About Dolphin Family Tours

Trusted Dolphin & Manatee Tours Near Cocoa Beach & Port Canaveral

Who We Are

Dolphin Family Tours was created with a simple goal: to offer safe, authentic, and educational wildlife tours that feel personal - not crowded or rushed.

We specialize in small-group boat tours that allow our guests to truly connect with nature while learning about the local ecosystem, history of the Space Coast, and the wildlife that calls the lagoon home.

Unlike large commercial boats, our tours focus on:

  • Quality over quantity

  • Real wildlife encounters (not scripted experiences)

  • A relaxed pace that works for kids, grandparents, and cruise schedules alike

Our Location & The Waters We Explore

We operate on the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River, a unique estuarine system stretching along Florida’s Space Coast.

This area is home to: 

  • A large resident population of bottlenose dolphins

  • Seasonal and year-round Florida manatees

  • Pelicans, herons, egrets, ospreys, stingrays, and other native species

Because these waters are calm and protected, they’re ideal for:

  • Families with young children

  • First-time boat tour guests

  • Visitors looking for a smooth, scenic cruise close to shore

Our Boats & Tour Experience

Our tours are conducted on comfortable, small pontoon boats designed to navigate shallow and hard-to-access areas of the lagoon - places larger tour boats simply can’t reach.

This allows us to:

  • Get closer to wildlife without disturbing it

  • Explore backwaters where dolphins and manatees naturally gather

  • Offer a quieter, more immersive experience

Each tour is intentionally limited in size to ensure:

  • Plenty of space and visibility for every guest

  • Easy interaction with the captain

  • A calm, family-friendly atmosphere

Experienced, Licensed Local Captains

All Dolphin Family Tours experiences are led by US Coast Guard licensed captains who are:
  • CPR & First Aid certified

  • Highly experienced in local waters

  • Knowledgeable about wildlife behavior, safety, and conservation

Our captains don’t just operate the boat – they guide the entire experience by sharing:

  • Insights into dolphin and manatee behavior

  • Stories about the Space Coast and Port Canaveral

  • Local landmarks and rocket launch viewing tips (when conditions allow)

Safety, respect for wildlife, and guest comfort are always our top priorities

Our Commitment to Conservation & Community

Responsible eco-tourism isn’t just a philosophy for us - it’s how our tours are conducted every day on the water.

Our captains live and work on the Indian River Lagoon and have a deep respect for the wildlife that shares these waters. Dolphins and manatees are not treated as attractions, but as wild animals in their natural environment.

When wildlife is nearby, our captains reduce speed, carefully maneuver the boat, and shut off the engine when appropriate, allowing animals to move freely and naturally without interference or stress.

 

Each tour is guided with a strong focus on:

 

  • Observing dolphins and manatees without altering their natural behavior

  • Understanding how wildlife uses the lagoon for feeding, resting, and travel

  • Protecting the delicate balance of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem

Our care for the lagoon goes beyond education. Whenever possible, our captains also collect floating debris and trash from the water during tours, helping keep the habitat cleaner for both wildlife and the local community.

We believe the most powerful way to protect this ecosystem is to treat it with care — and to help guests experience it in a thoughtful, respectful way.

Why Guests Choose Dolphin Family Tours

✔ Small-group experiences. Never overcrowded

✔ Consistent dolphin sightings and frequent manatee encounters

✔ Calm waters and comfortable boats

✔ Local knowledge you won’t get on large commercial tours

✔ Minutes from Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach

 

Ready to Experience the Space Coast from the Water?

Whether you’re searching for:

 

  • Dolphin tours near Cocoa Beach

  • Manatee tours near Port Canaveral

  • A family-friendly wildlife experience on the Space Coast

We’d love to welcome you aboard.

Contact Us With Questions  321-978-5479