The 6 Best Wildlife Paddles Worldwide

1.Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · from $52Our pick

Paddle a kayak or standup paddleboard through the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon near Cocoa Beach. Guides such as Noah, Logan, Katie, and Mike point out manatees, dolphins, birds, alligators, comb jellies, and horseshoe crabs. The small-group tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes equipment and photos.

“Great experience. Noah, the tour guide was great, very knowledgeable. Lots of Manatees, birds, dolphin, more. Awesome experience!!”

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2.Day Cruise & Island Tour – Snorkel/Wildlife/Paddleboard/Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 121 reviews · from $89

Spend 3.5 hours cruising from Paihia through the Bay of Islands, stopping at Roberton Island and a second island chosen for the weather. Guides such as Zac, Nicola, Cass, and Josh lead bushwalks, explain local history, and provide gear for snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding.

“The best day I’ve had in a tour in a long time. Seriously epic. Conditions were rough but felt safe in their hands. Took us to protected beaches so could still enjoy snorkeling. Dolphins were a hit, followed the boat and were with us so close to shore. I wanna do it again”

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3.Wildlife Refuge Sunset Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $61

Paddle a kayak or stand-up board through the Haulover Canal wildlife refuge near Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center. Guides such as Logan, Noah, Mark, and Ethan point out dolphins, manatees, birds, mangroves, and other wildlife before sunset. Photos, paddling gear, life jackets, and phone dry bags are included.

“Beautiful scenery throughout this tour, especially the sunset. Guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the ecosystem and the wildlife. Thanks for a great time Logan Montague.”

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4.Noosa: Epic Stand Up Paddle Wildlife & Beach 4X4 Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $115

Leave Noosa for Double Island Point by 4WD and ferry, crossing Great Sandy National Park along the beach at low tide. Learn stand-up paddleboarding from a qualified instructor, use supplied gear, and watch for turtles, dolphins, and stingrays. Guide Vincent is one possible guide.

“Gorgeous day out. Loved the tour guide Vincent. He was very informative and shared some cool facts about the area.”

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5.Wildlife Refuge Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $50Best value

Meet at Haulover Canal near Mims for a 90-minute guided kayak or stand-up paddleboard trip. Watch for dolphins, manatees, alligators, birds, comb jellies, and horseshoe crabs, then finish with a Florida sunset. Call after booking to reserve your preferred craft.

“Logan did great! Was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the canal. Made the tour a great experience”

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6.Wildlife Refuge Bioluminescent Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $75

Meet at Parrish Park in Titusville for a 90-minute guided paddle through Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands. Your kayak, paddle, life jacket, and dry bag are included. Look for glowing dinoflagellates, comb jellies, and fish, with the strongest light near the new moon.

“Logan was amazing! He was a great guide! Very fun time! Way outside my comfort zone, but Logan was great made me feel comfortable! Didn't get to see much Bioluminescent but gotta love mother nature! We are on her schedule!”

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