Merritt Island: Manatee Watching Paddle or Kayak Tour

Merritt Island, a natural oasis off the coast of Florida, beckons adventurers to explore its tranquil waterways. A guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour immerses visitors in the region’s diverse ecosystems, where they can spot captivating wildlife like manatees, dolphins, and bald eagles. This immersive experience allows guests to appreciate the beauty and ecological importance of the area while enjoying a peaceful paddling adventure. What secrets might these mangrove-lined canals and tidal creeks hold for those willing to venture forth?

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Kayak And Canoe Tours In Merritt Island.

Key Points

• A 2-hour guided kayak or SUP tour that allows visitors to discover the waterways around Merritt Island and spot wildlife like manatees, dolphins, ospreys, and bald eagles.
• Opportunity to paddle through mangrove-lined canals and observe diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and barrier islands.
• Chances to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, and ospreys in their natural habitats, as well as a variety of wading birds.
• Calm, protected waters for easy navigation and exploration, with a peaceful, leisurely pace to appreciate the natural wonders.
• Unique experience to paddle alongside manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles, and observe the beauty and diversity of Merritt Island’s coastal landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 2-hour guided kayak or SUP tour allows visitors to discover the waterways around Merritt Island and spot an array of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, ospreys, and bald eagles.

Guests will paddle down the beautiful waterways, getting an up-close experience with the area’s vibrant nature and wildlife. The tour promises sightings of dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, live conch, pelicans, mangroves, and more.

Kayaks and paddleboards are provided, and the tour leaves from and returns to a convenient location just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks.

While the tour is subject to weather conditions and requires a minimum number of travelers, it offers an immersive and memorable nature experience.

Discover Merritt Island

From the tranquil waterways of Merritt Island, guests embark on a journey to discover the diverse wildlife and lush natural surroundings of this unique destination. Paddling through the serene mangrove-lined canals, they may spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds, including bald eagles and ospreys. The island’s diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and barrier islands, provide a rich habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Merritt Island, gaining a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of this fragile coastal environment.

Ecosystem	Highlights
Salt Marshes	Lush vegetation, wading birds
Tidal Creeks	Manatee sightings, meandering channels
Barrier Islands	Coastal dunes, sea turtle nesting areas
Mangrove Forests	Sheltered waterways, diverse birdlife

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

On the Merritt Island tour, visitors can expect to see a variety of captivating wildlife. They may spot gentle manatees gliding through the calm waterways, playful dolphins leaping from the surface, and graceful sea turtles swimming nearby.

Overhead, bald eagles and ospreys soar, while a diverse array of wading birds inhabit the lush salt marshes. The diverse ecosystems of Merritt Island provide a rich habitat for an abundance of flora and fauna, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of this coastal environment.

The tour highlights include:

1. Spotting manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles in their natural habitats.
2. Observing a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys.
3. Exploring the diverse salt marshes and mangrove forests teeming with life.

Paddling the Waterways

Gently paddling through the serene waterways of Merritt Island, guests enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding environment.

Whether gliding along in a kayak or standing on a stand-up paddleboard, they’re treated to an up-close experience with the area’s diverse wildlife.

The calm, protected waters allow for easy navigation, enabling guests to explore hidden coves and mangrove tunnels.

As they propel themselves forward, they’re likely to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds like ospreys and bald eagles.

The peaceful, leisurely pace provides ample opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders that make Merritt Island such a unique destination.

More Great Tours Nearby

Experience With Nature

Guests truly enjoy the natural world during this tour, as they encounter an array of captivating wildlife along Merritt Island’s serene waterways.

The experience offers three distinct highlights:

1. Paddling alongside manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles, providing a rare up-close look at these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

2. Spotting a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and pelicans, as they soar overhead or perch along the mangrove-lined shores.

3. Discovering the vibrant ecosystem of the waterways, with the chance to observe live conch and other marine life thriving in the protected environment.

This immersive nature tour allows guests to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of Merritt Island’s coastal landscapes.

Logistical Details

The tour begins at the C74J+6C9 location on Merritt Island, with participants returning to the same meeting point after the 2-hour guided experience.

From $51.24 per person, the tour includes kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, as well as gratuity. Reservations can be made in advance, with guests paying later.

The tour is subject to weather conditions, and a minimum number of travelers is required.

Conveniently located just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks, this experience offers a chance to explore the beautiful waterways of Merritt Island and spot an abundance of local wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and more.

What to Expect

Paddlers can expect a leisurely, guided journey through the serene waterways of Merritt Island, offering a chance to observe an array of native wildlife in their natural habitats.

The tour highlights include:

1. Spotting manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of birds, such as ospreys and bald eagles, as they go about their daily activities.
2. Exploring the lush mangrove forests and witnessing the unique ecosystem that thrives in these protected waterways.
3. Getting up close and personal with the diverse marine life, including live conch and other fascinating creatures.

Paddlers will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Merritt Island, creating lasting memories of their up-close encounter with the region’s vibrant wildlife.

Reservation Information

One can reserve the Manatee Watching Paddle or Kayak Tour through the tour provider’s website, with the option to pay later.

The meeting point is at C74J+6C9 in Merritt Island, and you will return to the same location after the 2-hour guided tour.

The tour costs $51.24 per person, and a minimum number of travelers is required.

The tour is subject to weather conditions, so it’s best to check the forecast before booking.

Visitors can conveniently access the tour location, which is just 45 minutes from the Orlando Theme Parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Kayak or Sup?

Customers can generally bring their own kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for the tour, but should check with the tour operator first. Some tours may have restrictions or require the use of their provided equipment.

Is Prior Paddling Experience Required?

No prior paddling experience is required for this tour. The guides provide thorough instructions and assist participants throughout the journey, ensuring an enjoyable and safe experience for those new to kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Are Life Jackets Provided?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all participants on the tour. The tour company ensures the safety of its guests by furnishing the necessary personal floatation devices.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the tour for safety and environmental reasons. The tour experience is designed specifically for human participants to enjoy the natural surroundings without disturbance. Guests should leave their pets at home.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

If the weather is inclement, the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund. The tour operator closely monitors weather conditions and will make the decision to cancel as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

Recap

Merritt Island’s guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour offers a unique chance to take in the region’s tranquil waterways and abundant wildlife.

Visitors can spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and various birds as they paddle through mangrove-lined canals and salt marshes, appreciating the ecological significance of this coastal ecosystem.

This peaceful and informative experience allows guests to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of Merritt Island’s remarkable natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: