Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Orlando
A sprawling coastal refuge teeming with wildlife, offering bioluminescent tours, manatee sightings, and birdwatching opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience magical bioluminescence
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Orlando
Best Time
Experience magical bioluminescence
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling coastal refuge teeming with wildlife, offering bioluminescent tours, manatee sightings, and birdwatching opportunities.
"Witness the magic of bioluminescence and abundant wildlife in this stunning Florida refuge."
Book Bioluminescence Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot! :ticket:
Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent, especially near water. Don't let them ruin your adventure. :smilingfacewith_horns:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bioluminescent Kayak Tours
Indian River Lagoon
Witness the magical glow of bioluminescent plankton on a nighttime kayak tour. A truly unique and unforgettable Florida experience.
Manatee and Dolphin Watching
Haulover Canal Launch Site
Spot playful dolphins and gentle manatees in their natural habitat. Boat tours offer excellent viewing opportunities.
Wildlife Drive
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Embark on a scenic drive to observe diverse bird species, alligators, and other native wildlife in their natural environment.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Timing is Key
Navigating the Refuge: What to Know
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Bioluminescence Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot! :ticket: +1
Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent, especially near water. Don't let them ruin your adventure. :smilingfacewith_horns:
Go Early for Wildlife
For the best bird and animal sightings, visit during the early morning hours when wildlife is most active. :bird:
Respect Wildlife Distance
Maintain a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife. Never feed them. :alligator:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Bioluminescence Tours Early
These popular tours fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance to secure your spot! :ticket: +1
Pack Bug Spray!
Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent, especially near water. Don't let them ruin your adventure. :smilingfacewith_horns:
Go Early for Wildlife
For the best bird and animal sightings, visit during the early morning hours when wildlife is most active. :bird:
Respect Wildlife Distance
Maintain a safe distance from alligators and other wildlife. Never feed them. :alligator:
Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty within the refuge. Download maps beforehand to navigate easily. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the abundant wildlife, especially manatees, dolphins, and diverse bird species. The magical bioluminescence tours are a standout experience, though they require booking in advance and can be affected by moon phases. Some visitors note that wildlife drives can get slow due to other visitors stopping frequently.
"We drove around looking for Roseate Spoonbills but sadly found none. The welcome center is closed for remodeling and the temporary trailer was closed as well. We saw egrets, white herons and storks, Mangrove flats, painted barricades, NASA launch pads, several pull offs for fishing, no restrooms so go before you go over the causeway bridge. We never got out of the car, side road paths are not paved. Would like to go back to find the Roseate spoonbills and flamingo’s when cooler and welcome center opens."
Sandra Mangro
"It was a nice drive, but because of the weather, which was way too hot.There was really nothing to see. I was surprised not even an alligator was laying around."
Janice Kirshfield
"Wonderful winter grounds for many bird species. Knowledgeable volunteers. Wide variety of trails and driving loops in diverse ecosystems.
Observation blinds and viewing platforms in many locations - several with scopes for magnification"
Sanne Kure-Jensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is about an hour's drive east of Orlando. Take FL-528 E (Beachline Expressway) towards the coast, then follow signs for the refuge. Many visitors find it a scenic road trip.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or rent a car for the best experience.
The best way to explore is by car, allowing you to access various points like the wildlife drive, visitor center, and launch sites. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular for water-based exploration.
Admission to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is generally free. However, some specific areas or trails, like BlackPoint WildlifeTrail, might have separate fees.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is very close to Cocoa Beach, often just a short drive away, making it an easy addition to a beach day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is free. However, if you plan on taking a guided bioluminescence or dolphin tour, you will need to purchase tickets for those specific excursions.
The refuge is typically open from sunrise to sunset daily. However, specific facilities like the visitor center may have limited hours. It's always best to check the official refuge website for the most current information.
Yes, booking bioluminescence tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the summer months. Popular tour operators like Get Up and Go Kayaking and BK Adventure often sell out.
