Banana River, Canaveral Locks Cruise

Merritt Island: Banana River, Canaveral Locks and Port Tour runs through Space Coast River Tours, Inc.. Rated 4.8 across 103 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $40.

Overview

This two-hour cruise starts at Kelly Park East on Merritt Island and heads north up the Banana River toward the Barge Canal. Along the way the boat moves through waters where dolphins, manatees and a wide mix of birds show up regularly, and the occasional alligator too. Captains Mark and Michele run the trip, pointing out wildlife and explaining what is happening on the water.

The middle of the tour is a passage through the Canaveral Locks into Port Canaveral, one of the busiest cruise ports anywhere. From the deck you can watch port activity, cruise ships and, as several reviewers noted, SpaceX hardware connected with local launch operations. Drinks and snacks come complimentary on daily tours, and Thursday departures add a free lunch, which reviewers described as fish bites with salads and sides from Fishlips.

It suits families, couples and anyone wanting a relaxed pace rather than a fast thrill ride. The boat is covered, which reviewers said makes for a comfortable ride. Hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the meeting point at Kelly Park East on North Banana River Drive.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kelly Park EastArrive at Kelly Park East, 2504-2526 N Banana River Dr, Merritt Island. One reviewer mentioned the captain waited when the group ran a few minutes late, but arriving on time is the safe plan.
2. Cruise north on Banana RiverThe boat heads north toward the Barge Canal on Merritt Island, with wildlife watching along the way: dolphins, manatees, birds and the occasional alligator.
3. Pass through Canaveral LocksThe boat goes through the historic locks, a transition reviewers repeatedly called one of the more interesting parts of the trip.
4. Explore Port CanaveralInside the port, the cruise passes cruise ships, port activity and SpaceX vessels, with commentary from the captain on the space program and the port's workings.
5. Drinks and snacks on boardComplimentary soft drinks, water and snacks are served on board, with a free lunch on Thursday tours. Small personal coolers with beer or wine are welcome.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this trip goes, from what to carry to which day you pick.

• What to bring. The listing suggests a camera, sunscreen and drinks. Soft drinks and water are provided, and small coolers with beer or wine are welcome.
• Go on a Thursday. Thursday departures include a free lunch, which several reviewers praised, including fish bites, coleslaw, baked beans and salads. One reviewer booked without realising Thursday was lunch day.
• Wildlife odds. Dolphins and manatees appear often and reviewers across the board reported sightings, along with a wide variety of birds. Sightings are wild animals, so nothing is promised on any given trip.
• Covered boat. The boat has a covered deck, which reviewers said made for an enjoyable ride.
• Family friendly. The listing calls it suitable for all ages, and multiple reviewers travelled with children, in-laws and teenagers who enjoyed the port tour and SpaceX information.
• No pickup. Hotel pickup is not included. Travellers drive themselves to Kelly Park East on Merritt Island.

Common issues. The main gripe in feedback concerns weather cancellations, where some travellers felt communication could have come sooner. Wildlife sightings depend on the day, and while most reviewers saw dolphins and manatees, the port and locks are the fixed parts of the route. One reviewer arrived late and the captain waited, but that is courtesy rather than policy.

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