Island Boat Lines Eco Tour
If you’re heading east, another fantastic day out is a 2-hour boat cruise on the Banana River in the Indian River Lagoon. It’s a relaxing cruise spotting all manner of Florida wildlife including manatees and wading birds. Located on the E. Merritt Island Causeway/West Cocoa Beach Causeway (Hwy 520), the jetty is outside the Sunset Waterfront Grill and Bar where you will check in. Reservations are required.
The boats sail smoothly and quietly around the calm, clear waters of the Thousand Islands area of the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon waters are on average just one metre (3½ feet) deep, making it very easy to spot dolphins, manatees and alligators in the brackish waters. When wildlife is spotted, the captain turns off the engine and drifts closer for a look.
After watching manatees and other wildlife sightings, the tour moves on in the delightful lagoon which is lined with houses and low-rise apartment blocks on one side and islands on the other. The trees and bushes on the islets are home to all types of waterbirds including cormorants with their hooked beaks, herons, egrets, osprey and even kingfishers. In the breeding season the trees bear huge pelicans’ nests and the heads of baby birds can be seen high in the trees. Other wildlife you are likely to spot as part of your thrilling wildlife tour include frogs, turtles and alligators of all sizes
