What Kind of Dolphins Live Here?
Meet the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins of the Space Coast.
The Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
The dolphins you see swimming in the Indian River Lagoon and along the Cocoa Beach coastline are almost exclusively Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
These are the most common and recognizable species of dolphin, known for their intelligence, playful behavior, and characteristic "smile."
Bottlenose Dolphin Facts
- •Size: They can grow up to 9-12 feet long and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
- •Diet: They eat a variety of fish, squid, and crustaceans.
- •Lifespan: They can live 40-50 years in the wild.
- •Communication: They use a complex system of squeaks, whistles, and clicks to communicate and navigate (echolocation).
- •Resident Populations: The dolphins in our lagoon are 'residents,' meaning they stay in the area year-round rather than migrating.
INSERT REAL DOLPHIN PHOTO
The Indian River Lagoon Ecosystem
The Indian River Lagoon is a massive estuary that provides a perfect, protected habitat for these dolphins. The shallow waters are rich with seagrass and fish, providing an abundant food source.
Because the lagoon is sheltered from the rough ocean waves, it is also a safe place for dolphins to raise their calves, which we frequently see during our sails.
Frequently Asked Questions
See Why Thousands Of Guests Love Sailing With Us
Real reviews from guests who have experienced our small-group sailing adventures, dolphin encounters, sunset sails, and private charters.
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Cocoa Beach Catamaran
+13213285558
290 Marine Harbor Dr
Merritt Island
Florida
US
32953
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Cocoa Beach Catamaran
+13213285558
290 Marine Harbor Dr Merritt Island Florida 32953 US
5.00
4396
See What Our Guests Say!
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AI Summary
Guests consistently praise friendly, knowledgeable crews, family‑friendly, relaxing sailing cruises with abundant wildlife sightings and informative commentary; few negatives were reported, though trips can be weather‑dependent and conditions (wind/choppiness) may affect comfort.
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Sandra Miklave
2026-06-20T21:55:52.574Z
Awesome! Kris was a great guide. Sailing was fun. Manatees and dolphins galore. Thanks for a great tour.
Jun 20, 2026
Awesome! Kris was a great guide. Sailing was fun. Manatees and dolphins galore. Thanks for a great tour.
SMSandra Miklave
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Becky Jones
2026-06-20T20:45:22.642Z
We had the best time on our catamaran trip! We got some good wind and saw some dolphins! Our captain was very friendly and engaging and even let the kids steer the boat for a bit! The small size of the boat was wonderful for our group of 5. We will definitely book again on our next vacation!
Jun 20, 2026
We had the best time on our catamaran trip! We got some good wind and saw some dolphins! Our captain was very friendly and engaging and even let the k... More
BJBecky Jones
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Sharon Dean
2026-06-20T19:55:35.951Z
Had great Captain very knowledgeable. Enjoyed scenery. Good cold drinks.
Jun 20, 2026
Had great Captain very knowledgeable. Enjoyed scenery. Good cold drinks.
SDSharon Dean
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Jen Rhodes
2026-06-20T18:09:31.374Z
Jun 20, 2026
JRJen Rhodes
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Matt Mckee
2026-06-19T23:03:50.647Z
Great time running from the storm with captain Kris!!!
Jun 19, 2026
Great time running from the storm with captain Kris!!!
MMMatt Mckee
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Angela Perez-Castle
2026-06-19T19:24:31.621Z
Great service and super nice staff. The tour guide provided lots of information about the river and wildlife. He let our kids drive the catamaran and help with the sail too.
Jun 19, 2026
Great service and super nice staff. The tour guide provided lots of information about the river and wildlife. He let our kids drive the catamaran and ... More
APAngela Perez-Castle
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Justin Castle
2026-06-19T16:51:55.982Z
Jun 19, 2026
JCJustin Castle
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Emily Couch
2026-06-19T14:38:27.498Z
Captain Kris Was the Absolute best. He not only slow down to make sure that we saw all the animals. He let our kids drive the boat and was just very friendly and it was a great experience for us.
Jun 19, 2026
Captain Kris Was the Absolute best. He not only slow down to make sure that we saw all the animals. He let our kids drive the boat and was just very f... More
ECEmily Couch
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
3
5
1
Nicole Reisinger
2026-06-19T14:36:37.863Z
This was a really good place, The only thing I would say is they probably need to hire a new cleaning service.
