321-784-4545 CocoaBeachKayaking_hotmail.com
Allow us to guide you on a personal tour through the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach! Escape from the rest of the world and discover what makes the Indian River Lagoon the most biodiverse estuary in North America. The lagoon is home to approximately 4,500 plant and animal species. See and learn about the endangered Florida manatees, the Indian River Lagoon bottlenose dolphins, native and migratory birds, and so much more. Nowhere else will you experience all of this in one place!
Our experienced guides have a range of backgrounds, and come with knowledge both inherited through generations and learned through hundreds of hours of study and research. Although the tours are highly educational, the atmosphere is very relaxed. You would never know learning could be so much fun. If you don’t believe it, just read some of the comments from our guests!
Kayaking experience is not necessary. We paddle at a leisurely pace through the canals and islands, and give you instructions before we ever leave dry land. Our kayaks are touring kayaks, and have contoured, adjustable seats. They are known for their stability and comfort. Our tours are perfect for those in any age group!
The tours last 2 to 2 ½ hours and are all-inclusive. All you need to bring is yourself and a camera! We provide your kayak, paddle, life jacket, bottled water, 50 SPF sunscreen, towels, hats, polarized sunglasses, and koozies to keep your drinks cool. Your happiness is our priority, so we do everything we can to make your experience the best! Tour times vary with the season and weather, so contact us to find out availability for your desired dates.
We hope that you will join us on the water and allow us the opportunity to share our knowledge and love of this very special area. Please be sure to check out the pages here on our site for even more information! And as always, we are here to answer any questions you may have so don’t hesitate to call or email. Thank you, and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Even though I grew up in the middle of a corn field outside of Indianapolis (go Colts!), my mom said she knew from the first time I said the word 'Florida' that I would end up here. For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong love for the water and the creatures that call it home. 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 moved to Florida to return to school and will graduate from the Florida Institute of Technology in December. My degree will be in Oceanography with a Marine Environmental Science discipline. Much of my work and research has been focused on water quality and the native habitats of this area. 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!
Mickey is a 5th generation local whose family homesteaded near the Canaveral Lighthouse in 1874 as fishermen. His time in the Thousand Islands began when he was eight years old, hunting and fishing with his father and family. Mickey has 40 years experience as a waterman on the east coast. Kayaking, surfing and fishing are not pasttimes...but life!
Howie is a very special manatee who we adopted through the Save the Manatee Club. He has a mischievous reputation, which is why we fell in love with him. Apparently, two US Fish and Wildlife Service researchers were out in their canoe with all of their equipment and cameras. He 'bumped' up against the canoe, sending the scientists and their equipment into the water for a swim. He swam a safe distance away and proudly enjoyed the chaos he had just caused!
If this is not proof enough, he is one of the most playful manatees at Blue Springs State Park. He has spent all of his winters there since 1971 when he was first observed. He is very playful and unafraid of people. He is a total ham for the camera, battling other manatees to be the center of attention.
If you would like to adopt your own manatee, or find out more about Howie and the others who call the springs home, visit www.SaveTheManatee.org.
For reservations
We do require reservations in advance for the tours. The earlier you contact us, the more likely your desired tour date and time will be available! To make reservations, please call us at 321-784-4545.
Tour price* (does not include gratuities) $30 per person
Gift certificates (certificate is good for 2 people and valid for one year) $60 each
We offer a $5 discount to active duty and retired military members. Please let us know when you book your reservation what branch you served in so we can thank you!
*Price includes all gear including kayak, paddle, and life jacket. We also provide bottled water, anti-aging sunscreen (SPF 50), polarized sunglasses, hats, and towels.
Cancellation policy
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. When we confirm your reservation, we will take your credit card information to hold your seats. Should you need to cancel your reservation, please allow us at least 24 hours notice. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up for your tour, the full price of the tour will be charged to your card. In the event that we need to cancel the tour due to weather, you will not be charged and we will do all we can to get you scheduled on another tour! We do not offer refunds, so we pay close attention to the weather to ensure your comfort and safety!
Methods of payment
We accept cash and travelers checks. We also accept Visa and Mastercard. Payment will be rendered upon completion of the tour. Should you choose to pay using the card you made reservations with, simply let us know and well take care of the rest! You can also choose to use a different card. Please note that there is a minimal processing fee for credit card payments. This will be discussed when you make your reservation.
tour day information
Please click on the Directions 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.
Please feel free to email us your photos or videos! We will upload them and credit you!
Kathleen, the founder of Cocoa Beach Kayaking
For a full Review of the tours please click and read this article and the comments below.
What to bring and wear
Check the weather and dress accordingly! Bathing suits are great for the summer, but might not work so well in the winter! You may want to bring a cover up, wind breaker, or hat. The most important thing is that you are comfortable!!!
If you are fair complected or arent used to being in the Florida sun, you may want to consider a light colored long sleeve shirt. Clothing makes for the best sunscreen! We also have towels in the event youd like to cover up your legs. We do provide 50 SPF sunblock. However, you may want to put some on before you come to meet us as extra protection.
If you have your own hat, it would be good to bring it even if you do not plan on wearing it. If you do not, we have big straw hats to keep the sun off of your face, neck, and shoulders.
We provide bottled water for you. If you would like anything over and above a bottle of water, there is room for you to bring a cooler! (Nothing on wheels, and please no alcohol)
Definitely bring your camera! You can bring your digital, 35mm, or video camera with zoom lenses to record the adventure. They will stay safe and dry in the kayaks!
Please eat a light meal beforehand, and you may want to pack a snack in case you get hungry.
Feel free to bring anything else you think you may need! Better to be safe than sorry. If it makes your experience better, we're all for it! (But you may want to leave your giant stuffed giraffes or pet tarantulas at home!)
Directions
Please click on this link for directions to our launch location, the Cocoa Beach Country Club. Once you turn into the Country Club, you will drive down a winding road. The golf course will be on your right and the City water treatment facility will be on your left. Once you reach the parking lot of the Country Club, turn left down the first row of parking and take that all the way to the end. We will be set up in the grassy area between the swimming pool and the tennis courts. (See map below.)
If you are using your GPS or iPhone, the address for the Country Club is 5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.
