Banana River EcoTour: Dolphins and Manatees

Embark on a delightful two-hour journey through the stunning Banana River. Witness dolphins and manatees thriving in their natural environment on an EcoTour. Discover the wonders of The Indian River Lagoon and uncover the unique features of this remarkable area. Private tours can be arranged upon request.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cocoa Beach - Embark on a delightful two-hour boat tour through the Banana River, where you can observe manatees, dolphins, and a variety of other wildlife.
  • Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, witnessing diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings.
What's Included
    • US Coast Guard approved life jackets
Location
2550 N Banana River Dr
North Banana River Drive
Tours depart from Kelly Park. This is a county park with free public parking and public restrooms. Please be sure and park in the parking lot DIRECTLY across the street from the BP Gas Station. Feel free to relax on a picnic table under the pavilion and your captain will meet you there.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(162 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
C6045kfdorothyr
Apr 23, 2026
Wonderful experience - We enjoyed it very much. The captain was very knowledgeable, pleasant and fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I713zonancyh
Apr 16, 2026
Highly recommend - Super fun!! Even as a long time Floridian, we enjoyed the trip and all the fun information shared! Saw dolphins, manatees and plenty of birds!! Already booked a second trip to bring another family member!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mokesmom
Mar 24, 2026
Another wonderful trip - Yearly trip from uk with Capt Cj . As always he was entertaining and informative with a unique sense of humour . He remembered us from last year which was nice to hear . We saw birds ( including osprey ) dolphins, manatee and a huge alligator. Weather was perfect and we could see for miles . We’ll be back again September for a bioluminescence experience . Thanks again Captain CJ .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judy
Mar 18, 2026
Great tour! - We had a great time on the tour. CJ and Phillip were awesome tour guides and very knowledgeable. We saw a lot of dolphins and manatees. I would definitely take this tour again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_j
Sep 5, 2025
Great water tour with a very knowledgeable boat captain. - Fabulous water tour with a very friendly, informative boat captain. He took us around to all the spots he knows will produce sightings of dolphins and manatees, and our tour was no exception. Saw lots of water birds, dolphins, manatees. Highly recommend this tour as it’s a little smaller and more intimate. Well worth it.
Review provided by Viator
Vacation36119351682
Aug 20, 2025
Fascinating Tour! - Wonderful and informative tour. We were in Florida for just a few hours during a cruise. The ship was offering way over priced excursions on river boat tours, so I decided to book direct. Took a five minute uber ride from the port to the meeting spot for the tour. We were a family of five, and had our own personal tour. It was a great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dsk1234
Jul 21, 2025
Awesome boat ride to see wildlife! - Awesome trip with Captain CJ. We saw manatees, dolphins, alligators and many birds. He is a wealth of knowledge about the wildlife we were seeing and their behaviors and also the area in general. He answered all our questions. Next time we’re in the area we will definitely take another of his tours. I recommend him highly!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mokesmom
Jun 11, 2025
Simply the best ! - Absolutely the best tour . Saw dolphins , manatees, rays, pelicans, anhingas etc. got up close to space station. Captain CJ was informative , numerous . Trimaran boat gave us a very smooth ride. Too interested in seeing animals so didn’t take many pics Can’t wait to book another tour with him when we return in October .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax828968
May 29, 2025
Manatee Nirvana - We did the Eco Tour with Captain C.J. and it was a highlight of our week. Captain C.J. was gracious, professional and accommodating from booking through tour. He is very knowledgeable about the Indian River Lagoon , it's history and all of its plants, birds, and aquatic life. We saw lots of heron, egrets, pelicans, anhinga, and dolphin throughout our two-hour cruise. But, for my sister and me, the best of the best was seeing a dozen or more manatees, highly active, coming to surface, and slapping their tails on the water. Have never seen anything like that. Was so engaged, I forgot to take pics. :( One additional note: our initial 9 am tour was cancelled morning of due to a minor mechanical issue with boat. C.J. offered a full refund or a reschedule. We could only go out the next morning due to our travel schedule. C.J. rearranged his own personal schedule to accommodate us. Really instilled a lot of confidence and goodwill. I am already looking forward to booking again next opportunity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Briggsnak
May 14, 2025
A BRILIANT CRUISE ON THE BANANA RIVER - had a briliant trip with these guys,,very informative,saw lots of wildlife,captain and crew were very friendly and helpfull would def book again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $65
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).