Swimming in the Dolphin and Manatee Lagoon is our flagship 2-hour dolphin and manatee tour near Cocoa Beach, designed for guests who want to experience Florida wildlife in a natural, respectful way. Led by an experienced local captain, this small-group boat tour focuses on spotting wild dolphins and manatees in the lagoon where they live, with most of the experience taking place on the water as we cruise through their natural habitat.
About halfway through the tour, we stop at a natural island area where guests can step off the boat, explore, collect shells, and enjoy a short swim or wade for a closer connection to the environment. This is not a staged attraction – it’s an eco-friendly wildlife experience and one of the most unique dolphin tours on Florida’s Space Coast.
Our tour is different from typical “swim with dolphins” attractions. We do not use enclosures or artificial settings. Instead, we offer an authentic wildlife boat tour where guests observe dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat, guided by a knowledgeable local captain. We operate small boats that can navigate shallow water and access quiet, hard-to-reach areas of the lagoon where wildlife naturally gathers. That means more time in the animals’ real habitat and significantly better opportunities to see wild dolphins, manatees, and other species.
The island stop adds variety and adventure, allowing guests to enjoy the lagoon up close while respecting the animals and their environment. This balance of wildlife viewing, light swimming, and nature exploration makes this one of the most sought-after dolphin tours near Cocoa Beach.
This tour is ideal for families, couples, and visitors looking for a real dolphin tour in Cocoa Beach without artificial encounters.
If you’re searching for “dolphin tours near me”, “manatee tours Cocoa Beach”, or “wildlife boat tours near Port Canaveral,” this experience is one of the closest and most authentic options on Florida’s Space Coast. Our departure location makes this tour especially convenient for visitors staying in Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, and Port Canaveral cruise guests.
The lagoon stop is designed as a fun and refreshing break during the tour. Guests can step off the boat to explore a natural island area, collect shells, walk along the sandbar, or enjoy a light swim or wade in the water. While dolphins and manatees remain wild and undisturbed in their natural habitat, this stop allows guests to experience the lagoon environment more closely while respecting local wildlife and conservation guidelines.
Dolphins and manatees are protected species in Florida, and our tours follow all local and federal wildlife regulations. We observe animals respectfully, without feeding, touching, or disturbing them. Every tour is different, unscripted, and based on real wildlife behavior, making each experience both authentic and memorable.
2550 N Banana River Drive, Merritt Island, Florida 32952
Monday – Sunday
Every 2 hours, please check the booking box for times & availability
Our tours are designed to be small, safe, and personal. Each pontoon boat accommodates up to 6 guests, regardless of age or activity.
Guests 21+ are welcome to bring alcoholic beverages in moderation. We ask all guests to enjoy responsibly so everyone can have a comfortable and enjoyable tour.
This small-group format is one of the reasons our Dolphin & Manatee Lagoon Tour near Cocoa Beach is considered one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences on Florida’s Space Coast. Lifejackets for all age groups are included.
Traveling with a larger group? We can often coordinate multiple boats to depart together. Call us at (321) 978-5479 or email teamdolphin321@gmail.com to check availability and options.
Tip for the Captain. 18-20% is customary
Non-Refundable Tickets
Because our tours operate on small boats with limited seating, all tickets are non-refundable once booked. Each tour is reserved specifically for your group, which is why we are unable to offer standard cancellations.
That said, we believe in fair and honest communication with our guests.
If your plans change, you may reschedule your tour up to 24 hours before departure at no additional cost, subject to availability.
If something unexpected or urgent comes up, please contact us as soon as possible. We review special situations individually and always do our best to work with our guests whenever possible.
Your safety and experience are our top priorities.
This tour is weather permitting. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable due to weather, we will always offer you a full refund or the option to reschedule for another day — whichever you prefer.
Guests never lose their payment due to weather-related cancellations.
In the rare event of mechanical issues or circumstances beyond our control, we will also provide a full refund or rescheduling option.
If you do not arrive at the scheduled departure time and do not contact us in advance, your booking will be considered a no-show and is not eligible for refund or reschedule.
If you are running late, please call us as soon as possible so we can advise on your options.
We’re here to help. If you have questions about your booking or need to discuss a special situation, please contact us directly at:
📞 (321) 978-5479
📧 teamdolphin321@gmail.com
We value honest communication and always aim to treat our guests fairly.
Cruising from Port Canaveral? This tour is a popular cruise excursion near Port Canaveral thanks to its flexible scheduling, small group size, and close proximity to the port. Many cruise guests choose this experience as their top dolphin tour in the Cocoa Beach area.
Cruise guests also often choose our Cruise Excursion Near Port Canaveral for flexible timing and small boats.
