Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour - Merritt Island

Absolutely! This tour is designed for all experience levels. First-time kayakers are welcome, and our friendly guides will give you a quick paddling lesson and stay with you throughout the trip to ensure you're comfortable and confident on the water.

You’ll likely encounter gentle manatees, playful dolphins, a variety of native birds like pelicans and osprey, and occasionally alligators from a safe distance.

Yes! This tour is suitable for kids ages 5 and up. Tandem kayaks are available to accommodate adults paddling with kids. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your group.

Guides are certified in CPR and First Aid and carry safety kits. Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times.

Yes, free parking is available at the launch site.

No, high-quality tandem kayaks are provided, but you may bring your own kayak if preferred with advance notice.

Our tours typically maintain a low guide-to-guest ratio (about 1 guide per 6 guests) to provide personalized attention.

The launch site is about a 15-minute drive from the main office, and directions will be provided upon booking.

• A drive that is 20 minutes east of Titusville out on the Refuge
• No restroom facilities at the launch site (visitor center is the closest)
• Just under two hours on the water for a leisurely paddle
• Expect to get a little wet – depends on you (or possibly your friends)
• To see lots of wildlife and stretch those muscles a little
• To learn some basics about paddling and more about local wildlife
• To actually wear your life vest & whistle
• Great guides who enjoy their work and keep your safe
• Lots of outdoor fun and a desire to come back real soon.

For safety and wildlife protection, pets are not permitted on this tour.

If weather conditions are unsafe, we will reschedule or provide a full refund. We typically paddle rain or shine unless conditions pose a safety risk.

We primarily use double kayaks on our trips. Most of our kayaks are late model Wilderness System Kayaks. Our doubles are primarily Pamlico 135's and for singles Pungo 120's (sit-in) and Tarpon 120's (sit-on). The kayaks you will be using are chosen with comfort and stability in mind. On most tours guests share a double kayak however a limited number of singles are available at A Day Away's discretion. Singles kayaks are used to meet the need of odd numbered parties.

This is Florida so we do have bugs...... Generally speaking, bugs are not a large problem. In some areas we may encounter biting insects (mosquitoes or no-see-ums) but a little bug repellent usually takes care of them! Most of the year there is little problem. Summer tends to be a challenge on the shore line after the rains begin and then primarily around dusk or dawn. Once we get on the water there is usually little problem. Occasionally we have an evening with no breeze, so bug repellent is a good thing to have on hand. We also recommend wearing light weight, loose fitting/dry quick long sleeves and pants. This allows you to keep the bugs off without dousing yourself in bug repellent.