cocoa beach boat trip

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Wildside Tours

Take a ride on the wildside boat tours in cocoa beach, fl, eco-nature tour.

Enjoy the Banana River Lagoon on a nature tour boat rides around Cocoa Beach! See manatees, dolphins, birds, and beautiful vegetation. Book today!

• Check Calendar Tours 7 days a week!
• Clock 2 hours
• Users Great for all ages!

Over 400+ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reviews on Tripadvisor!

Great ride on the river

"My wife grandchild and I went on a ride on the River from Cocoa Beach. It was a lot of fun, and the couple that runs the tour where is very helpful and very friendly. I highly recommend this trip."

Friendly and knowledgeable

"Had a great time with this group. They let us take our time viewing dolphin, manatee and lots of birds. They were very knowledgeable about bird species and the history of the area. No preset routes so you get a unique experience. Very comfortable seating."

Fabulous boat tour of Thousand Islands

"Great tour of Thousand Islands. Captain gave great information on wildlife. We saw lots of dolphin. Special treat was seeing an Osprey catch a fish and fly off with it."

A must see and do

"Anyone who visits the Space Coast should try this tour - it’s amazing! I’m a local who had never been and absolutely loved it. Took my guests too and everyone raved about the views. Guaranteed to see dolphins, manatees, birds and other wildlife. Even the boat was safe, comfortable and sturdy. Great for everyone - friends, family, kids, elderly, etc."

Wildside Tours LLC is a nature boat business providing a variety of different excursions in the beautiful Thousand Islands Nature Preserve of Cocoa Beach and the Banana River Lagoon.

Sightseeing in this area is exciting: The manatees, dolphins, and many varieties of birds exemplify nature at its finest.

Since our trips are limited to 26 persons, you will get a much more personal experience without school bus seating. We can go into the smaller channels that larger tour boats cannot access.

Practicing ethical, sustainable eco-tourism, we don’t chase, feed, or touch the animals. We do passive viewing and respect the environment.

Come explore this incredible, fragile, and dynamic eco-system only 10 miles from Port Canaveral’s port of call cruise terminals.

Marina Princess Island Boat Tours LLC

Welcome aboard

The marina princess island boat tours.

Come experience our family-friendly, fun and relaxing boat tour adventures, customized for any occasion in the heart of cocoa beach, florida.

Our tours are one of the most popular outdoor attractions along the best beaches of Florida. You’ll discover what locals and visitors have enjoyed for generations.

What better way to soak in the Florida sun than with a boat tour? Marina Princess Island Boat Tours is your top choice for boat tours of all types.

Our regularly scheduled and custom tours offer everything from morning & afternoon WildLife Adventures to Evening Dinner Cruises.

Also you can request a spectacular view of the space coast's Rocket Launches. We’re located in beautiful downtown Cocoa Beach, FL, and provides tours in Cocoa Beach, Merit Island, and Port Canaveral. Learn more about our packages or schedule your tour today by calling (321) 410-9111 .

Why Choose Marina Princess Island Boat Tours?

• Captain is USCG licensed
• Has over 20 years of experience
• We are a family-owned
• We specialize in wildlife tours in the Thousand islands 
• Wide variety of tours throughout the day
• Fully-customizable tours available
• Complimentary beverages and snacks are provided 
• Fully licensed and insured
• Free quotes

About Captain Andrea

The founder and owner of Marina Princess Island Boat Tours LLC , Andrea Harrison, was born and raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey. She’s a licensed USCG master captain, with over 20 years boating experience. In New Jersey, Andrea fulfilled a 30-year career, as the founder and owner, of a performing arts school. After moving to Florida, Captain Andrea, is living her best life as continuing her love for being on the water and doing exactly what she always dreamed of doing- owning a small and personal boat tour business, for you, your family and friends to enjoy!

Boat Tours Made for You

Whether you’re looking for a romantic night on the water, to entertain clients and colleagues, or you want to experience a family-friendly adventure into Florida’s beautiful and exotic wildlife, we offer a variety of tours for all occasions, including:

• Wildlife adventure tour
• Kayak and paddle boat tours in the thousand islands (coming soon)
• Romantic sunset stargazing tour
• Space coast rocket launch tour
• Evening coastline dinner/bar cruises
• Moonlight cocktail (2) hour cruise
• Birthday cruises
• Will you marry me cruise

Do you have a special occasion to celebrate? On a specific date? At a specific time? We fully customize private tours for all occasion’s, just for you!!