Age restrictions can vary by tour operator. Most bioluminescence and dolphin tours are suitable for families, but it's advisable to check with the specific company you book with.
Bring insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing that can get wet. Some tours provide dry bags, but it's good to check.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, numerous bird species (wading birds, raptors), alligators, and various marine life.
Taking a guided boat or kayak tour from launch sites like Haulover Canal is the best way to see manatees and dolphins up close. 
Yes, there are several hiking trails and boardwalks throughout the refuge, offering opportunities to explore different habitats and observe wildlife.
Fishing is permitted in designated areas within the refuge, including impoundments and flats. Be sure to check regulations and be aware of alligators.
Absolutely! It's a paradise for nature photographers, with abundant wildlife, diverse landscapes, and stunning sunrises/sunsets. Dragonflies are a popular subject.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside the refuge. However, you can find dining options in nearby towns like Titusville and Cocoa Beach. Margarita Island in Merritt Island offers a local dining experience.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. There are designated picnic areas available. Remember to pack out all trash.
Nearby Titusville and Cocoa Beach offer a variety of seafood restaurants, casual eateries, and cafes. Margarita Island on Merritt Island is known for its margaritas and Mexican cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wildlife Drive, BlackPoint WildlifeTrail, and various boardwalks offer excellent opportunities to photograph birds, alligators, and other animals.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and broader scenes.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' and are also prime times for wildlife activity.
Yes, photographing bioluminescence is possible, but it requires a tripod and a camera capable of long exposures. It's challenging but rewarding.
While not always advertised as dedicated photography tours, many wildlife and bioluminescence tours can be excellent for photographers. Inquire with tour operators about specific needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more interactive experience, consider a dolphin and manatee tour. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close is always a highlight for children. While bioluminescence tours are magical, they are typically for older children due to the late hours and need for quiet. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is also a must-visit for families interested in space.
Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch and snacks to save on food costs. While guided tours for bioluminescence or dolphin watching have a fee, they offer incredible value for the unique experiences they provide. Consider visiting during the off-peak season for potentially lower tour prices.
Nature Photographers
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the bioluminescence if you're visiting in the summer. While challenging, long-exposure shots can yield stunning results. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the refuge's beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Bioluminescence
+1To maximize your chances of seeing bioluminescence, plan your tour on a new moon or a night with minimal moonlight, as the darkness enhances the glow. Several local outfitters offer these tours, often including kayaks, paddles, and guides who can explain the science behind the glow. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these tours are very popular and can sell out quickly.
Remember to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be present. The experience is truly breathtaking and offers a unique perspective on Florida's natural wonders. It's a must-do for anyone visiting the area during the bioluminescent season.
Wildlife Encounters: Manatees, Dolphins, and Birds
+1Birdwatchers will find Merritt Island to be a paradise. The refuge is a critical stopover for migratory birds and home to numerous resident species. Look for wading birds like herons and egrets, raptors such as ospreys and bald eagles, and a variety of shorebirds. The Wildlife Drive is an excellent route for observing many of these species without leaving your vehicle, though stopping at designated pull-offs is encouraged.
Beyond the larger mammals and birds, the refuge is teeming with other life. Keep an eye out for alligators in the waterways and marshes, especially during warmer periods. The diverse flora and fauna make every visit a potential discovery. Remember to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife and never feed them.
Exploring the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The complex provides an immersive look into NASA's achievements, from the early Mercury missions to the ongoing Artemis program. Interactive exhibits allow you to pilot a spacecraft in a simulator, learn about astronaut training, and explore the vastness of space. It's an educational and inspiring destination for all ages, offering a glimpse into humanity's quest for the stars.
It's important to note that the Visitor Complex is a separate ticketed attraction from the National Wildlife Refuge. While both are located on Merritt Island, they offer distinct experiences – one focused on nature and wildlife, the other on space exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit