Guided Dolphin and Manatee Viewing Tours
Calypso Kayaking is your go-to source for seeing the Florida dolphin and the manatee in the area closest to Orlando and Cocoa Beach. These tours take place in the natural setting located in the Indian River Lagoon. These guided trips take place on kayaks (or paddle boards if you prefer) and are available most of the year. Learn more here.
Bottlenose Dolphins in Florida
The dolphin that visitors come to see here in Florida is the bottlenose dolphin. Dolphins are mammals (not fish) that reach lengths of 8 feet. These guys eat about 25 lbs of fish every day, and are highly active in the Florida inshore and backcountry areas.
Dolphins communicate with sounds like clicks, moans, whistles, and squeaks…but not through their mouth- they make all of these different noises through their blowhole on the top of their head.
You will find that adult male dolphins are generally solo, sometimes with a buddy or two. Whereas female adult dolphins will be running in a group of about
15. Dolphin are generally friendly and come within close enough distance for you to enjoy viewing them, while at the same time not invading your space directly.
Manatees in Florida
Manatees are grayish brown in color and have thick, wrinkled skin on which there is often a growth of algae. Their front flippers help them steer, or sometimes crawl, through shallow water. They very rarely move very fast but when startled, they can use their big paddletail to kick them off very quickly.
Like other grazing animals, Florida manatees play an important role in influencing plant growth in the shallow rivers, bays, estuaries, canals and coastal waters they call home. Manatees typically spend the colder months near freshwater springs so that they can stay warm. Florida is home to many of these springs which typically produce 72 degree water year ’round.
Self Guided Merritt Island Dolphin & Manatee Viewing Trips
If adventuring on your own is more your pace, then Calypso Kayaking has you covered again. We offer kayak and paddleboard rentals at Manatee Cove. You may rent a kayak or paddleboard to pick up and take with you. Rent by the hour, the day or all week. We also offer delivery within our service area. Want to learn more about this? Contact Us