Coming Soon!!!

Kayak and Paddle Board Tours in the Thousand Islands!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Please bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses etc. Wear nonslip shoes and motion sickness medicine is most effective if taken the night before and/ or one hour before departure.

Tours cancelled within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Tours cancelled prior to 48 hours, can be rescheduled.

Get an experience to remember. Contact us to schedule your tour!

Our reviews.

On March 2, we swam at sunset. Thank you very much. We liked how you organized the tour for us. Captain Andrea and Captain Randy were very attentive . It's great that we could take a dog with us....this is important for us. We 100% recommend everyone to use the services of the company "Marina Princess Island Bout Tours" and you will get an incredible experience. We will definitely come back

Vadzim Tserakhau

We really enjoyed our beautiful and informative day on Captain Andrea's boat. She was very fun, super friendly, set up the tour to our specs, and she shared great info on the wildlife and on the area. The boat was very clean and well set up. We had a great time!

Leah Cottrill

This is my second boat cruise with Andrea! She always knows the perfect places to go whether you want to just cruise around, catch a sunset or hit a sandbar! Highly suggest.

Hannah Koehler

Beautifull ride in the lagoon on banana river. Private boat with a lovely captain. What a great way to see some dolphin, exotic birds and manatee.

David Gourdeau

Captain Andrea took us out for a fabulous afternoon to watch a rocket launch. She took us to a great viewing spot and made the afternoon enjoyable. Her boat was clean and comfortable. We would take another trip with Captain Andrea when we're in the area in the future.

Ma swam on my birthday . good organization of the tour. allowed with a dog. thank you very much. highly recommend

Maryna Tserakhava

areas we serve

• Cocoa Beach, FL
• Orlando, FL

Marina Princess Island Boat Tours

Cocoa Beach, Florida

[email protected]

(321) 410-9111

C a l l 3 2 1 - 7 5 9 - T O U R t o b o o k y o u r t o u r t o d a y !

Welcome to banana river boat tours.

Banana River Boat Tours is located in Central Florida on the Space Coast.

Come join us on an adventure as we take a 2 hour tour to explore the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System.

From relaxing sunset tours to rocket launches to bioluminescence boat tours,  come join us aboard the “Opa and Lola”, as our friendly and knowledgeable staff treat you to an unforgettable experience!

From dolphins to manatees to gators to migratory birds, nature lovers are in for a treat with the endless possibilities of encountering diverse wildlife.

Take a trip and unlock the magic of the Banana River! When you take a cruise on the Banana River, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities. From fishing to exploring the unique wildlife and vegetation, there is something for everyone. Plus, you’ll be able to soak up the sunshine and get some vitamin SEA therapy.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon Estuary System! With its warm waters and unique biodiversity comprised of the mangroves to the bald eagles, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience that can’t be found anywhere else!

Banana River Boat Tours offer breathtaking views of the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the local flora and fauna while cruising down the river.

TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

banana river boat tour types

BIRTHDAY PARTIES      ANNIVERSARY PARTIES BUSINESS FUNCTIONS      FIELD TRIPS      BIRD WATCHING

eco boat tours

cocktail cruises

rocket launches

bioluminescence tours

sunset cruises

fishing charters

capturing your moments aboard your boat tour!

Ask us about our 360 degree video package. , coming soon.

boat tours in cocoa beach

Come join us for an unforgettable experience! A rocket launch from the water is like no other. Truly the only place in the world to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. From the rumble that you can feel to the tremble of the boat you’ll be fortunate enough to experience the sonic boom as the booster returns back to the Kennedy Space Center! boat tours in cocoa beach

• Experience the thrill of a rocket launch with us
• See and hear the engines firing up close
• Feel the rumbling grow until the water and boat begin to tremble
• Follow the bright orange in the sky and watch the boosters fall away
• See the boosters thrust fire as they near the landing platform (if lucky enough)
• Feel the boat shake from the sonic boom of the landing.
• If a launch is scrubbed, before leaving the dock, you will receive the next right of refusal for the next scheduled launch.
• Please note: If we leave on our tour and a launch is scrubbed, refunds are not issued.

