DOLPHIN & MANATEE PADDLE ADVENTURE
Into the Wild—A Close Encounter with Dolphins, Manatees, and More
RATES:
$79 (Adults 18+)
$69 (Children 4–17)
TIME: 9am, 12pm
DURATION: 2 Hours
AVAILABILITY: Daily
EXPERIENCE: Beginner & Family Friendly
FITNESS LEVEL: Moderate
ADVENTURE DETAILS.
Embark on a thrilling adventure as you paddle through the pristine waters of Merritt Island, surrounded by lush mangroves and wildlife-rich waterways. With every stroke, you’ll be immersed in a world teeming with life. From playful dolphins to serene manatees, this tour offers the chance to discover a variety of aquatic and marine life in their natural habitat. Your expert guide will help you spot rays, puffer fish, jelly combs, and much more as you glide through these tranquil waters—an unforgettable experience waiting to unfold at every turn.
We launch from Kiwanis Island Park, a scenic paddling spot nestled within a wildlife sanctuary in Merritt Island—just minutes from Cocoa Beach and about an hour from Orlando. This peaceful location offers protected waters, lush mangrove shorelines, and a front-row seat to some of Florida’s most breathtaking natural beauty.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Dolphin & Manatee Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins swimming alongside your paddleboard, and watch as manatees lazily float by in their natural habitat. Your guide will point out local wildlife and share interesting facts about the area’s ecosystem.
Other Wildlife Encounters: As you glide through the waters, you may also spot rays gliding beneath the surface, curious puffer fish, jelly combs, and even conch shells dotting the ocean floor. There’s an abundance of aquatic and marine life in this area, making each paddle an exciting new discovery.
Paddling by Mangroves: As you paddle through the tranquil waters, you’ll glide along the edge of lush mangrove forests. These iconic trees provide shelter for marine life and birds, and their unique root systems create an intriguing backdrop as you explore the area.
The Indian River Lagoon System: Paddle through Sykes Creek, a waterway that flows into the Banana River and is part of the larger Indian River Lagoon system. This estuary is one of the most biodiverse in the Northern Hemisphere, home to over 4,300 species of plants and animals, giving you access to a rich and diverse aquatic environment.
WHAT’S INCLUDED + MORE
Premium Paddle Board + Necessary Equipment
PFD (Personal Flotation Device) + Whistle
Dry Bag
Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Paddle & Water Safety Instructions
Premium Photo + Video Package
all tours include:
paddle board kayak:
Upgrade to our Premium Foldable SUP Seat & Kayak Paddle at no additional cost. You can select this option when booking your adventure.
Explore the water with our kayak setup, combining the agility of a paddle board with the comfort of a kayak.
Our premium paddle boards boast top-notch stability and performance, while our kayak option features a deluxe kayak seat and kayak paddle for an enhanced, leisurely adventure.
REQUIREMENTS + MORE
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• A completed waiver is required for each participant prior to check-in. Once the reservation has been made, you will receive a booking confirmation email with online waiver instructions + more.
• Each participant must be a confident swimmer, comfortable in and around the water, must be fully mobile and in good physical condition to join this tour. Paddle boarding is a physical activity.
• Minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Minors 4-12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian on the same paddle board.
• Minors 13-17 years of age may paddle board on their own, with a parent/guardian next to the minor for the full duration of the tour.
• Minors 3 years of age and under are not permitted.
• Pets are not permitted. -
Cancellation Policy
At Otter Paddle Orlando, we understand that plans may change, and we strive to accommodate our guests whenever possible. However, last-minute cancellations impact our operations and limit availability for others. To ensure fairness and efficient service, we have established the following policies.
Cancellations Made in Advance: Cancellations made 72 hours or more before the scheduled booking date are eligible for a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the booking date, guests may choose to reschedule or receive a gift card. Unfortunately, cancellations made on the day of the booking, as well as late arrivals and no-shows, are not eligible for a refund.
Late Arrival Policy: We allow a 10-minute grace period for guests who may be delayed. After this grace period, we are unable to accommodate late arrivals, as it may disrupt the experience for other guests. Guests who cancel on the day of their tour, arrive after the 10-minute grace period, or do not show up but contact us on the day of their reservation may receive a gift card. However, a $75 rescheduling fee must be paid to obtain the gift card. Guests who contact us after the scheduled tour date will not be eligible for a refund, reschedule, or gift card.
Weather Policy: For the safety of our guests, Otter Paddle Orlando reserves the right to cancel tours in the event of unsafe weather conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or any other reason that may compromise guest safety. While we do operate in light rain, if a tour is canceled by Otter Paddle Orlando due to weather or safety concerns, guests will have the option to reschedule their tour or receive a gift card for future use. Please note that refunds will not be issued in these circumstances.
All policies are strictly enforced to ensure fairness and smooth operations. Gift cards issued by Otter Paddle Orlando do not expire, providing guests with the flexibility to reschedule at their convenience. This cancellation policy is subject to change. We will make every effort to communicate updates in advance, and we recommend reviewing our policy at the time of booking.
By booking with Otter Paddle Orlando, guests acknowledge and agree to comply with the policies outlined above.
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Please note, we must have at least 2 guests attending a tour to operate. If you are the only guest on the tour, we will reach out to inform you. If no other guests book prior to 24 hours, we will have to cancel the tour and reschedule or provide a full refund.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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We prioritize safety for all our participants, which is why we require everyone to have swimming proficiency. Feeling confident and comfortable in and around water is essential for this activity. If you have any questions or concerns about your comfort level in the water, please reach out to us. Your safety is our top priority, and we're here to help ensure a great experience for everyone.
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To ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment, participants must be a minimum of 4 years old to join our tours. Additionally, individuals aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the duration of the tour. If you have any further questions about age requirements, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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Our paddle boards are designed for a maximum of two individuals: one adult and one child. For children aged 4 to 12, it's required that they ride on the same paddle board as their parent. However, if a child within this age range has previous paddle experience and feels comfortable, they do have the option to ride on their individual paddle board.
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Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your own paddle board or kayak on our guided tours. During the reservation process, simply select the 'Bring My Own' option, and a $10 discount will automatically be applied.
Furthermore, your guided tour covers all park fees and includes our favorite photo and video package.
Friendly reminder: please plan to arrive early to ensure ample time for setting up your equipment before the tour's check-in time. Being prepared beforehand ensures a smooth and timely start to your adventure. Additionally, remember to bring all necessary equipment and be ready to go at the scheduled check-in time for the tour.
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We share your love for animals and understand the importance of family pets. However, please note that our tours do not permit pets. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Launch Location:
Only 55 Minutes from Orlando