The Crabs Here Climb Trees: Kayaking New Smyrna's Mangroves
A guided two-hour kayak paddle in New Smyrna Beach, watching the mangroves for dolphins, birds and crabs up in the branches.
Daytona Beach Kayaking runs this two-hour guided paddle in New Smyrna Beach. Everyone rides in tandem sit-on-top kayaks behind a guide, on water the operator describes as the Indian River Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Most travelers write about the owner, Teri, though other guides lead some departures. The operator's own site describes its guide as a Florida Master Naturalist. Reviews keep returning to the guide's eye for wildlife. One 2023 traveler wrote that they would not have seen the wildlife without the guide.
One booking needs at least two adults and covers up to twelve travelers. Prices are per person, with a lower rate for anyone under 18. The youngest age band on the booking starts at one year old.
Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna BeachTwo-hour guided eco kayak tour in New Smyrna Beach, with kayak, paddle, life jacket and guide included.www.viator.comDolphins Turn Up Often, but Some Trips See None
Dolphins are the sighting travelers mention most, and a few had them in view within minutes of reaching the water. Others list bald eagles, white pelicans, sea turtles, a stingray and wading birds along the mangrove roots. Manatees come up less often.
Several travelers report a trip with no dolphins at all. One put it down to low tide that day. Another wrote that high water let the guide take the group into spots otherwise out of reach. The tide shapes where the kayaks can go.
Crabs in Hand, Crabs in the Branches
The listing calls this a hands-on trip. In practice the guide fishes crabs and conch shells out of the shallows and passes them around the kayaks. Mangrove tree crabs get pointed out up in the branches. Travelers also mention hermit crabs, oyster beds, a jellyfish the kids got to touch, and a taste of a local succulent.
Several reviews come from parents who brought young children or teenagers. The operator's own page says its tours suit all ages.
The Booking Says Divito Park, the Guide Has the Final Word
The booking's meeting location is set to Divito Park, a small park off Divito Drive where a narrow beach puts kayaks onto Spruce Creek. The operator's own site tells people to call for tour times and departure locations, and travelers describe the guide getting in touch before the trip with where to go and what to bring.
The booking page sells a date only. The start time, and the final word on the launch spot, come from the operator after you book. Online booking closes at noon the day before, and the operator confirms each booking by hand. Wednesday never appears on this booking calendar.
Two Hours of Paddling, With Pauses Along the Way
The listing asks for at least a moderate level of fitness and does not recommend the trip for anyone with poor cardiovascular health. The operator's own page reads differently, saying its tours suit every experience level from beginner to expert. Travelers land on both sides. One called it a two-hour kayaking tour that is "not for the weak"; another wrote that breaks along the way kept the arms from tiring. One 2023 group turned back an hour early with raw hands.
Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. A cancellation inside 24 hours is not refunded. The operator can also call off a departure for bad weather or too few travelers.
Meeting location on the booking: Divito Park, off Divito Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Volusia County lists 90 Divito Drive as an entrance with parking for its Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve, open sunrise to sunset. Confirm the exact launch spot with the guide before you set off.
- Included: tandem sit-on-top kayak, paddle, life jacket and guide.
- Bring: sunscreen, water, a towel, a change of clothes, bug spray in the summer months, and shoes you don't mind getting wet. The operator suggests water shoes or sandals.
- Pack a hat. One traveler wrote that they had been warned about the lack of shade and were glad of it.
- Service animals are allowed, per the listing.
Several travelers say the guide offered to take their photos on the water, which leaves both hands free for the paddle.