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Space Shuttle/Ares Launch Kayak Tour

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2 hours . Merrit Island . Educational

There are few things more exciting than watching a launch of one of our Space shuttles. We have one of the best seats available with no traffic and a completely unobstructed view. You can see the shuttle launch pad from our kayak site straight across Mosquito Lagoon. On most launches the shuttle travels North so it comes toward us and the roar of the engines across the open water is quite the heart pounding event.

We launch from the NW corner of Haulover Canal and paddle through the canal into scenic Mosquito Lagoon to watch the launch. This is a short (2 mile round trip) paddle. We cannot guarantee a launch, unfortunately, that's up to NASA, but we can guarantee a beautiful paddle and one of the best seats available without the crowds and traffic jam and a less cost than many parking spaces. Even if the shuttle scrubs you have had a wonderful outing on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and won't wait hours in traffic, but will enjoy a peaceful paddle back to your car. Who knows. you might even get a visit from from one of the refuge's local residents! Below is a YouTube link to a recent launch...

Recent Launch

Itinerary

For Your Day Trip with A Day Away
Meeting time is generally 2 hours prior to the scheduled launch time Arrival and gear up; complete waivers Safety talk; PFD check; Brief paddling instruction Launch kayaks; paddle to manatee hangout spots for brief visit Paddle to SE corner of Haulover; arrive 30-45 minutes before launch time Watch spectacular Launch of Space Shuttle Paddle back to launch site Arrive; Turn in gear; Farewell

Important Travel Information

Destination Location

Beach access road SR 402/406 will be closed for the launch. To arrive at the launch site you must travel north on US #1 17.5 miles from the intersection of US#1 and SR #402/406 (Garden Street) in Titusville to just south of Oak Hill and turn right onto Kennedy Parkway (SR#3); look for the big brown sign to Merritt Island Refuge. Then travel 8.7 miles to the drawbridge at Haulover Canal. Turn right just before the drawbridge and follow the road to the left down the canal to the end.

You may also download Shuttle Launch directions from our website @ www.adayawaykayaktours.com under the download area.

Is This Trip For You?

Recommended 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.

Meeting/Departure Location

Shuttle Launch - Haulover Alternate Route
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
East of Titusville FL 32780
USA

See Location on a Google Map

Cancellation Information

Please understand that when a reservation is made with A Day Away, that it is a commitment for us to hold space for you. We can (and often do) turn away others from that particular date (or trip). If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, especially if cancellations are made close to the departure date. With this in mind we must hold to the following policy. In the event that you must cancel your reservation, you will be charged as follows: 1. Reservations cancelled 48 hours or more before a scheduled trip will receive a full refund, no questions asked. 2. Reservations cancelled within 48 hours of tour departure will be charged full trip price. 3. Groups showing up with any number less than the number of participants reserved will be charged for each no-show participant at full price unless that particular space was cancelled 48 hours prior to trip. 4.“No shows” and same day cancellations are charged 100% of total trip price. 5. Tours will wait for parties “running late” for 15 minutes beyond the published tour time. After that the tour will launch as scheduled and your card will be charged the full amount for that tour. 6. Cancellations will not be accepted via email unless they are received at least five (5) days prior to trip departure. In other words, please confirm your change in plans by phone if at all possible. Email is unreliable. Patrons scheduled on trips that are canceled by A Day Away due to inclement weather, will not be charged; if your card has been charged prior to the trip, all funds will be refunded. We will not paddle in unsafe weather conditions. Once in a while, due to unsafe circumstances, we must cancel or reschedule a trip. PLEASE REMEMBER this is Florida. Rain at your location DOES NOT mean rain at our launch site. A Day Away Inc. is not responsible for any reservation you fail to keep due to weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns, personal agenda, or other unforeseen conditions that may hinder your participation in the tour as scheduled. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trip due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, we cannot be responsible for paying any expenses you may have incurred other than to refund monies due to you for tour price. A Day Away Inc. reserves the right to make itinerary changes, if necessary, due to water fluctuations, weather conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors beyond our control. There are no exceptions to these cancellation policies. (321) 268-2655.

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