Looking for unforgettable dolphin tours near Cocoa Beach?

Dolphin & Manatee Tours Near Cocoa Beach, Florida

Explore hidden lagoon areas where dolphins and manatees naturally gather – on small boats that large tour vessels simply can’t access.

 

📍 Near Cocoa Beach • 5 minutes from Port Canaveral • Easy from Orlando

Duration: ⏱️ 2-hours
From $49 per person

 

⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Rated 4.9 by families on Google & TripAdvisor

 

Dolphin & Manatee Tours Near Cocoa Beach

Access hidden lagoon areas where dolphins and manatees naturally gather.

📍 Near Cocoa Beach • 5 minutes from Port Canaveral • Easy from Orlando

Duration: ⏱️ 2-hours
From $49 per person

 

⭐⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Rated 4.9 by families on Google & TripAdvisor

 

Not all Cocoa Beach dolphin tours are the same.

Why Choose Our Dolphin Tours Near Cocoa Beach

What makes Dolphin Family Tours different is how and where we operate:

🚤 Small boats only — no crowds, no rushing

🌿 Access to hidden lagoon areas larger boats simply cannot reach

🐬 More frequent and natural dolphin & manatee encounters

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly tours ideal for kids, seniors, and first-time visitors

🧑‍✈️ Experienced local captains who live and work on these waters

Our goal is not speed — it’s quality wildlife experiences.

More Than a Dolphin Tour — A Scenic & Educational Lagoon Cruise

While dolphin and manatee encounters are a highlight of our tours, Dolphin Family Tours also offers a rich, fully guided sightseeing experience of the Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral area.

Our knowledgeable local captains share stories and insights about:

  • The history of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral
  • Early space exploration and the evolution of the Space Coast Iconic rocket launch facilities and launch pads visible from the lagoon
  • How the Indian River Lagoon shaped the region’s wildlife, industry, and communities

Small-Boat Dolphin & Manatee Tours Make the Difference

Most dolphin tours near Cocoa Beach operate large vessels limited to deep, open channels.

Thanks to the small size and shallow draft of our boats, we can safely and responsibly explore areas that larger tour boats simply can’t reach — including shallow feeding grounds, protected manatee zones, narrow lagoon channels, and quiet wildlife corridors.

These are the areas where dolphins and manatees naturally spend their time, not just where tour boats typically pass through. As a result, guests often tell us our tours feel more personal, calm, and authentic.

Dolphins & Manatees in the Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America and home to:

  •  Resident bottlenose dolphins seen year-round
  •  Manatees, present year-round, with seasonal movement throughout the lagoon
  •  Coastal birds, rays, fish, and other native wildlife

Because dolphins here are non-migratory, sightings are extremely common on our tours. Manatee sightings vary by season but are frequent year around in lagoon areas protected from heavy boat traffic.

11Dolphins swimming next to a small family tour boat in the Indian River Lagoon

Respectful Wildlife Viewing — How We Operate

We believe great wildlife encounters come from patience and respect, not chasing animals.
11ethical wildlife encounter with manatees near cocoa beach

Our captains are deeply connected to the lagoon and always operate with care:

  • Engines are reduced or turned off when near dolphins or manatees
  • Boats are carefully positioned to avoid disturbing natural behavior
  • Encounters happen naturally — animals approach on their own terms
  • Captains routinely remove floating debris and trash from the water

This approach protects the animals and creates a calmer, more meaningful experience for our guests.

Perfect Dolphin Tours for Families & Kids Near Cocoa Beach

Our tours are designed with families in mind:

Calm lagoon waters — no rough ocean conditions

Comfortable seating and shade

Small group size for safety and flexibility

Engaging, educational narration kids actually enjoy

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, this is one of the most relaxed and rewarding family activities near Cocoa Beach!

11Family watching dolphins on small boat near Cocoa Beach

Just Minutes From Cocoa Beach & Port Canaveral

Our departure location is conveniently close to:

🏖️ Cocoa Beach   🚢 Port Canaveral cruise terminals   🚗 Orlando & Disney area

This makes our dolphin tours an excellent choice for:

  • Cruise guests with limited time
  • Visitors staying in Cocoa Beach hotels
  • Families looking for a half-day outdoor experience

Easy access, simple parking, and stress-free boarding.

Our Dolphin & Manatee Tours Near Cocoa Beach

We offer several small-group dolphin and manatee tours near Cocoa Beach, depending on how you want to experience the lagoon:

Dolphins swimming near boat in Cocoa Beach

Dolphin & Manatee Wildlife Adventure Tour
49$ per person

Our most popular dolphin tour near Cocoa Beach.
Year-round resident dolphins & manatees!

swimming in a dolphin & manatee lagoon cocoa beach

Swimming in the Dolphin & Manatee Lagoon 
49$ per person

Same wildlife tour, includes a short island stop to swim, explore, and enjoy the lagoon up close!

private dolphin tour cocoa beach

Private Dolphin & Manatee Tours
From 276$ per boat

Your own boat and captain — perfect for families, celebrations, and a more personal experience

Trusted by 800+ Guests on Google & TripAdvisor

Frequently Asked Questions About Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours

Will we see dolphins & manatees on the tour?

Yes! Dolphins are seen on virtually every tour and Manatees on almost every tour throughout the year. Depending on the season, they gather in different areas of the lagoon, and our small boats allow us to quietly reach those zones.

How far is the departure location from Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral?

Our departure point is about 10–15 minutes from Cocoa Beach and just 5 minutes from Port Canaveral, making this an easy option for cruise guests and local visitors.

Can we bring food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks. Coolers are allowed on board.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

There is no restroom on the boat, so we recommend using facilities before arrival. Nearby restrooms are available at the departure area.

How early should we arrive before the tour?

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking, check-in, and boarding.

Is this tour safe for infants and small children?

Yes. Our tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Calm lagoon waters and small group sizes make this a safe and comfortable experience for young children. Life jackets are available for all ages.

What is the best time of day for dolphin tours?

 Dolphins & manatees are active and seen throughout all the day!

What makes this tour different from other Cocoa Beach dolphin tours?

Unlike large tour boats, we operate small, shallow-draft vessels that access quiet lagoon areas where wildlife naturally gathers. This creates calmer, more personal, and more authentic wildlife encounters. We also offer a complete Space Coast experience — wildlife, local history, iconic landmarks, space exploration history – guided by an expert.

Is this tour good for cruise guests and first-time visitors?

Absolutely. Our location near Port Canaveral, flexible scheduling (we have tours every 2 hours), and relaxed pace make this an ideal shore excursion or first wildlife experience on the Space Coast.

Book the Best Dolphin Tour Near Cocoa Beach

If you’re searching for authentic dolphin tours near Cocoa Beach, away from crowds and loud boats, Dolphin Family Tours offers a truly different experience.

✔ Small boats

✔ Quiet lagoon access

✔ Ethical wildlife encounters

✔ Family-friendly atmosphere

Availability is limited due to small group sizes.