012
    • harveyster83
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dont waste the money on the guided tour.
      just rent kayaks and go explore the water by yourself. dont waste money on the guided tour. few reasons for the 2 star review #1 i was told it will be a private kayaking tour for our group of 8 people - tuned out to be a tour for group of 15. very upsetting since when i was booking i specifically asked and didnt want to be a part of a large tourist group. Guide had no explanation and didnt care much about it , told me to call the office and figure it out. office staff was apologetic but didnt offer any compensation or solution. #2 our guide just wanted to be done - we were the second LARGE group of the day and she was tired. we were exceptionally large group and she mentioned that herself multiple times. She just kept pushing everyone to paddle along and get the "route" done. #3 our guide blatantly gave wrong information out - anything to keep us moving along. ex: we saw manatees instead of giving the group time to enjoy these creatures she pushed most of the group to the island with some birds. when i inquired why she said she didnt want to disturb the manatees because of "MATING SEASON" its the very END of November there is not the mating in November. She just wanted to be done. in the end we did not get to enjoy the company of the manatees. we also finished in about 1h30 min most of which time we spent paddling along in a super large flotilla.... at the end i asked if we could rent the kayaks for 20-30 min to paddle and she said NO. very disappointing wasted time.
      Written December 2, 2024
    • lpk0824
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      No experience required!!!
      We had such a great time! My friend had never kayaked and they were so patient. They showed us jelly fish and we got to hold them while they were lighting up in our hands! The water droplets looked like diamonds on our hands. Every stroke of the paddle lit up the water. Our tour guides were extremely knowledgeable about the birds on the island, they explained bioluminescence and showed us how to see it with a net, hands, and look for jumping fish lighting up the water. We had a dolphin come up right next to us and saw others a few feet away. Must do — experience is not required!!!
      Written July 7, 2024
    • garagegymmom
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bioluminescence Night Kayaking
      We booked this kayaking tour based on a recommendation from our rental company. Mark and Eric took our family of 6 (3 couples) out right at sunset. First, Mark and Eric are delightful. Both had a lot of knowledge about the area, the animals, river etc. They were very patient with us as we got our bearings kayaking. The sunset was so amazing and we did get to see the bio in the water. That was such a cool experience. The comb jellies were neat and watching the fish dart around us like fireworks was something we had not experienced before. Even our paddles glowed blue when in the water. I would definitely do this again if we are back in Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach. It was a beautiful night.
      Written July 1, 2024
    • kirstenhN9366PM
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best Rental Company Out There!!!
      The whole crew at A1A were so good to work with! They made it easy to set up surprise surf lessons for my son and his friend. They allowed us to rent to boards even after the lesson. They were decently priced, so we were able to go a second day as well. Will definitely rent from them again when we are back!
      Written March 15, 2024
    • Navigator44377910409
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best for the Best Bike shop Beach rental place ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      If you're not using A1A Outdoors serving Cocoa Beach for outdoor fun and biking needs. You are doing it wrong! It would help if you went there; you will find out there are miles above anyone else....... No one else is even close. You will be impressed! Dave and Shay run one of the best shops for outdoor fun anywhere in the US. The entire staff is incredible. The Bike Shop Engineers are the best in the state; if you ever have an issue, they're all over it. Their willingness and professionalism to help you with anything you might need. My Soul electric bike is the most remarkable invention since sliced bread. If you haven't tried an electric bike, you need to. You'll be amazed at how much fun it is and get back into biking. You'll say, why didn't I try this before? They are experts in the field; they know what they're talking about. They are true bike lovers and beach fun lovers. Please stop by. You'll be amazed. 10 Star Reiew out of a 5 star scale.
      Written November 15, 2023
    • Sherpa01729926947
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      E-bike ride
      Our your guide, Dakota, was great! It was our fist time on e-bikes and we found we love them. The ride is mostly on sidewalks around the city, not the beach or water, so need to be comfortable with this type of riding.
      Written October 17, 2023
    • JAE100993
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      unexpected gem!
      Amazing tour! Highly recommend going on E bike tour with Shea! you’ll want to move there! Worth every penny
      Written August 14, 2023
    • Cruiser12643159550
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great place Tour so so
      The place was great, the staff was friendly nice and helpful. If we were only renting please use them. However the tour wasn’t that good. It was open ocean channel where I thought it would be inlet. We did see dolphins at a distance but wished we would of gone into Merritt island tour.
      Written August 4, 2023
    • robb186
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Experience
      Most of our family had no experience with Kayaking and it was still a great experience. Our two guides were amazing and gave a great tour of what we were seeing and explaining the bioluminescent plankton. The weather was a bit sketchy but calmed down quickly and we had a blast. Highly recommend the tour. When you see the fish swimming in the Bioluminescence, it will amaze you.
      Written July 8, 2023
    • OnAir62519336677
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great surf rental!
      Awesome shop! Staff was really helpful sizing surfboards and had a great recommendation for a spot to surf near restrooms. Would totally recommend!
      Written June 30, 2023
    • Barb M
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun Time!
