One of the most biodiverse wildlife refuges in America, right next to Kennedy Space Center. Kayak the Banana River to see manatees, dolphins and alligators. Free and completely overlooked by most tourists.
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge occupies 140,000 acres on the same barrier island as Kennedy Space Center. It is one of the most biodiverse refuges in the entire National Wildlife Refuge system — more species of threatened and endangered wildlife than any other refuge in the continental United States. Most tourists drive right past it on the way to Kennedy Space Center.
The refuge supports over 330 species of birds, 31 mammals, 117 fish species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species. Manatees use the warm waters of the Indian River Lagoon and Banana River year-round. Bottlenose dolphins are a constant presence. American alligators patrol the freshwater impoundments. Bald eagles nest on the refuge with one of the highest nesting densities in the eastern United States.
The Banana River Lagoon on the western edge of the refuge is one of the best kayaking destinations in Florida. Paddling the quiet lagoon at dawn you can encounter manatees surfacing alongside your kayak, dolphins working the channel, and eagles launching from shoreline trees. The Kennedy Space Center launch pads are visible across the water. It is one of the genuinely extraordinary natural experiences accessible from the Space Coast.
A seven-mile auto tour route through the refuge's freshwater impoundments. You drive at your own pace, stop wherever you want, and scan the water and sky for wildlife. In winter this drive produces some of the best wading bird photography in North America as thousands of birds concentrate on the impoundments. Free. Open during daylight hours.
The main visitor center is on SR-402 east of Titusville, about 35 minutes from Cocoa Beach. Day use is free. Kayak launch points are at multiple locations around the lagoon. Rangers at the visitor center can direct you to the best current wildlife viewing areas depending on season and recent activity.
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