Kayak the beauty of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most diverse Eco-Systems in the world. Manatee, dolphin, egret, spoonbills, and incredible nightime bioluminescence, this refuge is truly an amazing place to paddle. Starting at
$32 per trip
The diversity of life, paired with beautiful scenery, make kayaking this Florida location a must for vacationers and residents alike. Paddle the still mangrove backwaters as osprey soar overhead- perhaps carrying a freshly caught mullet. Cross expansive grassflats and perhaps see the lagoon's top predator- the dolphin- working the flats. Along the canal manatee surface curious as to who might be visiting. Mangroves and seagrass beds create an environment very conducive to the marine life that support the osprey and dolphin, along with many other animals.
More than 4000 animal and plant species, including manatees, stingrays, sea turtles, seahorses, 700 species of fish and 310 species of birds call the Indian River Lagoon "home".
During the warm summer months the waters of Florida's Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon come alive with Bioluminescence. Every movement in the water produces light! From the swirl of your paddle or the trail of a speeding school of mullet (which look like hundreds of blue-green underwater bottle rockets), to the ghostly glow of a slow moving manatee or sting ray, every movement is illumined. No need to travel to Puerto Rico to see this phenomenon it's right here in sunny central Florida. Refuge tours generally lasts 2-2.5 hours.
Arrive at Haulover Canal Launch Site 15 minutes prior to your reservation time: Check in with Guides, complete waiver, confirm payment Safety meeting; PFD check; brief paddling instruction, kayak assignments
Launch kayaks and enjoy a leisurely two hour paddle
Arrive back at launch approximately 2 hours after completion of your safety meeting; turn in gear; farewell to guides
Basic rates for all trips on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are $32 for adults; $24 for children 5-11 plus tax Private tours are available
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