Jun 19, 2026
This was a really good place, The only thing I would say is they probably need to hire a new cleaning service.
NRNicole Reisinger
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Colin Stanfield
2026-06-19T00:29:45.639Z
Jun 18, 2026
CSColin Stanfield
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Gary Brandt
2026-06-18T23:03:05.696Z
This was a fantastic cruise. Brian the captain was an absolute pleasure. He made sure that we got to see the dolphins and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Brian even let us drive the boat. I would recommend this cruise to everyone.
Jun 18, 2026
This was a fantastic cruise. Brian the captain was an absolute pleasure. He made sure that we got to see the dolphins and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. ... More
GBGary Brandt
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Beth Berst Gregory
2026-06-18T19:48:08.505Z
Very enjoyable experience for our family. We were the only ones on the boat besides the captain. He took his time and let us enjoy the dolphins and birds. My kids even got to help hoist up the sails.
Jun 18, 2026
Very enjoyable experience for our family. We were the only ones on the boat besides the captain. He took his time and let us enjoy the dolphins and bi... More
BBBeth Berst Gregory
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Tessa Woulfe
2026-06-18T17:03:44.157Z
Captain Kris was amazing! Will definitely be recommending him to our friends and family who come down every year. He was super knowledgeable about the wildlife and had lots of cool facts to share. Captain Kris was easy going and made the trip a lot of fun.
Jun 18, 2026
Captain Kris was amazing! Will definitely be recommending him to our friends and family who come down every year. He was super knowledgeable about the... More
TWTessa Woulfe
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Morgan Cowles
2026-06-18T17:03:19.568Z
We had the best tour with Captain Kris! This was our favorite thing we did while in Cocoa Beach!
Jun 18, 2026
We had the best tour with Captain Kris! This was our favorite thing we did while in Cocoa Beach!
MCMorgan Cowles
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Greg Snyder
2026-06-18T02:30:39.895Z
I highly recommend a cruise with Cocoa Beach Catamaran! This was the best two hours of pure pleasure on an amazing vessel. Our Captain Kris was extremely knowledgeable about the local area and wildlife. He is a very experienced captain and explained everything so there were no surprises. He was very engaging and chill. I got to help raise the main sail and, under close supervision, steer the catamaran in the open water. Once out of the marina we were allowed to relax on the bow netting and climb all over the boat. With uncanny senses, Captain Kris pointed out several manatees, dolphins, and water birds along the way. Just a tremendous experience I plan to repeat in the future.
Jun 17, 2026
I highly recommend a cruise with Cocoa Beach Catamaran! This was the best two hours of pure pleasure on an amazing vessel. Our Captain Kris was extrem... More
GSGreg Snyder
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
enan Jacobson
2026-06-18T00:30:52.021Z
Captain Kris with a K haha is an amazing tour guide, followed the rules when other didn’t, has an amazing eye for wildlife and this was my first time seeing dolphin in the wild. Kris has on board audio, allows you to suggest any music you want. And has a cooler full of drinks. If you are thinking about doing this tour there is one option. Sail Kris.
Jun 17, 2026
Captain Kris with a K haha is an amazing tour guide, followed the rules when other didn’t, has an amazing eye for wildlife and this was my first time ... More
EJenan Jacobson
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Jodi Guisto
2026-06-18T00:03:25.644Z
Such a fabulous experience from start to finish. We saw both dolphins and manatees. Captain welcomed everyone and made us feel at home. He was fun and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this catamaran tour to anyone.
Jun 17, 2026
Such a fabulous experience from start to finish. We saw both dolphins and manatees. Captain welcomed everyone and made us feel at home. He was fun and... More
JGJodi Guisto
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Crystal Gutierrez
2026-06-17T22:00:27.301Z
Jun 17, 2026
CGCrystal Gutierrez
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Margaret Rose
2026-06-17T20:52:36.497Z
Enjoyed our second private sail with Cocoa Beach Catamaran. Our Captain Kris was great. We had good weather and we liked the new marina location. On our sail we saw lots of dolphins, manatees and birds. We will sail with them again, next time we are thinking sunset!
Jun 17, 2026
Enjoyed our second private sail with Cocoa Beach Catamaran. Our Captain Kris was great. We had good weather and we liked the new marina location. On o... More
MRMargaret Rose
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Shannon Pitschke
2026-06-17T18:49:08.991Z
It was a great family experience!
Jun 17, 2026
It was a great family experience!
SPShannon Pitschke
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
JR Holliday
2026-06-17T18:02:57.281Z
The ride was awesome! I would definitely do it again.
Jun 17, 2026
The ride was awesome! I would definitely do it again.
JHJR Holliday
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Jessica Gookins
2026-06-17T01:20:43.547Z
We sailed with Kris for a Sunset Cruise. Visiting from NH for a week, we have done several things along the space coast/ Orlando area but Sailing with Kris was easily the highlight of our trip. Kris was accommodating, knowledgeable, and clearly has a passion for Sailing! He made sure we were comfortable and our kids 15, 6 & 3 were well entertained. If your visiting the area, Sailing with Kris is a must!
Jun 16, 2026
We sailed with Kris for a Sunset Cruise. Visiting from NH for a week, we have done several things along the space coast/ Orlando area but Sailing with... More
JGJessica Gookins
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
David M
2026-06-17T00:00:00.000Z
Our 3rd time and always a great time and you will see a lot of dolphin and manatee. Kris is a great captain.
Jun 16, 2026
Our 3rd time and always a great time and you will see a lot of dolphin and manatee. Kris is a great captain.
DMDavid M
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Tyler Roberts
2026-06-16T19:11:47.148Z
Our catamaran sailing experience was absolutely flawless from start to finish, and honestly, we never want to go back to Indiana! The captain was incredibly personable, welcoming us like old friends and sharing great local insights that made the trip feel truly special. To top it all off, we were treated to spectacular, up-close views of dolphins playing alongside the boat—a breathtaking moment we will never forget. Between the wonderful, smooth sailing, the gorgeous scenery, and the perfect hospitality, this was easily a five-star highlight of our trip!
Jun 16, 2026
Our catamaran sailing experience was absolutely flawless from start to finish, and honestly, we never want to go back to Indiana! The captain was incr... More
TRTyler Roberts
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Groovy Mom
2026-06-16T18:03:12.927Z
Brian was great! Cruise was so much fun! We saw dolphins, manatees, birds and flying fish! We’ll be back again!!
Jun 16, 2026
Brian was great! Cruise was so much fun! We saw dolphins, manatees, birds and flying fish! We’ll be back again!!
GMGroovy Mom
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Jalyn
2026-06-16T17:39:33.842Z
My family had a great time out with Brian! Saw dolphins, manatees, pelicans, so many birds and wildlife. It was an amazing experience, I know we will be back!
Jun 16, 2026
My family had a great time out with Brian! Saw dolphins, manatees, pelicans, so many birds and wildlife. It was an amazing experience, I know we will ... More
JJalyn
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Teresa Beach
2026-06-16T17:19:51.208Z
Relaxing couple of hours, filled with dolphin, manatee and birds
Jun 16, 2026
Relaxing couple of hours, filled with dolphin, manatee and birds
TBTeresa Beach
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
AlexSandefur
2026-06-16T16:53:26.665Z
Jun 16, 2026
AAlexSandefur
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Walt Z
2026-06-16T09:40:41.588Z
I searched for museums and this place showed up.Edit: I guess they've earned all their five-star reviews. They're no longer a "museum". Thank you Cocoa Beach Catamaran!
Jun 16, 2026
I searched for museums and this place showed up.Edit: I guess they've earned all their five-star reviews. They're no longer a "museum". Thank you ... More
WZWalt Z
Cocoa Beach Catamaran
5
5
1
Brent
2026-06-16T00:43:46.733Z
Enjoyed a nice afternoon sail with my wife and 3 grandkids. We saw a manatee, dolphins and a lot of other wildlife. Would highly recommend.
Jun 15, 2026
Enjoyed a nice afternoon sail with my wife and 3 grandkids. We saw a manatee, dolphins and a lot of other wildlife. Would highly recommend.
BBrent
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