• Abundant fish: The Banana River has redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout.
• Expert guides: Our guides help you if you assistance with casting and throwing a line.
• Scenic views: Enjoy stunning scenery while fishing.
• Accessible location: Short drive from Orlando and other tourist destinations.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all skill levels, great for bonding.
• Sustainable fishing: We promote responsible practices for resource preservation.
• Typically available June through September from 8-10 PM - Depending on Mother Nature
• Natural phenomenon: Witness bioluminescence in Banana River waters.
• Experienced guides: Our knowledgeable guides explain bioluminescent biology and ecology.
• Scenic views: Enjoy peaceful river beauty at night aboard one of our pontoon boats.
• Accessible location: Conveniently located near tourist destinations.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, a unique and memorable experience.
• Sustainable practices: We promote eco-friendly tourism practices for ecosystem protection.

Banana River Boat Tours

👉 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝟯𝟮𝟭-𝟳𝟱𝟵-𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘!👈 Eco Tours 🌴 Rocket Launches 🌴 Sunset Cruises 🌴 Cocktail Cruises 🌴 Bioluminescence Tours 🌴 Fishing Charters in Cocoa Beach FL! 🐬 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞. 𝗦𝗜𝗧. 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗫 🐬

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21 May: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Central Florida: Banana River Boat Tours

Nestled near the vibrant city of Orlando, Florida, lies a hidden gem that promises a unique and captivating experience for both locals and visitors alike. Banana River Boat Tours offers a delightful escape from the bustling theme parks and crowded tourist attractions, immersing you in the breathtaking beauty of the Banana River. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey, discovering the wonders of this serene oasis and why it should be at the top of your must-visit list when exploring the Orlando area.

A Nature Lover’s Paradise: If you’re seeking a respite from the concrete jungle, Banana River Boat Tours is your gateway to nature’s playground. This pristine waterway teems with an incredible diversity of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, exotic birds, and more. The tour guides at Banana River Boat Tours are not only experts in their field but also passionate about the environment. They will take you on a personalized adventure, educating you about the area’s delicate ecosystem while ensuring minimal disruption to the wildlife.

Scenic Beauty: Prepare to be awestruck by the picturesque landscapes that unfold before your eyes on a Banana River boat tour. As you glide through the tranquil waters, you’ll witness stunning sunsets, expansive marshes, and mangrove-lined channels that evoke a sense of tranquility and wonder. The ever-changing backdrop, coupled with the gentle breeze, creates an experience that captivates your senses and rejuvenates your soul.

Educational and Interactive: Banana River Boat Tours offers more than just a scenic ride. Each tour is a unique learning experience that delves into the rich history and ecology of the area. From discovering the Native American heritage to understanding the fascinating role of the Banana River during the space exploration era, you’ll gain insights that will deepen your appreciation for the region’s past and present. The guides are eager to answer your questions, ensuring that you leave the tour not only entertained but also enriched with knowledge.

Fun for All Ages: Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, Banana River Boat Tours caters to everyone. It provides a safe and enjoyable adventure suitable for all ages. Children will be thrilled by the opportunity to spot dolphins, while adults can unwind and reconnect with nature. The boats are comfortable and equipped with shade canopies, ensuring a pleasant experience even during the warmest Florida days.

Proximity to Orlando: Conveniently located near Orlando, Banana River Boat Tours offers a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of theme parks. It’s a perfect day trip or an excellent addition to your Orlando vacation itinerary. After a day spent exploring the natural wonders of the Banana River, you can return to the city energized and ready to continue your adventure.

Conclusion: Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the beauty of Central Florida’s hidden treasure, Banana River Boat Tours. From breathtaking sunsets to encounters with extraordinary wildlife, this experience will leave an indelible mark on your memories. So, pack your curiosity, sense of adventure, and join us on a journey of discovery, relaxation, and wonder. Banana River Boat Tours is waiting to show you a side of Florida that you never knew existed.

Note: To find out more about Banana River Boat Tours, their offerings, and how to book a tour, please visit their official website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date information.

17 May: “Captain CJ’s Exclusive Meet and Greet: Set Sail on an Extraordinary Adventure with Banana River Boat Tours!”

Join Captain CJ Enneking on The Lola for an extraordinary meet and greet experience at Banana River Boat Tours. Explore the stunning Banana River and Indian River Lagoon Estuary System, home to over 4,200 diverse species. Get ready for an unpredictable adventure filled with sightings of Great Blue Herons, dolphins, and more. Captain CJ’s passion and expertise will ensure an unforgettable journey through this dynamic estuary. Don’t miss your chance to be part of our expanding fleet and embark on an unforgettable tour.

