Summary

Manatee Encounter Kayak Tour

Prices From	USD$ $32.00
1st Departure	10.06.2008
Provider	A Day Away Kayak Tours
Destination	Florida
Duration	2.5 hours
Challenge	Easy
Avg Rating	Not Rated

We regularly have Manatee sightings throughout much of the year, but especially from April through October. This two hour tour on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, east of Titusville Florida, is on one of the most diverse estuaries in North America. Make contact with Florida’s most endangered species, the West Indian Manatee. There are few places in the world where an endangered species will approach you. This is one. We also regularly see bottle nosed dolphin and many wading birds. Be sure to visit our photo gallery and guestbook and read testimonials about this exciting tour.

Itinerary

• 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

This same basic schedule and time line apply if you have scheduled an afternoon Manatee Encounter or a summer trip. Please adjust times accordingly.

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.

What to wear….

• Clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet.
  
• Warm weather… Swim suit/board shorts & T shirt
  
• Cool weather… the same with nylon cover-ups ( Avoid cotton if possible)
  
• Shoes – preferably full sandals that can be worn in the water
  
• Bring an extra change of clothes just in case…
  
• Hat & sunglasses are great
  
• SUNSCREEN – very important

What to Bring…

• Camera & Dry bag (optional) These can get wet so a dry bag is important.
  
• Bottled water, Snacks
  
• Towel (left in car)
  
• Any special personal paddling gear if you like
  
• Bug Repellent
  
• Please lock valuables in your trunk ( never had a problem but this is more safe)

What to expect…

• A drive that is 20 minutes east of Titusville
  
• No restroom facilities at the launch site (visitor center is the closest restrooms/ PortaJon at Bairs Cove Boat Ramp
  
• A two hour paddling trip
  
• Expect to get a little wet – depends on you (or possibly your friends)
  
• To see a lot of wildlife
  
• To paddle for about 90 minutes on flat-water
  
• To stretch those muscles a little
  
• To get out for a rest and stretch break one time – most trips
  
• To learn some of the very basics about paddling and more about local wildlife
  
• To actually wear your life vest & whistle
  
• Great guides who enjoy their work and understand how to keep you safe
  
• Lots of outdoor fun
  
• A desire to come back real soon 

Travel Information

You may also want to check out our

Private Manatee Encounter



Private trips can be scheduled for practically any day that weather permits.