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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 we look forward to seeing you soon!
Meet the Guides
Jess, Guide and Owner
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 passion for nature and the water, and the creatures that call it home. I moved to Florida in 2009 to return to school and graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2011. I received a degree in Oceanography with a Marine Environmental Science discipline. Much of my work and research has been focused on water quality and restoring native communities in central Florida. I love these waters and animals, and I look forward to being able to share my knowledge and expertise with you!
Mickey, Guide
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!
Pricing 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 or send an email to cocoabeachkayaking_hotmail.com.
Tour price* (does not include gratuities) $35 per person
Gift certificates - available for either one person or two people at the given prices
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, towels, and bug spray.
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 clothing suggestions, driving directions and maps, and other details that will help make your Cocoa Beach Kayaking Nature Tour an outstanding experience.
Directions Tour day instructions: 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 aren't 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! If you would like to bring your digital, be sure you have the setting for a fast shutter speed. Our dolphins are not crazy about posing for pictures, so you may end up with lots of pictures of water. If you do not have that setting, the disposable 35mm cameras work great. Those can be purchased at Target, the grocery, etc.
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!)
Driving 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.
Guestbook sign our guestbook :
For a full review of the tours please click and read the article and the comments below.
Meet our Manatee Howie
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 (something we do not experience in kayaks). 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.