Quick Details
Adult
Ages 18+
$ 59
Child
Ages 3-17
$ 45
Kayak the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Take a paddle in a 100% clear kayak through the scenic Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge just outside of Titusville, FL. This kayak tour gives you an up-close view for dolphins, manatees, birds, and all sorts of other wildlife. This is a leisurely paddle with some great opportunities to see undisturbed nature and amazing Florida wildlife all from the seat of your clear kayak.
This location is known for its abundance of incredible unique Florida marine life and birds! Many people come to Haulover Canal simply to see the manatees from the shore line (there’s a sweet manatee viewing deck), but we like to show our guests a bit closer. The Refuge is the only public Refuge set aside just for wildlife, which is what makes it so special! We often refer to this location as the best place to see as much Florida wildlife in all of Florida as you can!
We offer day time and sunset tours for your enjoyment. Our tour guides have incredible great local knowledge and are very passionate about the conservation and knowledge of the Refuge.
Explore the Indian River Lagoon
The Indian River Lagoon within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge contains over 1,000 species of plants, 117 species of fish, 68 amphibians and reptiles, 330 birds, and 31 mammal species, of which at least 14 species are listed as endangered by the state of Florida or by the US federal government. The land occupied by the Refuge was acquired by NASA in the early 1960s for the development of the Space Center and its non-operational purposes but it’s managed by Fish & Wildlife Service.
Manatee in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
There’s 300-1,400 manatee in the refuge at any given time. There are typically more manatee in the Refuge during the summer months but there are still plenty that like to hang around all year. Since this Refuge is set aside for wildlife, we make it a big deal to navigate your tour to the most likely areas for seeing manatees. If you’re lucky enough, you may just find yourself looking at a manatee directly under your clear kayak! Our guides are trained with knowledge about the popular manatee hangout spots and also loads of fun facts about these massive ‘locals’.
-
We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water
- Swimsuit/Clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet.
- Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip.
- Reusable water bottle
- Any extra gear you’d like. Remember- the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak.
-
- Reservations are required for all tours.
- No paddler may be over 250 pounds. Additionally, the combined weight of each paddler must not exceed 425 pounds.
- The exact directions to our launch location will be sent in your confirmation email (since it is in the Wildlife Refuge there is no exact address but we’ll make sure you know where to go)!
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but our guides will bring you to the most likely places to see wildlife.
-
- Every tour is given on one of our 100% clear kayaks.
- Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
- Private tours are available per request.
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (and they love tips).
-
Our tours are made for any skill levels to participate, we will have basic tips and tricks to help you maneuver the waterways. Some paddling may be considered intermediate but we try our best to paddle at a pace that is convenient for every paddler! We do require all guests to stay with the group. We also ask that all guests have upper body mobility and capacity to walk up and down steps to enter/exit kayaks.
-
YES! Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
-
Trips that are canceled by Get Up And Go Kayaking – Titusville due to inclement weather, will be rescheduled or refunded.
Reservations that are cancelled 48 hours or more before a scheduled trip will not be charged. Those that are cancelled or in need of rescheduling within the 48 hour window of departure time will be charged full price.
No-show participants will be charged full price unless cancelled outside of 48 hours. This includes showing up with less paddlers than the original amount booked for.
Get Up And Go Kayaking – Titusville will not launch in unsafe weather conditions. Because of this, trips may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to safety issues. If this is the case, your reservation will be refunded in full (if it has already been paid). We will not be held responsible for any reservation that you fail to keep due to any unforeseen circumstances. We also reserve the right to change or cancel any tours due to circumstances beyond our control. In this instance, Get Up And Go Kayaking – Titusville can refund the tour price, not any other expenses that may have been incurred.