Cocoa Beach Kayaking
guided nature tours
Allow us to guide you on a unique and personal tour through the pristine Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach. Paddle at a leisurely pace through a mangrove estuary located in the famous Indian River Lagoon, one of the most diverse eco systems in the United States, home of the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins, the endangered Florida manatee, and the incomparble Florida bird life. You will truly enjoy exploring this incredible gift of nature in a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere.
We furnish stable touring kayaks with plenty of comfort and support.
Please join us in learning more about our very special environment and all of the amazing creatures that inhabit it. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!
Our tours are available 6 days a week, last 2-2 1/2 hours depending on what we see, and are all- inclusive...all you need is a camera and a snack! We provide:
* KAYAK * PADDLES * LIFE VESTS * HATS * TOWELS * POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
* 50 SPF SUN BLOCK * BOTTLED WATER * INSULATED DRINK HOLDERS
Kathleen & Pushy
VIEW TOUR VIDEO
REVIEWS :
meet the owner
Hello, my name is Kathleen Bennett. I am a manatee behavioral specialist and an educator who has been blessed to do world wide education on this very diverse eco system and it's inhabitants since 1998. I have had extensive hands-on experience teaching about and discussing the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphin, the endangered Florida manatee, the incredible Florida bird life, as well as the mangroves and plants that surround us on our tours, including the history of the Indian River Lagoon.
I have completed my studies to become a marine mammal medic and for 8 years worked under the mentorship of Dr. Greg Bossart, head of marine mammal research and conservation at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Ft. Pierce, Florida. I worked alongside Dr. Bossart as a research assistant for 5 years participating in a government research study on dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon. That experience was fun and dolphins are cool!!
Early on I developed a deep love and close relationship with manatees, personally naming and tracking them. I was asked by the state to volunteer with FWC doing the Manatee Individual Photo Identification (MIPS) program.
I am an author of children's books educating on the manatees. I am also a lecturer on marine mammals and available for speaking engagements. Please email me for availability.
We would love for you, your family and friends to join us in seeing a part of Florida that you won't see anywhere else in a truly affordable, relaxed setting.
Thank you for visiting our web site and I hope to see you soon!
...God bless you!
Jess
Ellen
Even though I grew up in the middle of a corn field outside of Indianapolis (go Colts!), I always felt a need to be by the water. For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong love for the oceans, rivers, and lakes, and for nature and wildlife in general. Many years before I even saw my first manatee, I had 'adopted' one and did all I could to help protect them from so many miles away. I have since returned to school at Florida Institute of Technology to finish my degree in Oceanography with a Marine Environmental Science discipline, and pursue a career in hydrology (for water quality) to protect the bodies of water these incredible creatures call home. There is so much here to see, learn, and appreciate, and I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and expertise with you!
I have lived on the shores of the Indian River Lagoon since I was 3 yrs. old. The river and the Thousand Islands have always been a huge part of my life. I have been observing and learning about the lagoon in my canoe, jon boat or kayak for almost 40 years. Whether fishing, playing, boating or just quietly enjoying nature, I have gained a love, knowledge and respect for this rich ecosystem. I feel so fortunate to be given opportunity to share what I know with you, so that you too, can experience the treasures of this unique lagoon environment.
meet the guides
reservations and inquiries
To make reservations or inquiries please click on the email tab or call (321) 784-4545
CREDIT CARD AND PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE POLICY
A credit card must be used to hold your reservation, and is also used as our cancellation policy.
We will accept credit cards via phone, as payment for the tour as well as merchandise purchased on our gift merchandise page. There is a $3-$5 processing fee for using a credit card depending on the amount.
Cash or travelers checks at the end of the tour is the preferred method of payment, and no refunds are available.
Gratuity is greatly appreciated and has not been included in the price of your tour.
tour day information
Please click on the tab above for detailed tour day information, including launch times and detailed map/directions to the launch site, clothing suggestions, and other details that will help make your Cocoa Beach Kayaking Nature Tour an outstanding experience.
AlleKat Productions
Have a video you'd like to share?
Please send us the YouTube link
Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel
goes kayaking with Cocoa Beach Kayaking
on her new show "Passport to Great Weekends"
Manatees on the Banana River
Video Tour
Other / Guest Videos
adventure gallery
guestbook
email us
Please use the "email" tab above to order merchandise, and be sure to include items,
quantity, and your contact information
Gift certificates
Price: 1-person kayak tour = $30.00, 2-person kayak tour = $60.00
(S & H not included)
Children's Book
Price: $10.00 (S & H is included)
gift shop
our friends
TOUR DAY INFO & HELPFUL HINTS
THESE ARE SUGGESTIONS ONLY AND DO NOT CONSTITUTE A RESERVATION. YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL US TO MAKE A RESERVATION!
Please call in advance for verbal confirmation on directions and to get your guide's cell phone number.
**We will also need you there 15 minutes prior to your tour time because you need to fill out a waiver; that way you'll be ready for paddle instructions and launching right on time.
WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT TO WEAR:
CHECK THE WEATHER AND DRESS ACCORDINGLY...I suggest layering. Start in a bathing suit and layer up. That way if you want to be comfortable, or get some sun, you can get right down to your bathing suit. But PLEASE be sure to have a T-shirt or some kind of cover up as an extra form of sun block (we suggest no tops with spaghetti straps) .
WE DO PROVIDE 50 SPF SUN BLOCK...However, I suggest putting some on first, before you come to meet us, as extra protection.
IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN HATS, WEAR THEM...If not, we have ball caps, visors, or big straw hats
WE ALSO PROVIDE BOTTLED WATER...If you would like anything over and above a bottle of water, there is room for you to bring a cooler! (Nothing on wheels)
DEFINITELY BRING YOUR CAMERAS!...I encourage you to bring your digital, film or video camera with zoom lenses to record the adventure...they will be safe and dry, and you won't want to miss the opportunity to take home memories.
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!!...Eat first AND pack a light snack for the tour. Being on the water tends to get people munchy, that way you're covered!
Please pack for your comfort. It's always best to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
DIRECTIONS TO THE LAUNCH SITE--MAPQUEST
AERIAL MAP--LAUNCH RAMP
Click on the link above for a map of our Cocoa Beach Country Club launch site. When you enter the country club, drive to the parking lot,
turn left into the FIRST row of parking and take it all the way to the end, adjacent to the pool and Pavilion.
Where the parking lot meets the grass, look straight ahead and you'll see us getting the kayaks ready for your tour!