2550 N Banana River Dr

Merritt Island, FL 32952

+1 321-759-TOUR +1 321-759-8687

[email protected] info@b ananariverboattours.com

© Copyright 2023 Banana River Boat Tours

Designed by Outerspection – Organic Branding in Brevard   |   Dolphin video by Adrien JACTA

• 321-209-1909
• [email protected]

SPECIALTIES

Where every event feels like a getaway.

• BACHELORETTE PARTIES
• Bachelor Parties
• Birthday Parties
• Wedding Events
• Engagement Parties
• Graduation Parties
• Retirement Celebrations
• Team Building Events
• Holiday Parties
• Sunset Cruise
• Booze Cruise
• SAND BAR PARTIES
• CORPORATE OUTING

VIEW ALL SPECIALTIES

Cocoa beach party pontoon, cocoa beach, fl, our paddle pub tours, private cruise.

• Up to 26 Passengers

Embark on an exclusive journey with Paddle Pub’s Private Tour, ideal for large gatherings. Starting with a base allowance for up to 14 guests, your party can expand up to 26 with an additional fee per extra guest. Tailor your voyage on Mission Bay with your own tunes, drinks, and the best company, making every moment onboard distinctly yours. Dive into the heart of celebration and create lasting memories with your entire crew on San Diego’s favorite party boat.

PUBLIC CRUISE

Dive into the vibrant social scene of Mission Bay with our Paddle Pub Mixer Tour. This unique party boat experience welcomes you to mingle, share laughs, and forge new friendships, all while enjoying the freedom to BYOB and control the playlist. It’s the perfect setting to let loose, dance, and bask in the stunning backdrop of San Diego’s waters. Join us and be part of an unforgettable mix of fun, music, and partying in the sun!

BACHELORETTE CRUISE

No celebration is too big or too small for Paddle Pub, San Diego’s premier choice for marking any special occasion. From birthdays and bachelorettes to unforgettable group gatherings, Paddle Pub is your floating venue for joy, laughter, and partying on Mission Bay. With the freedom to bring your own beverages, blast your favorite anthems, and party in style, it’s no wonder Paddle Pub is renowned as the #1 way to celebrate life’s milestones in San Diego. Get ready for an epic adventure that promises to be the highlight of your year!

HOW IT WORKS

CHOOSE LOCATION

Paddle Pub sets sail in the coolest locales around. Pick your favorite wateray to get the party started.

Looking to commandeer the entire paddle pub? Book a private tour for your own pedaling extravaganza! Alternatively, snag individual seats to mix and mingle—perfect for those who love a spontaneous party!

Select your squad, pack your favorite beverages, and make sure everyone's ready for an epic time. Don't forget to have everyone sign the pre-tour waiver.

Make your way to the starting dock 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Our captain will help stash your drinks, go over safety guidelines, and prep your crew for a blast on the water.

Cue up your ultimate boat party playlist, pop open a drink, and let the vibes flow. Cheers to a boatload of fun!

BOOK YOUR PADDLE PUB TODAY

We wanted to give you an unforgettable adventure, so we made sure every detail of our boat experience was just right.  From the moment you step on board, you’ll know you’re about to have a good time.  For those that want to pedal, pony up to our bar-style pedal station and make way.  For the rest, there’s plenty of room for dancing or just enjoying the views.   Let’s make memories that you’ll cherish forever!

PARTY AND CELEBRATE!

Looking for things to do for your birthday.

Paddle Pub is the legendary way of celebrating birthdays nationwide. Grab your friends, a cooler, and get ready to create memories you’ll remember for years to come.

BACHELORETTE PARTIES ON PADDLE PUB ARE A HUGE HIT

The best bachelorette party in the country.  Ladies, we want to let you in on a secret. There’s a reason that a large percentage of our tours host bachelorette parties.  Your cute outfits and decorations will be on parade on the water.  Let’s be honest: it’s perfect for creating the perfect moment for pictures to share on Instagram.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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PONCE INLET, FL

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Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours

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Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

THE 10 BEST Cocoa Beach Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in cocoa beach.

• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Water Sports
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
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• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Fin Expeditions
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River

2. Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River

3. Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour of Cocoa Beach

4. Guided Two Hour Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon

5. Sunset Bioluminescent Comb Jelly & Dolphin Tour

6. Mangrove Tunnels, Manatee, and Dolphin Sunset Kayak Tour with Fin Expeditions

7. Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl

8. 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon

9. Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin Sightings

10. Cocoa Beach 2 Hour Dolphin Sightseeing tour- public

11. Paddle Board or Kayak Eco Dolphin Manatee Tour

12. Bioluminescent Kayak Tour. Fin Expeditions is Cocoa Beaches Top Rated Kayak Tour

13. Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure Tour of Cocoa Beach

14. Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!

15. Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour

16. Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour

17. LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!

18. Cocoa Beach - Private 2hr Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

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What travellers are saying.

• Jeffery B 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sunset cruise Captain was smooth. Narrator was knowledgeable and helpful. Lots of wildlife observations. Ended up with Beautifulsunset pics! 10/10 would recommend!!! Read more Review of: Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River Written 2 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
• CJ G 0 contributions 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect! Perfect! Our guide Greg was fantastic - personable & knowledgeable. The pace was just right for our 2 hour outing and we got to see manatee, dolphin, mangrove spiders, and jellies. Read more Review of: Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour of Cocoa Beach Written 2 May 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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An Unforgettable Day On The Water

Seeing Brevard through new residents' eyes offers fresh look at our beautiful Space Coast

Why is it we don’t appreciate where we live until we see it through the eyes of someone else?

I rarely go to the beach unless we have company. I lived in Brevard for 25 years without visiting the Merritt island National Wildlife Refuge. I’d started taking rocket launches for granted.

Luckily, my complacency has gotten a kick in the rear, thanks to the arrival of Ann Maloney and Colley Charpentier, who recently moved to Cocoa Beach.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Ann, Colley and I worked together in the early 1990s at The Daily Comet in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and formed a friendship that survived the years and the miles between us.

Now they’re here, and I feel a responsibility to show them the magic that is the Space Coast.

Last week found us taking advantage of the glorious spring weather. Ann and Colley aren’t afraid of the impending summer swelter — people who grew up in Louisiana are well-versed in heat and humidity — but we all know to accept the gift of temperate temperatures while we can.

Our first stop was on Tuesday at the Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful foray into natural Florida.

As we hiked a short loop through pines and palms and orange trees, we stopped to listen for birdsong, then peered through the filtered light trying to find the source of the music.

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We marveled at the artistry of spider webs and laughed at scampering lizards.

On one of the driving loops, we watched anhingas, egrets and moorhens in the shimmering water, and wished we could warn them about the gators swimming nearby.

We realized it would take more than a day to fully explore the area, and retreated to BurgerRobs in downtown Titusville for lunch.

Friday, we boarded the Indian River Queen, docked at Whitley Bay in Cocoa Village.

The paddle-wheeler offers an ideal water view of Central Brevard.

Crydermans barbecue was served in the Queen’s dining room, singer Joe Calautti performed a variety of favorites on Penny’s Party Deck and the topside deck offered stunning vistas of the sunset, moonrise and homes nestled along the banks of the Indian River.

After dinner, we carried our cocktails to the top deck and settled in with friends. Couples danced below us, and Joe’s music drifted up and out over the water as the sun painted the sky pink and magenta.

The three-hour cruise ended too soon.

Our final adventure of the week found us at Deer Park Peaches on Sunday. Yes, technically, Deer Park is across the county line in Osceola, but it’s close enough for us to claim.

The farm is only open when the peaches are ripe, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page for hours.

We arrived at 10 a.m., just as peach- and blueberry-picking began. Cars already lined the narrow lane leading to the grove.

Families and couples meandered through trees heavy with fruit. Laughter and excited children’s voices floated on the air with the bees, butterflies and the sweet fragrance of fruit.

It felt like an escape to a kinder, simpler time.

We were hesitant to leave the field, even after our bags were filled with stone fruit and berries.

We discussed peach recipes and blueberry muffins as we drove to Hell ’n Blazes Brewing in downtown Melbourne for brunch.

It was a full week of fun and nature, but there’s so much left to do. Kayaking the Thousand Islands. Bioluminescence tours. Playing tourist at the Cocoa Beach Pier. Shows at local theaters. Restaurants to try. Street festivals to attend.

And that’s just the top of the paddle board.

What else do you think we should do? What are some of your favorite adventures? Share your ideas, and we can discover — and rediscover — the beauty and richness of Brevard together.

I can’t wait to staycation all summer long.

Email Suzy Fleming Leonard at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Seeing Brevard through new residents' eyes offers fresh look at our beautiful Space Coast