Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours 

5.0/5 (12 reviews)
 401 Riveredge Boulevard, Cocoa, FL 32922, United States

Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours 

Cocoa, FL, United States
21 feet
6
5.0/5 (12 reviews)

Hello,
My name is Captain Drew Cavanaugh and thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I am a full-time resident of Florida, a full-time USCG charter boat captain in a small city called Oak Hill. I specialize in light tackle saltwater fishing along with wildlife and birding tours here for over 25 years now. We are located just 45 minutes east of Orlando, Kissimmee, and Disney World. We normally see large numbers of dolphin, manatee, exotic birds and wildlife daily.

Oak Hill is located on the Indian River, the Canaveral National Seashore, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Just 30 minutes north of Cocoa Beach and 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach. Also, this area is part of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center.

This area is famous for the largest congregation of the West Indian Manatee, hundreds of dolphins, and many exotic birds. The area I live in and do my tours in is the number one place on earth to view manatee. On the east coast we have around 5000 of them.

Throughout the spring, summer, fall, and warm winter months, we see hundreds of manatees, dolphins, and wildlife daily, just while out boating and on my fishing charters. I get clients constantly telling me they saw more wildlife here than when they went to SeaWorld.

We also have hundreds of bottle-nose dolphins, sea turtles, and the wildlife refuge is one of the biggest bird refuges on the planet. 100's of birds to see, and some are only seen here. While on your boat tour, there is even a chance you may see a rocket launch from SpaceX or NASA as well. You just never know.

We will meet in New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach. This depends on where we are seeing most of the wildlife you want, and it gets us closer to them. We will know the address to meet a few days before your trip.

Unfortunately we do not offer any weekend trips as there may be no manatee or dolphin to be seen with way too much boat traffic out, party boats and jet skis disturbing the wildlife.

Hello,
My name is Captain Drew Cavanaugh and thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I am a full-time resident of Florida, a full-time USCG charter boat captain in a small city called Oak Hill. I specialize in light tackle saltwater fishing along with wildlife and birding tours here for over 25 years now. We are located just 45 minutes east of Orlando, Kissimmee, and Disney World. We normally see large numbers of dolphin, manatee, exotic birds and wildlife daily.

Oak Hill is located on the Indian River, the Canaveral National Seashore, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Just 30 minutes north of Cocoa Beach and 20 minutes south of Daytona Beach. Also, this area is part of NASA and the Kennedy Space Center.

This area is famous for the largest congregation of the West Indian Manatee, hundreds of dolphins, and many exotic birds. The area I live in and do my tours in is the number one place on earth to view manatee. On the east coast we have around 5000 of them.

Throughout the spring, summer, fall, and warm winter months, we see hundreds of manatees, dolphins, and wildlife daily, just while out boating and on my fishing charters. I get clients constantly telling me they saw more wildlife here than when they went to SeaWorld.

We also have hundreds of bottle-nose dolphins, sea turtles, and the wildlife refuge is one of the biggest bird refuges on the planet. 100's of birds to see, and some are only seen here. While on your boat tour, there is even a chance you may see a rocket launch from SpaceX or NASA as well. You just never know.

We will meet in New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach. This depends on where we are seeing most of the wildlife you want, and it gets us closer to them. We will know the address to meet a few days before your trip.

Unfortunately we do not offer any weekend trips as there may be no manatee or dolphin to be seen with way too much boat traffic out, party boats and jet skis disturbing the wildlife.

Drew Cavanaugh
Captain
Drew Cavanaugh
25 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
September 2026
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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2 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
+2
US $275
Private tour: up to 6 people
3 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 9:00 AM
+2
US $350
Private tour: up to 6 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
(12 reviews)
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Experience

All reviews (12)

Showing 15 of 12 reviews
Mary Bridson
Mary Bridson
us
Missouri, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
fantastic tour
3 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour on September 13, 20254 adults

Captain Drew coordinated an earlier time in the morning just for our small group. He made sure that our wishes were completely satisfied, we saw dolphins and a found us a cove with a group of manatees who came within a foot of our boat. He explained exactly where we were on the river, pointed out and told us about the wildlife and vegetation along our tour, and saw to our comfort and safety. Would recommend this tour and will be taking my other friends and family.

Drew Cavanaugh
Response from Captain

You guys were awesome! Hope to see you again sometime. Thanks!

Wendy Cavett
Wendy Cavett
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Captain Drew was great!
3 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour on June 29, 20266 adults

we had such a great time on Captain Drew’s boat! He was so personable and knowledgeable about the area. He knew exactly where to take us to see dolphins, manatees, and even surprised us but showing us baby pelicans! It was a perfect trip for the four of us!

