There’s Dolphin in the River!

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Today we’re going to talk about dolphins. Welcome to our Indian River Lagoon location in the marina at Riverside Cafe Vero Beach. We offer paddle board and kayak rentals and tours through Paddles By The Sea. But there’s something in the River – the waterway that runs the length of Florida’s East coast-  that not everyone knows is here, and it’s one of my favorite parts. It’s the dolphin, their dolphin in this River! It’s so amazing to see them in the wild, they’re here much every day. They’re kind of like my squirrel, every time I see one I get distracted and have to try to get a photo. It never gets old. So, today I’m going to show you a few of my favorite places to see dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach.

1) Obviously, my favorite way to see dolphins is by paddle board or kayak, it’s the best. You’re actually on the water with them, in their environment. It’s one of those experiences that you get to be close with them. Have not had any come close enough to touch, but they sometimes come pretty close, close enough that it’s a cool experience.  

You can rent paddle boards & kayaks and head out on your own. We offer a lesson with every rental, and give advice on the best routes to take based off wind and weather, and where we usually see dolphins. You can also take a guided tour with our American Canoe Association certified guides, they are experts at teaching paddle sports, staying safe on the water, and finding local dolphins.

2) The next option we have is super cool too, it’s a tour boat. We share the marina at Riverside Cafe with two tour boat companies. Both offer dolphin sightseeing, but they’re very different from each other.

The first boat is called Potamoi. It’s a large 28′ pontoon boat that is able to take up to 6 humans per outing.  They go out almost every day, sometimes several times a day. They’re very good at finding dolphins, sometimes manatee in the River.  This is a great way to see dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon.

Potamoi | Vero Tackle & Watersports
https://verowatersports.com/river-boat-tour/
7772-234-9585

Boat Tour Vero

The other boat in our marina is Treasure Coast Cruises. This sightseeing tour is always a private excursion. They offer much smaller groups that are only your friends and family. Capt. Kirby is excellent at finding local dolphins and manatees, and his knowledge of the local area and its history is amazing.
 

Treasure Coast Cruises http://tccruise.com/
772-321-5955

3) Last, but certainly not least, we have Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary. This island was created after World War II using spoils of a dredging operation to make a boating channel. Later dedicated as a Memorial Park in the early 1960s. If you have never been here, highly suggest you check it out. The island holds memorials for all branches of service and military engagements, with a bench at each one. Easily one of the nicest memorial parks in the country. Please take the time to check it out. Note: this space is designed for quiet reflection, please be respectful of its purpose.

It’s also an amazing place to see dolphins. The north side of the island overlooks a cove that dolphin love for some reason or another. In fact, this is the place we spend most of our paddle board and kayak renters, you’ve got a really good shot of seeing them there. That’s another reason this island is so special. If you have a handicap or disability that prevents you from getting on a boat, paddle board or kayak, this park is the place for you. Lots of handicapped parking and the entire park is accessible by wheelchair. Even if you’re not in need of these things, this park is a perfect place to grab a bench stare off into the River in search of dolphins. Also, a great place to catch a sunset.

Click here to check out their website

There you have it, my favorite way to see dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon. I’m sure there are others, but those are mine. Do you know of any better ones?