Kayaking in Cocoa Beach

Kayaking in the Cocoa Beach area offers a unique blend of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, perfect for all levels of paddlers. Whether you’re navigating the tranquil canals of Cocoa Beach or exploring the open waters of the Indian River Lagoon, there’s something here for everyone.

Key Areas for Kayaking:

1. Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach
   • The Thousand Islands are a maze of mangrove tunnels and calm waterways within the Indian River Lagoon. Kayaking here means paddling through narrow channels under a canopy of mangroves. You’re likely to encounter manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds like herons and pelicans. The calm waters make this area ideal for beginners, while the intricate waterways offer a bit of adventure for experienced kayakers.
2. Banana River Lagoon
   • Located along the western side of Cocoa Beach, the Banana River Lagoon is known for its shallow waters, making it perfect for spotting manatees, dolphins, and even sea turtles. This lagoon is part of the larger Indian River Lagoon system, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. You can explore the open waters or find quieter spots along the mangrove edges. During the summer, the Banana River is a popular location for bioluminescent kayaking, where the water glows with tiny organisms.
3. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
   • Just north of Cape Canaveral, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers pristine waters and diverse habitats, including salt marshes and tidal flats. Kayaking here provides opportunities to see wildlife such as wading birds, alligators, manatees, and dolphins. The refuge is home to several endangered species, making it a significant conservation area, ideal for birdwatching and photography.
4. Indian River Lagoon
   • The Indian River Lagoon, spanning across Florida’s eastern coast, is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the U.S. Kayaking here allows exploration of open water, islands, and mangrove forests. Marine life such as dolphins, manatees, and various fish are commonly seen. The lagoon is especially known for its bioluminescent waters during the summer, offering a magical nighttime kayaking experience.
5. Cocoa Beach Canals
   • The canals in Cocoa Beach provide a more relaxed kayaking experience. These man-made waterways wind through residential and natural areas, offering a peaceful paddle with chances to see manatees and various birds. The canals are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for a family outing or a leisurely paddle.

Kayak Tour Companies:

1. Cocoa Kayaking
   • Cocoa Kayaking offers guided tours through the Thousand Islands of Cocoa Beach. These tours are suitable for all skill levels and often feature sightings of manatees, dolphins, and birds. They also provide sunset and bioluminescent night tours, where you can experience the glowing waters of the lagoon.
2. A Day Away Kayak Tours
   • Based in nearby Titusville, A Day Away Kayak Tours is known for its bioluminescent tours. They operate in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Indian River Lagoon, offering a chance to experience the area’s unique nocturnal glow.
3. Fin Expeditions
   • Fin Expeditions specializes in dolphin and manatee encounters via kayak in Cocoa Beach. Their tours include daytime dolphin tours and nighttime bioluminescent tours, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into the local ecosystem.
4. BK Adventure
   • BK Adventure focuses on eco-friendly kayak tours in various locations, including the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Their tours include bioluminescent paddles, manatee encounters, and sunset kayaking, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
5. Wildlife Watersports
   • Wildlife Watersports offers a more laid-back experience, perfect for families. Their tours focus on the calm waters around Cocoa Beach, providing a relaxing paddle through the area’s canals and mangroves, with options for stand-up paddleboarding and other activities.

What You Can Expect to See:

• Wildlife: Expect to see manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds, including herons, pelicans, and ospreys. The mangroves are home to small creatures like crabs and fish.
• Bioluminescence: During the summer months, certain areas of the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River Lagoon light up at night, creating a glowing effect as you paddle through the water.

Kayaking in Cocoa Beach is a diverse and rewarding experience, whether you’re exploring the mangrove-lined channels of the Thousand Islands or enjoying a peaceful paddle through the Cocoa Beach canals. With various tour companies offering specialized experiences, you’re sure to find a kayaking adventure that suits your interests.