Marie Klinzing
Marie Klinzing
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Fantastic
2 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour on September 27, 20252 adults

I 100% recommend Captain Drew! He was very friendly and knowledgeable of the area and where we could see the most sea life. We saw everything we wanted to and had a great time!

Dan Clamonts
Dan Clamonts
Member since 2026
5.0
We picked the perfect day of weather for a beautiful water tour
2 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour on December 18, 2025

It was a beautiful winter day in Florida for a boat tour and wildlife expedition. The scenery and water was picture perfect. We will do this again.

Drew Cavanaugh
Response from Captain

Thank You!!! Had a great time!!

Joe B
Joe B
Member since 2026
5.0
We Just Love The East Coast Of Florida!
2 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour on December 11, 2025

New Smyrna Beach is so much nicer than Cocoa!! So clean, and so much more to see. We like Cocoa Beach but there is just no comparison

FAQs about Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours

Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $275 per group - 2 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour (2 hours)
  • US $350 per group - 3 Hour – Manatee And Dolphin Tour (3 hours)
When you book a trip with Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • VHF Radio
  • Chart Plotter
  • Depth Finder
  • Sonar
  • Anchor
  • Life Jackets
  • Audio System
  • Outside Speakers
  • Ice Box
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Fishfinder
  • Baitwell
  • Rod Holders
Trips booked with Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours include:
  • Fishing Equipment
  • Drinks
Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours offers the following activities:
  • Boat & Yacht Tours
  • Canal Boat Tours
  • Island Hopping
  • Whale & Dolphin Watching
  • Fishing
  • Eco-Tours
  • Sandbar Tours
  • Birthday Celebrations
  • Proposal & Engagement Trips

Your operator

Drew Cavanaugh
Drew Cavanaugh
Drew Cavanaugh

Cocoa, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
18 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2025

Meet Capt. Drew Cavanaugh, a seasoned local guide with a passion for showcasing Florida's natural beauty. Operating a Pathfinder 2009 TRS, he specializes in boat tours, eco tours, and unforgettable dolphin and manatee watching experiences. With deep knowledge of the area's waterways and wildlife, Capt. Drew offers guests a fun, educational, and scenic adventure on the water.

Our Team
Drew C.

Drew C.

Captain

ID & license verified
18 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since April 2025

Meet Capt. Drew Cavanaugh, a seasoned local guide with a passion for showcasing Florida's natural beauty. Operating a Pathfinder 2009 TRS, he specializes in boat tours, eco tours, and unforgettable dolphin and manatee watching experiences. With deep knowledge of the area's waterways and wildlife, Capt. Drew offers guests a fun, educational, and scenic adventure on the water.

Our Team
Drew C.

Drew C.

Captain

What the boat is like

Boat category
Center console boats
Boat type
Bay boat
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat Model
2009 TRS
Year built
2022
Boat length
21 ft
Capacity
6 persons
Engine model
Yamaha
Max crusing speed
39 knots
Powered by
1 x 150HP
Engine Type
Outboard
Fuel Type
Gas
Boat category
Center console boats
Boat type
Bay boat
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat Model
2009 TRS
Year built
2022
Boat length
21 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Which kind of activities are offered

Boat & Yacht Tours
Canal Boat Tours
Island Hopping
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Fishing
Ask about this first
Eco-Tours
Sandbar Tours
Birthday Celebrations
Happy Birthday!
Proposal & Engagement Trips
What a great pace!!

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
VHF Radio
Chart Plotter
Depth Finder
Sonar
Anchor
Life Jackets
Audio System
Outside Speakers
Ice Box
Wireless Trolling Motor
Fishfinder
Baitwell
Rod Holders

What's included in the trip price

Fishing Equipment
Ask about this in advance.
Drinks
Bottled Water Is Free.

What’s allowed on the boat

Child Friendly
Kids of all ages are welcomed.
Smoking
No Illegal Substances.
Alcohol
No Glass.
Glass Bottles
No Glass.
Shoes
Just no dark soles please.
Pets
Welcome.we love pets
Swimming
At your own risk.
Red Wine
No Glass.

What additional terms you should be aware of

Security deposit is not required

A refundable deposit is not required by the charter operator.


Fuel is included

Fuel is included in the price of the rental.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

How you can pay

Pay online in full

Pay online in full through BoatBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.

No additional fees.

Reserve with a 30% booking deposit, pay the captain the rest

When the captain confirms your trip, BoatBooker charges your credit card a 30% booking deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 PayPal

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3.5% charge will apply.

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Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours
Cocoa Beach Manatee And Dolphin Tours
5.0
/5
(12 reviews)
21 feet
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
2 hour trip • up to 6 persons
US $275