Summary
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Kayak Tour
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Prices From
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USD$ $32.00
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1st Departure
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01.08.2009
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Provider
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A Day Away Kayak Tours
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Destination
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Merrit Island
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Duration
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2.5 hours
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Challenge
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Easy
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Avg Rating
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Not Rated
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The diversity of life, paired with beautiful scenery, make kayaking this Florida location a must for vacationers and residents alike. Paddle the still mangrove backwaters as osprey soar overhead- perhaps carrying a freshly caught mullet. Cross expansive grassflats and perhaps see the lagoon's top predator- the dolphin- working the flats. Mangroves and seagrass beds create an environment very conducive to the marine life that support the osprey and dolphin, along with many other animals. More than 4000 animal and plant species, including manatees, stingrays, sea turtles, seahorses, 700 species of fish and 310 species of birds call the Indian River Lagoon "home". The tour lasts 2-2.5 hours.
Itinerary
For Your Day Trip With A Day Away
- Arrive at Haulover Canal Launch Site 15 minutes prior to your reservation time: Check in with guides, complete waiver, confirm payment
- Safety meeting; PFD check; brief paddling instruction, kayak assignments
- Launch kayaks and enjoy a leisurely two hour paddle
- Arrive back at launch approximately 2 hours after completion of your safety meeting; turn in gear; farewell to guides
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This same basic schedule and time line apply if you have scheduled an afternoon Manatee Encounter or a summer trip.
Gear List
Conditions can be extreme here in Florida. It is important to prepare well to gain the best enjoyment from your trip. Your guides are very familiar with your paddling environment and conditions. Feel free to ask any questions you would like in order to understand all you need to be confident about your trip. Please understand, we will not paddle in unsafe conditions including high winds and thunderstorms.
- Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet.
- Swim suit/board shorts, shirt; Cool weather… cover-ups (avoid cotton)
- Water Shoes or sandals that can be worn in the water
- Bring an extra change of clothes just in case…
- Hat & sunglasses are great and SUNSCREEN – very important
- Camera & Dry bag (optional)
- Bottled water, Snacks
- Towel (left in car)
- Any special personal paddling gear if you like
- Bug Repellent
- Lock valuables in your trunk (never had a problem but is more safe)
What to expect…
- A drive that is 20 minutes east of Titusville out on the Refuge
- No restroom facilities at the launch site (visitor center is the closest)
- Just under two hours on the water for a leisurely paddle
- Expect to get a little wet – depends on you (or possibly your friends)
- To see lots of wildlife and stretch those muscles a little
- To learn some basics about paddling and more about local wildlife
- To actually wear your life vest & whistle
- Great guides who enjoy their work and keep you safe
- Lots of outdoor fun and a desire to come back real soon.
Travel Information
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Activity Location
Haulover Canal Launch
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL 32780 USA
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