Dolphin and Manatee Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour
Overview
This tour explores the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America’s most ecologically diverse estuaries. Paddling in a clear kayak or on a paddleboard offers a rare vantage point to observe dolphins, manatees (seasonal), stingrays, fish, and other marine life around and beneath you.
The lagoon supports thousands of species, making every outing a dynamic wildlife experience. While sightings are never guaranteed, dolphins are frequently seen here and manatees are commonly spotted during seasonal movements.
Unlike motorized tours, this small-group paddle allows for a quieter, more natural wildlife encounter. Calm waters make it beginner-friendly, and small children can ride with an adult on our larger clear kayaks or stable paddleboards.
This close-to-the-water perspective and guided interpretation create one of the most immersive ways to experience Florida’s coastal ecosystem.
What's Included
- Paddleboard/Kayak, Paddle, Life Vest, Leash
- Lesson and guided tour
- Gratuity for your guide(s)(suggested 20%, a good time $10 per person, amazing time $20 per person)
Meeting Location
598 South Peninsula Avenue
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Experience Florida’s coast on this Dolphin and Manatee Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour on the Indian River Lagoon. Paddle through calm waters as you search for bottlenose dolphins gliding nearby and gentle manatees surfacing in their natural habitat.
This biodiverse estuary is home to stingrays, horseshoe crabs, fish, and a variety of native birds. Your knowledgeable guide shares insight into the lagoon’s ecosystem throughout the tour.
Choose from clear single kayaks, clear tandem kayaks, or paddleboards for a personalized experience. Transparent vessels provide unique underwater views while you enjoy open coastal scenery.
Sunset departures include subtle LED lighting to softly illuminate the water beneath your vessel as the sky shifts into evening colors.
This guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours and includes safety instruction, life vests, paddles, dry bags, and complimentary photos. Beginner- and family-friendly.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Animals or pets allowed
- No public transportation nearby
- Not stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- You should be comfortable on the water. If you don't know how to swim, please inform your instructor before the tour begins.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-105290P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Paddleboard/Kayak, Paddle, Life Vest, Leash.
- Lesson and guided tour.
- Gratuity for your guide(s)(suggested 20%, a good time $10 per person, amazing time $20 per person).
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Dolphin and Manatee Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dolphin and Manatee Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Paddleboard/Kayak, Paddle, Life Vest, Leash
- Lesson and guided tour
- Gratuity for your guide(s)(suggested 20%, a good time $10 per person, amazing time $20 per person)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Animals or pets allowed
- No public transportation nearby
- Not stroller accessible
- Not wheelchair accessible
- You should be comfortable on the water. If you don't know how to swim, please inform your instructor before the tour begins.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
