Wild Side Tours
Wild Side Tours
5
Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
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8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
A unique two-hour eco nature boat tour with stunning views of wildlife in their natural habitat. Cruise through the channels of the beautiful Thousand Islands Nature Preserve of Cocoa Beach and the Banana River Lagoon. Educational, informative and fun presentations as we spot manatees, dolphins, numerous varieties of birds, and so much more! Our 28-passenger catamaran, with open seating and coverage to provide shade allows for a more personal and interactive experience. Daily tours RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Private charters for birthday parties, reunions company off time or you name it.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(47 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
466 reviews
Excellent
429
Very good
23
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Ron R
118 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We were confused when we arrived at the designated pick up spot??? We wouldn’t have been if we read the email that Wild Side Tours sent us when we made our reservation! We were looking for a building or a sign, but the pick up location is in a small park at the edge of the water, Thousand Island Park… clearly laid out in the email I didn’t read!
The boat is a very stable, quiet, and comfortable deck style boat. Our Captain and tour guide (owner) we’re both so nice and friendly, and very knowledgeable about the birds we were about to see.
We were fortunate enough to find a Great Blue Herron nest with mama and babies, the captain even pulled the boat up and back so everyone could get a clear view of the nest.
The dolphins seemed to really enjoy our company as they returned to the boat over and over.
We did get to see one Manatee in the bay, he wasn’t as cooperative as the dolphins though, a thrill for us Texans anyway.
I highly recommend you take a ride on the Wild Side… you will be pleased.
The boat is a very stable, quiet, and comfortable deck style boat. Our Captain and tour guide (owner) we’re both so nice and friendly, and very knowledgeable about the birds we were about to see.
We were fortunate enough to find a Great Blue Herron nest with mama and babies, the captain even pulled the boat up and back so everyone could get a clear view of the nest.
The dolphins seemed to really enjoy our company as they returned to the boat over and over.
We did get to see one Manatee in the bay, he wasn’t as cooperative as the dolphins though, a thrill for us Texans anyway.
I highly recommend you take a ride on the Wild Side… you will be pleased.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to send this review. I was great spending time with you on the tour. I hope you captured some good photos. We love your appreciation of nature.
Written May 27, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cecelia M
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Friends
Just took this super-pleasant tour on Saturday. Beautiful weather, lots of dolphins, great birding--all around great day.Boat captain was even keeping an eye on the weather to recommend the best day! Highly recommend.
Written January 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathswyz
Davison, MI3 contributions
Sep 2021
We had a family reunion in Cocoa Beach a couple of weeks ago and after taking the Wild Side Tour back in March, we decided to charter the whole boat for our family. It was the best trip of the week. Speedy and Sean were amazing tour guides and the kids in our group really connected with Speedy. We saw lots of wildlife and the kids still talk about it We would recommend this trip to everyone.
(and our son Alex had some major competition with Speedy's corny jokes--great time)
(and our son Alex had some major competition with Speedy's corny jokes--great time)
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris G
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Anyone visiting Cocoa Beach must do this trip. Tanya and Speedy where great hosts with excellent knowledge of the flora and fauna along the Banana River. We were very fortunate to see many manatees and dolphins as well as other native lagoon species. The boat was very stable, easy to access and provided great shade for the 2 hour trip. The knowledge of the guides made this very enjoyable and we felt very relaxed the while time on the water. Parking was easy to access the dock and was free.
Highly recommend this tour. Our family enjoyed our experience.
