Saturday, April 12
We took it easy this morning—Jane spent some time researching possible sightseeing options while I caught up on blogging. She came up with an excellent idea: a dolphin tour on the Banana River. After making reservations, we unhitched the RV and headed out around 11:00 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. launch.
Jane drove us to the Cocoa Beach location, where, as instructed, we parked behind a car wash next to a boat in the back of the lot. From there, it was just a short walk—about a block—to the dock for Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours, located beside the Sunset Café & Grill and right next to the Merritt Island Causeway Bridge.
Since everyone had pre-registered online, check-in was simple—just a quick name confirmation and we were ready to board the pontoon. Once everyone was on the boat, Captain Bryan gave a warm welcome and a quick safety briefing. Then we were off. Shortly after departure, our onboard naturalist, Steve, took over and began narrating the tour.
We hadn’t gotten far—just rounded the dock—when we spotted our first dolphins! A small pod was actively herding schools of fish toward a sea wall, using it to trap their prey for an easy catch. It was like watching a well-rehearsed performance. Brown pelicans quickly joined the action, swooping in and trailing the dolphins to snatch up their share of the feast. The whole scene was a fascinating display, right at the start of the tour.
As we continued our journey, Steve pointed out the cultivated mangrove water breaks lining the shore. He explained how these natural barriers are far more effective than man-made materials when it comes to absorbing tidal energy and reducing erosion. Not only do they provide a buffer against the shifting tides, but they also require far less maintenance over time—an eco-friendly solution that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
We cruised past elegant Cocoa Beach homes and upscale canal-front communities—classic coastal living at its finest. Yes, this is the very Cocoa Beach where astronaut Tony Nelson and Jeannie made TV magic! As we glided along, Steve shared interesting insights about the area’s development and how this once-sleepy shoreline evolved into the vibrant community it is today.
All around us, the natural beauty of the Banana River was on full display. Various bird species soared above or perched gracefully along the banks, especially on the starboard side where lush, undeveloped mangroves and exotic Australian pines thrived. We spotted stately blue herons, playful pelicans, and sleek cormorants. And we made more dolphin sightings, all adding to the feeling that we were immersed in a living nature documentary.
Eventually, we entered a slow-speed zone designated as manatee habitat. Steve was optimistic—we were in an area where sightings had been frequent on recent cruises. We scanned the water hopefully, watching for the telltale ripple or snout breaking the surface. But despite our efforts, the gentle giants remained elusive today.
All too soon, it was time to head back from our two-hour tour. Captain Bryan made a wide, graceful U-turn, eased up the throttle, and we skimmed swiftly across the water toward our departure point. But before wrapping up the tour, we cruised beneath the Merritt Island Causeway Bridge. Steve pointed out the docking area for the massive cruise ships and gave us one last glimpse of NASA’s towering Vehicle Assembly Building rising in the distance—a fitting finale to our scenic journey. Moments later, we turned once more and glided smoothly back into the dock.
—— Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tour on the Bananna River ——
After thanking—and tipping—our wonderful nautical hosts, Jane and I decided to have a late lunch at Florida Seafood Bar & Grill. The atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, perfect after a few hours on the water. We both ordered the blackened mahi-mahi, served with crispy fries and a generous helping of steamed broccoli. As a pleasant surprise, the meal began with complimentary fritters dusted in powdered sugar and ended with a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet—simple touches that made the experience more enjoyable.
—— Lunch at Florida Seafood Bar & Grill —–
After lunch, Jane drove us back to the campsite, where we spent the rest of the afternoon unwinding. That evening marked the fourth night in a row that a scheduled rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space Center was scrubbed. We’ve gotten used to the familiar cycle of anticipation and disappointment. But, we’re still holding out hope that we may catch one from our next destination, Orlando.