Cocoa Beach Thousand Island Dolphin and Manatee Tour in Merritt Island Florida

Is there an age limit for the Cocoa Beach Thousand Island Tour?
No - any age is welcome to join us on board Island Boat Lines. However, all guests must have a ticket, regardless of age. Our passenger capacity is strictly limited by safety and comfort considerations, as well as by the US Coast Guard.

What happens if it rains?
Your captain and crew watch the weather forecasts closely and want to ensure your trip is safe, enjoyable, and a memorable experience. In the event that current or predicted conditions get in the way of that happening, requiring us to cancel, we will contact you as soon as possible so you can join us at another date/time. Be sure to provide a good local contact number or cell phone you will answer while on vacation when purchasing your tickets.

What type of ticket should I buy if I'm bringing a very young child?
Every guest, regardless of age, needs a ticket. For children ages 2 and under, a free "Lap Pass " ticket is available if there are vacant seats remaining on the cruise. Children ages 3 through 12 must have a "Child" ticket.

What wildlife do we see on the trip?
The spectacular canals through the 1000 Islands provide shelter to manatee, dolphin and a variety of coastal birds. Some of the birds that passengers may observe while on the tour are reddish egret, wood stork, rosette spoonbill, brown and white pelican, bald eagle, nesting osprey, great blue heron feeding their young ,tri-colored and black-crowned night heron, great snowy egrets, white ibises, crested caracara, peregrine falcon, brown headed nuthatch, Bachman’s sparrow, red-cockaded woodpecker, terns & coots.

Are drinks or food served on the trip?
Food and drinks are not included with your trip. You are more than welcome to pack a small cooler if you would like to bring along treats or a picnic lunch. We sell water or soda for $1 on board the tour if you don’t want to pack a cooler. Alcohol is permitted on board but as a courtesy to other passengers we request that alcohol is consumed in moderation on public cruises.

Can we see the wildlife on the Islands from the boat?
Absolutely! We also recommend you bring your own binoculars for a closer view.

What boat will I be on?
The Island Boat Lines' vessels, the Miss Florida and Sunshine, are 45 foot covered pontoon boats with bench seating and restrooms on board. They have capacities of 38-43 passengers and both do the ecotour. We often will take out both boats simultaneously, but there is no way to know in advance which vessel you will be on. Both are just as enjoyable!

Are there restrooms on board?
Island Boat Lines vessels have a unisex "marine head" on board. Unfortunately, this head is not wheelchair accessible.

Will I get anything when the trip is over?
At the conclusion of your tour we will provide passengers with a souvenir postcard and discount shopping coupon to World Famous Ron Jons Surf Shop.

What are the Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands?
The Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands are a flood tide delta deposit, formed in the past by a breach in the barrier island by a strong storm surge. The spectacular canals through the 1000 Islands provide shelter to manatee, dolphin and a variety of coastal birds. Discovered on the tropical mangrove islands are shell middens from Florida’s original inhabitants, the pre-Colombian Native American Indians. The Cocoa Beach 1000 Islands are a part of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary also located in the Banana River.

What should I wear?
Dress seasonally according to the weather conditions. The sun is much stronger on the water although the boat does have a roof that provides nice shade. We always recommend sunglasses and sunscreen. You will not be getting off of the boat so you don’t have to worry about wading in the water and the hazards associated with that. You'll want to wear soft soled rubber shoes or sandals on the boat. During the cooler months, you may want to bring a jacket, fleece or rain gear.

Will I get wet?
Maybe. If it rains or if it is a windy day you may get an occasional spray from the river.

Is there any shade on the boat?
Yes. The eco-tour boats have a lovely shaded roof.

Are the eco-tour boats stable?
Island Boat Lines operate 43 passenger USCG Certified and Approved Vessels. These boats are large pontoon boats with a flat deck which make them extra stable. Comfortable bench seating is also provided. The boats have sturdy railing that allows even more safety and stability for our passengers. The boats are equipped with twin Honda 4-stroke engines.

Are life jackets available on board?
Life jackets for all passengers are provided on board. Infant life jackets are not provided.

Are the Eco-Tour boats handicap accessible?
Boats are not typically handicap accessible. However, we have been able to accommodate almost all passengers in wheel chairs. Only portable chairs can be boarded due to weight restrictions on the boats. We also recommend that you arrive early so that the Crew will have time to assist you. We board from a sea wall at the Marina so the Crew will assist the handicap passenger on board without the chair and then they will bring on the chair and set in place for the passenger to utilize on board. Sometimes the water level prohibits us from being able to board a wheel chair safely. Do keep in mind that the restroom on board is not wheelchair accessible.