Kayaking with Dolphins and Manatees Florida | Florida Adventures

kayaking with manatees

Kayaking is a very popular pastime in the Florida areas, both with residents and visitors. While there are various types of kayak tour available, the extensive mating season of the manatee means that it is possible to see these frisky creatures most months of the year! At times, you can witness dozens of manatees, as well as an array of other stunning wildlife including dolphins, birds, stingray, Horse Shoe crabs and even the odd alligator! This flurry of wonderful wildlife has helped to make dolphin and manatee tours the single most popular outdoor activity in the Orlando/Cocoa Beach area today.

If you have yet to experience the excitement of a manatee and dolphin kayak tour, we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. However, to help you get the very most out of your tour, here are some do’s and don’ts.

manatee tour

DO….

Dress for the occasion. While there is no need to put on anything fancy, you do need to dress for the water and not the weather. In most cases you will at the very least get a little wet, so be sure to wear layers of clothing that are quick-drying and won’t leave you feeling the cold. Similarly, make sure you bring some towels.

Think about your footwear. Kayaks can be slippery to climb in and out of, so bare feet and flip flops are not advised. Instead, we recommend you invest in some swimming shoes or a sneaker with plenty of grip.

Be prepared with the items you need. Every kayak tour comes with a list of recommended equipment including sunblock, mosquito repellent, towels and of course a large, plastic water bottle to help you remain hydrated while you are on the water.

Waterproof your camera. Even those adventurers with the sturdiest of hands stand a good chance of dropping their cellphone, camera or video equipment. Invest in some waterproof cases or bags to help keep any images you get safe so that you can look at them for years to come.

Keep your eyes open. There will be plenty of different wildlife to witness, including a small chance of seeing the Bottlenose dolphin. These majestic animals can move through the water at speeds of 40MPH. Therefore, if you do come across dolphins on your tour, we recommend that you enjoy viewing them with your own eyes rather than be distracted from their natural beauty by trying to capture their photograph.

kayaking

DON’T…

Expect every tour to be the same. You may have spoken to someone who has previously been on a tour, or perhaps you have even had one previously yourself. It is important to understand that the animals that we might come across are part of nature and as such, will not adhere to any specific schedule. Therefore, no two tours are the same and your tour will be tailored to give you the best chance of seeing the amazing wildlife the area has to offer.

Worry about the experience. Many of our kayak adventurers have never ventured onto the water in this way before. Our guides will give a brief introduction to how to paddle a kayak, and how to stay safe on and in the water before you head off.

Take off your life vest. We know that they aren’t the most glamorous or comfortable thing to wear, but they are vitally important for the safety of all of our adventurers, even those who are strong swimmers.

Forget to book in advance. We offer two tours each day, each which must be booked at least 4 hours in advance which will give us time to assess the conditions and suitability for the tour.

Are you ready to book your Florida Adventurer manatee and dolphin kayak adventure? Contact us and feel free to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable team!