Highly recommend this tour. Our family enjoyed our experience.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thurm h
1 contribution
Nov 2021
Excellent wildlife tour. Our captain and mate were knowledgeable, and happy to share that knowledge, exactly as we hoped. We saw local birds and land mammals, and the dolphins played with us for much of the tour. Our boat was comfortable, quiet and stable, the perfect vehicle for this outing. I accidentally left my phone on the boat, and they very kindly communicated with me when they found it, and arraigned to get it back to me. Five stars only because more is not an option! :)
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claude L
Cocoa Beach, FL16 contributions
Jun 2022
Had a great time on our Wild Side Tour. The captain and guide were excellent, The guide was very attentive and kind to all guests, including my 3 year old granddaughter. Plenty of corny jokes interspersed with information about the tour area, Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach. The guide was knowledgeable about the locale, wild life and water ways. The boat is spacious, covered and very stable This was our second time taking the tour, having done so earlier this year (February 2022) and plan to do so again the next time family or friends come to visit.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
March Wren
Melbourne, FL4 contributions
Jul 2022
Took 13 young children on this tour and the tour operators were simply amazing. They helped the kids spot animals, kept them busy with silly jokes and fun facts, let them touch small items from the lagoon (like shells), and even let the kids who were hot borrow cool neck towels. We saw manatees, dolphins (who came right up to the boat), stingrays on the bottom, many birds, fish, and even a sandbar shark! Cannot WAIT to do this again - thanks WildSide!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heather B
25 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Tour guides were very knowledgeable about the birds, plants, trees, and the area in general. We saw dolphins and manatee as well. The trip as great. I would highly reccomend this to anyone. Seats are comfortable and drinks and binoculars are offered to see the wildlife more clearly. They even stopped and allowed us time to see a rocket being sent off. Tips are greatly appreciated and I would recommend as I am sure other tours aren't as personable as this one, as this tour only allows up to 26 people. Definitely go on this tour if you are in the area!
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tommaruna
Manasota Key, FL13 contributions
Nov 2021
We had a fabulous adventure with Speedy and the Captain. We saw more dolphins than you could count ! The dolphins were playing with the boat, swimming underneath and around the boat. It was far better than Sea World ! Speedy was very knowledgeable, as well as entertaining. I was impressed with how well Speedy interacted with the child that was on-board.
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sctraveler15
Santee, SC117 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Really fun and informative tour of the Banana River! Speedy and Rusty were great tour guides with good blend of humor and info about the wildlife and area, sharing a great appreciation for natural beauty of the area. We were amazingly fortunate to see many manatees and dolphins up very close during our 2 hour tour, along with various species of birds. We even saw a dolphin catch a fish right beside the boat! Quite a show! I would rate this tour a 10 if I could. I highly recommend it!
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How much for 3 adults and 1 child?
Autumn Hernandez
Nanticoke, PA4 contributions
35 per adult and 25 per child
Dorothy C
Panama City Beach, FL9 contributions
My sister-in-law is disabled and is on a scooter. Will she be able to get on the boat for the tour?
natureone1
Cocoa Beach, FL12 contributions
We can get a manual wheelchair aboard. However electric and scooters are too heavy and hard to maneuver. There is also one small step on the dock.
Krysten R
2 contributions
I have a 1 1/2 year old. Would I need to pay the children's price for her?
natureone1
Cocoa Beach, FL12 contributions
Yes
Addie D
Omaha, NE3 contributions
What is the charge?
Manitobans
Winnipeg, Canada188 contributions
$35 for an adult $30 for a senior and $25 for children. Well worth the price to see manatees up close.
cecilialuisa
Kansas City, Missouri
Hi there: I'm in a lightweight, sports wheelchair. Is your boat wheelchair accessible? Your tour sounds great and my husband and I would love to participate. Merry Christmas!
Manitobans
Winnipeg, Canada188 contributions
I have a picture of the boat used by the tour company and it appears that it is wheelchair accessible. I can't find a way to send you the picture. It is always a good idea to check with the operator though just to make sure.
I have reservations for my family already made. My question is this: You require a 24 hour check-in for the tour, but I will be flying into Orlando from CA at that time. How do you want me to check in? Can I do it on Saturday for a Monday Boat Tour?
natureone1
Cocoa Beach, FL12 contributions
Yes or just call Monday
Nickonotc
Cleveland, OH1 contribution
Do they run the tour in November?
natureone1
Cocoa Beach, FL12 contributions
Yes
How long is this tour? Is there a better time of day to take it to view the manatees? How far in advance should we make reservations and how do we do that?
Laura B
Bastrop, TX1 contribution
We made reservations the day before our tour and the tour lasted about 2 hours give or take. You would have to ask Wildtours about when the best time is to see the Manatees. It was a fantastic tour. We got to see so many Manatee and the Dolphins just wanted to swim next to our boat so we got some fantastic photos.