The Sunshine State is known for many things, including the myriad of interesting animals it is home to. From turtles, alligators, to manatees, and bottlenose dolphins, Florida is a treat for every wildlife enthusiast. Its diverse habitat is perfect for kayaking adventures where you can spot this eclectic mix of animals just going about their day.
Here are a few animals native to Florida you can spot on your group kayak tour with us:
West Indian Manatee
As you move on still, calm waters with us, you’ll spot these gentle sea creatures swimming in shallow waterways. Also called sea cows, manatees graze on seaweed, and can grow as much as 10 feet long, making it unlikely for you to miss them.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Florida’s beaches are home to bottlenose dolphins. It won’t be a surprise if you spot one in the distance as you enjoy the beach. However, it’s a completely different treat to see them up close. Book a group kayak tour and observe the friendly dolphins of Florida.
Brown Pelicans
These little friendly birds who seem to be unafraid of humans can be spotted easily. If you’re out kayaking, you’re sure to see them, but don’t be surprised if you find one sitting beside you casually.
Roseate Spoonbill
There’s something enchanting about roseate spoonbills with their fuchsia body tinted with red shoulders. They may not be out of a magical storybook, but with their pink, whimsical beauty, they sure seem like magical creatures. So, if you spot a bird that’s all pink, you know you’ve found roseate spoonbill.
Sea Turtle
Sea turtles, also called loggerhead turtles, are abundant in Florida. They’re about 3 feet long and weigh 275 pounds on average.
Bobcat
For all the cat lovers out there, if you’re into kayaking, get ready to get a glimpse of a bobcat. These are twice the size of domesticated cats and look super innocent and cute. However, they’re wild animals with razor-sharp teeth and claws. Shy to humans, they are often spotted hunting.
Florida Panther
An endangered mammal species, Florida panthers are rare but can be found in swamped mangrove tunnels of Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Although they’re territorial, there has been no reported human attack done by these big cats.
Book a Group Kayak Tour to Florida’s Mangrove Tunnels
Want to explore Florida’s exotic wildlife? You can now book a guided adventure kayaking tour with Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach. We offer a variety of daytime mangrove tunnels group kayak tours in Merritt Island and Cocoa Beach where you can watch the great blue herons, brown pelicans, ospreys, manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and so much more.
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