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’.
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All Sales Final: Once booked, all sales are final, and no cancellations are permitted unless specified otherwise.
Unsafe Weather: In the event of unsafe weather, we offer the option to reschedule, receive a gift card, or provide a full refund.
Trip Protection: Purchasing Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their initial tour at any time for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour time. Guests will be reimbursed for the full ticket amount, less the cost of Trip Protection and any booking fees. If Trip Protection is not purchased, all sales are final. -
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.
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single. -
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
A mandatory gratuity of 20% will be added for groups 11 or more. -
Alcohol is not allowed on any of our tours.
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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.
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- 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.
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- 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).
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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.