Cocoa Beach and Florida’s Space Coast offer great opportunities for kayaking with its Banana and Indian river. There is a lot to see: wildlife, amazing houses, and mangroves. Kayaking is a fun and relaxing activity you have to try during your next vacation.
In this post you will get recommendations for
- the best locations to kayak
- kayak rental and tour providers
- how to prepare for kayaking
Best Places to Kayak in and near Cocoa Beach
Thousand Islands Conservation Area
599 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Thousand Islands Conservation Area is located on the Banana River next to Cocoa Beach. It consists of several islands in the Indian River Lagoon and forms beautiful mangrove tunnels. The primary access point is from Ramp Road boat ramp in Cocoa Beach. The area has many channels that provide great kayaking opportunities with marked paddling trails. There is a chance to spot dolphins and manatees and various birds.
Banana River
The Banana River is a lagoon that lies between Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island. It has brackish waters and is only waist deep. You have a good chance to spot dolphins. You can look at beautiful homes and backyards.
You have the option to start your kayaking trip from Ramp Road. If you are staying with us at Dolphin Bay head north from our backyard. After passing Squid Lips look out for a canal to your right. This is a good area to look at houses and spot manatees.
Other Great Kayaking Locations in Cocoa Beach
Check out these additional recommendations from the Cocoa Beach Insider for great locations:
- Kelly Park. 2550 N. Banana River Dr.
- Manatee Cove Park. 4905 N. Tropical Trail.
- Kiwanis Island Park. 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road. Merritt Island, FL 32952.
- Ramp Road Park. 401 Ramp Road. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.
- Cocoa Beach Country Club. 5000 Tom Warriner Blvd. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.
Additional Kayaking Locations in Central Florida
If you like kayaking there are wonderful springs and rivers to check out in central Florida within short driving distance. They often have crystal blue waters where you can cool off during hot weather. I found these recommendations from the Florida Rambler useful.
Kayak Rental and Kayaking Tours in Cocoa Beach
You have many providers for tours and kayak rentals in Cocoa Beach. It is worth going on a tour as you learn and see much more.
Here are some options:
- Fin Expeditions
- Cocoa Kayaking
- Adventure Kayak Cocoa Beach
- Calypso Kayaking
- Wildlife Watersports
- A1A Outdoors (for Kayak Rental)
You have different tour locations to choose from. There are daytime and sunset tours.
Bioluminescent Kayaking
A special unique adventure is the bioluminescent kayaking which is also offered by most of the tour operators above. Cocoa Beach is one of the few regions in the world where you can witness this natural phenomenon of glowing water. Tiny plancton create this lightshow at night. The best time to take a bioluminescent night kayak tour is from June to November.
Good to Know
Chose the right time for your kayaking and avoid the heat around noon. I prefer late afternoon and early evening.
Remember to take water, sunscreen, and if required bug spray.
I like to wear flip-flops or water shoes.
What is Your Favorite Location?
Do you have another favorite spot? Please share it here.
Do you have a tour you would like to recommend?
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