Tours Enhance the Space Coast Experience
Visitors intending to dive deeper into the offerings on Florida´s Space Coast can benefit from the many tours to be found throughout the region. Knowledgeable guides are on hand to educate on the native wildlife whilst gliding and navigating the mangrove tunnels of the Indian River Lagoon; walking through the mural-lined historic districts of the inland communities or seeking an overview of the coastline from a helicopter.
Whilst the bioluminescence during the summer months is always a highlight, the Indian River Lagoon can be navigated year-round and kayaking tours with companies such as Fin Expeditions or Cocoa Beach Kayaking in the Cocoa Beach region or Go Kayaking Tours in Melbourne place guests close to the water, surrounded by the fauna and flora. Nature boat tours offer a more elevated experience, such as the sunset tour of the Banana River by Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours where visitors search for bottlenose dolphin, manatee, a variety of bird species, whilst viewing the beautiful homes along the canals. A faster, exhilarating tour with Twister Airboat Rides takes guests deeper into Florida´s outback on the St. John´s River and slows down to observe alligators, roaming cattle and deer in a remote setting.
Back on land, the inland communities and their historic districts offer an array of tours. Florida´s citrus industry commenced when Ponce de Leon planted the first orange trees in St. Augustine in the 1500s, while the Indian River citrus industry began in the 1830s. One such location in the region is Field Manor on Merritt Island, a National Register Property and a living history museum including an 1880s farmhouse and a 45-acre working citrus grove.
In the 1880s the primary means of transportation in the area was on the water and settlement first increased when Henry Flagler´s East Coast Railroad extended through the Space Coast. One of the first settlements in the region is where the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) now lies and visitors can explore its history during a walking tour or even experience an impressive mural and art tour, with over 20 murals to discover.
The Space Coast offers a unique and thriving food scene and guests can partake on a variety of tours offered by Village Food Tours in historic Cocoa Village, Downtown Cocoa Beach, Downtown Melbourne and Port Canaveral. These tours take foodies off the beaten path to experience local dishes and fascinating stories in scenic locations. The walking tours offer a minimum of four tasty stops for the duration of three hours.
Those preferring a bird´s eye view of the area can opt for an aerial tour with Florida Air Tours on a biplane from Merritt Island Airport with scenic flights lasting up to 45 minutes. Cocoa Beach Helicopters offer views of the coastline and classic landmarks. Both companies can even fly near the Kennedy Space Center with views of the Vehicle Assembly Building and space shuttle landing runway.
Whatever the area of interest, guided tours of the Space Coast offer a more in-depth perspective of this diverse destination, especially for visitors staying longer in the region or returning. More information can be found on the official website. Once in the area the Visitor Information Center at 267 W. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach, 32931 Florida provides local information and as well as some popular photo opportunities.