      Very knowledgeable guide and super friendly. Beautiful mangrove and plus we were able to watch a shuttle launch from the water
      Written June 23, 2023
    • susanhI4214YE
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bioluminescent amazement
      Amazing to see! Guide was very helpful in pointing out spots & wildlife prior to sunset when bioluminescence stole the show
      Written June 21, 2023
    • Mark F
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Better prices and great experience here!
      There are lots of large retail and rental outlets in Cocoa Beach, but A1A was a better experience. I found better prices and service at A1A rentals than any other I called. They have everything you could need for a fun stay, like a rolling table and beach chair kit, and a high-end road bike that any cyclist would love. They deliver, and the staff are all extremely helpful.
      Written June 4, 2023
    • OnAir02610362564
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent equipment
      The two ladies were so friendly and helped us load the beach chairs. It also came with a cart which also turned into a table. Easy set up. Excellent price. Had until 9:00pm to return equipment. The only bad thing that happened was that it was a cloudy windy day so we didn’t keep it until 9:00. We pulled in at about 2 minutes to 5:00 and was going to put it where they told us to. The ladies came out looking frustrated with us. We thanked them for the rentals and she said well we are trying to leave for the day but now we can’t. (So sorry for the inconvenience I have caused you). That was a bit disappointing because they were so nice and helpful in the morning. Overall I would rent from them again but take everything back after they were closed.
      Written April 1, 2023
    • seemore2020
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Bike rental
      Got an awesome beach cruiser from them- delivered to my hotel! Beautiful bike- bike lock and lights.
      Written February 25, 2023
    See all 167 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles8 reviews
    Excellent
    6
    Very good
    1
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    Lady Nomad
    Bradenton, FL9 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I highly recommend launching at Mullet Road. I did a solo rental. I had asked if I would see manatees because there was a small sanctuary park not far, but my guide said they don’t see many. OK, I wasn’t expecting manatees. So, when one came up for air only about 8’ away from my kayak, it startled me, but then I was thrilled! I wasn’t paddling at that moment, so he was probably just curious and came up to see what I was. I saw dolphins not too far away, NASA’s VAB, a couple of cruise ships in port and the the old lock system. That was all before I was even a mile out! On my return, there were 2 dolphins literally frolicking in the cove where I departed and retuned. I admit I was too busy fighting the wind to take a lot of pics, but totally worth it!!
    The only reason this didn’t get a full five stars was the equipment. If you have lower back issues, the back support is hard and attached to the kayak, and no seat. I sat on my life jacket and it helped a bit, but after three lower back surgeries and almost five miles of paddling, I was definitely feeling it. I recommend just bringing a couple of folded beach towels and drape them over the back support and the seat. If you don’t have these issues, I’m jealous and you’ll be just fine. The guides were very nice and friendly. I will definitely be renting from them on our next trip over! 🤗
    Written August 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much for your detailed review and for sharing your adventure with us! We're thrilled that you had such an exciting experience, especially with that surprise manatee encounter and seeing dolphins, NASA’s VAB, and other sights along the way. It sounds like a memorable day on the water! We appreciate your feedback regarding the equipment. We're sorry to hear that the back support was uncomfortable, especially given your previous surgeries. Your suggestion to bring extra padding is a great tip for others who might have similar concerns. We'll certainly take your comments into account as we strive to improve our equipment for all our guests. We're glad to hear that despite this, you enjoyed your time and plan to rent from us again. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip!
    Written August 21, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Lisa & friends
    Stamford5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022 • Friends
    We went out with guide Frank in the Banana River to see bioluminescence. We saw that and a whole lot more! Frank was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He took us to very dark areas where the bioluminescence was clear to see. We stepped onto bird island and saw so many darting fish, a horseshoe crab, and many birds. It was a very memorable kayak trip.
    Written August 4, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Hector
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2021 • Family
    Excellent service and experience. Will definitely use their service again to tour the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands mangroves.
    Written January 16, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Joey Venetia
    1 contribution
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Family
    My family had 2 days of rentals lined up and when we get to Cocoa Beach and we call and this guy Dave answered very rudely, and lost are appointment. My children were so disappointed, Dave next time you swear at people on the phone,think about how PATHETIC you are. And remember there are reviews now!!
    Written April 10, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Dawn B
    Richmond, MI5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Friends
    It was remarkable to see the manatees and dolphins in the natural environment. Well, we did go out on a day that wasn’t ideal. It was worse seen all the birds and the aquatic animals. I would highly recommend.
    Written November 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kane E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2021 • Couples
    Saw a some dolphins, a few horseshoe crabs, and watched a few birds catch some fish. Daven was really nice. Great price. Definitely recommend
    Written April 7, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Presley C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2021 • Friends
    Driver Dave was super friendly. We appreciated his experience and help! We had a great conversation with him before setting out to the ocean.
    Written March 30, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    B-ritt
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2020 • Family
    I'm a Cocoa Beach local & A1A helped my family & I out with a tandem kayak rental when we were short one. They were able to fill our request last minute and we had an awesome day on the Banana River thanks to them! Will be back.
    Written March 22, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour provided by A1a Outdoor Center

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