Cocoa Beach Kayaking has been nominated for a USA TODAY 10BEST award, highlighting its guided tours through the Thousand Islands section of the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon, recognized as one of North America’s most biodiverse estuaries, is home to manatees, bottlenose dolphins, and more than 4,500 plant and animal species. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and require no prior kayaking experience.
The company offers daytime and evening excursions, with a unique summer nighttime bioluminescence tour available during the months of June through August. Participants paddle in clear-bottom tandem kayaks to observe comb jellyfish glowing in the dark waters. The trips are designed to move at a leisurely pace, allowing visitors to spot wildlife without rushing.
Local guides lead all tours, emphasizing environmental education and conservation. The Indian River Lagoon’s ecosystem is a focus of the experience, with opportunities to see birds, fish, and marine life up close. The bioluminescence tour, in particular, has become a popular summer attraction, drawing visitors from across Brevard County and beyond.
Voting for the USA TODAY 10BEST awards is open to the public. The deadline for voting has not been specified in the nomination materials, but the company encourages residents and tourists to participate. Cocoa Beach Kayaking operates from a launch point near the Cocoa Beach Pier, with trips departing regularly throughout the year.