MIMS KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling into the Manatee Safari: A Clean‑Up Kayak and Paddleboard Tour through Mims’ Haulover Canal
A 2‑hour guided kayak or paddleboard outing operated by Cocoa Kayaking that combines close wildlife viewing—manatees, dolphins and more—with an optional clean‑up of the Haulover Canal.
Paddling into the Manatee Safari: A Clean‑Up Kayak and Paddleboard Tour through Mims’ Haulover Canal.
Launched from the Titusville/Mims area, this short guided paddle threads the narrow lagoon of the Haulover Canal and the adjacent refuge, where West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, rays, horseshoe crabs and shore birds concentrate. Cocoa Kayaking runs the tour as a 90–120 minute experience that pairs wildlife viewing with a volunteer clean‑up option and complimentary photos.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Manatees, Dolphins and a Dense Coastal Ecosystem
Paddlers enter prime habitat for West Indian manatees and bottlenose dolphins, and are likely to encounter sting rays, horseshoe crabs and numerous Floridian birds during the tour—especially during the manatee mating season and at the recommended viewing times.
A Guided Tour That Gives Back
Cocoa Kayaking sponsors the Haulover Canal and offers discounted clean‑up tours that pair habitat restoration with guided paddling; the operator provides complementary photos so participants can document their efforts.
Kayak or Paddleboard — Limited Availability
The operator runs the trip with a limited number of kayaks and paddleboards, offering single and tandem kayaks as well as stand‑up paddleboards so paddlers can choose the craft that fits their party.
What the day feels like
What the Trip Feels Like
Settle into a slow, 90–120 minute paddle that alternates between quiet wildlife observation and hands‑on conservation. Guides steer small groups through the lagoon and refuge channels, pausing when manatees or dolphins appear and inviting participants to gather debris where the canal needs it most.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Tours run about 1.5–2 hours; manatee mating season runs March through September and the best times to see wildlife are around 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Bring water, sunscreen (apply before arrival if possible), a hat and/or sunglasses, bug spray if desired, and a towel.
The operator provides kayaks or paddleboards, paddles, lifejackets (sizes starting at 35 lbs+), and drybags or cell phone dry cases.
The tour departs from the Titusville/Mims launch area (Haulover Canal); bathrooms are available on arrival and after departure.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
Tours run approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (listed duration: 2 hours).
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable beach or gym clothes; water shoes are not necessary and bare feet are fine. Bring water, sunscreen (apply before arrival recommended), hat/sunglasses, bug spray if desired, and a towel.
Are lifejackets and gear provided?
Yes — kayaks or paddleboards, lifejackets (sizes 35 lbs+), paddles and drybags/cell phone dry cases are included.
Can children join the tour?
Yes; tours are listed as All Ages and tandems have room for a small child in the middle of the kayak.
Are there weight limits for the crafts?
Yes — full‑size single and tandem kayaks have a 600 lb weight limit and paddleboards have a 300 lb weight limit.
When are wildlife sightings most likely?
The best times to see wildlife are around 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; manatee mating season is March through September.
Is there a conservation component to the tour?
Yes — Cocoa Kayaking offers discounted guided clean‑up tours of the Haulover Canal and provides complementary photos of participants’ efforts.