Turkey Creek, Palm Bay/Melbourne, FL
Come explore with us
★★★★★
4.9 rating from our customers
Explore One of the Space Coast’s Most Stunning Waterways – Turkey Creek Palm Bay/Melbourne FL
Don’t let the name fool you—this paddle trip is pure magic. Nestled within a 130-acre protected natural area, this waterway is one of the most breathtaking places to kayak on the Space Coast.
We start our adventure in a salt marsh estuary, where dolphins and manatees make regular appearances. After paddling upstream for about a mile, we enter the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, and suddenly, everything changes. The landscape shifts from open water to lush forests, where towering hardwoods and sand pine banks create the perfect home for countless creatures.
Speaking of wildlife—you’re in for a treat. Manatees, alligators, and turtles galore. Bird lovers, get your binoculars ready! You might spot great blue herons, little blues, greens, and even an occasional night heron. Ospreys and owls keep watch overhead, while songbirds flit through the trees by the hundreds—sometimes thousands. If you’re here during migration season (October–November and March–April), prepare to be amazed—millions of birds have been reported flying through the area in a single night!
The plant life is just as fascinating. Along the banks, you’ll find maples, hickories, and ancient oaks draped in resurrection ferns. If you time it right, native orchids bloom from early June to mid-July. And we don’t shy away from talking about the not-so-welcome plants, like Chinese tallow and Brazilian pepper trees—non-native species that threaten the balance of this delicate ecosystem.
Our paddle takes us all the way to the Melbourne-Tillman dam, where we’ll turn back and float downstream, catching a fresh perspective along the way. This is a flatwater paddle with a gentle current (~3 knots, about walking speed), and while it’s listed as a four-hour tour, we’re never watching the clock. If we find a manatee and want to linger, we linger.
Who Can Join?
- Ages: Perfect for kids 8 and up. Younger children can ride in a tandem kayak with an adult.
- Skill Level: Suitable for all levels—whether you’re a seasoned paddler or brand new to kayaking.
When Do We Go?
We offer two tours per day from January through March, then three per day until November. Our usual times are 8:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, but we’re flexible! If a 10 AM paddle sounds better and there’s no conflict, we’ll make it happen—just give us a call.
Group Sizes
We like to keep it small—about four paddlers per tour—so you get the best experience possible. Solo kayakers are always welcome, and yes, we’ll go out even if it’s just one person (small additional surcharge)! If you’ve got a bigger group, we can accommodate up to eight people or more if you call ahead.
What’s Included?
- Sit-on-top kayak
- Paddle & personal flotation device (PFD)
- Certified Florida Master Naturalist guide
- Chem-lights for night paddles
- Dry bag for your valuables
What Should You Bring?
While we carry extra supplies, it’s good to have your favorites on hand:
- Sunscreen
- At least 1 liter of water per person
- Insect repellent
- A wide-brim hat
- Polarized sunglasses (they help you see into the water!)
A Note About Cameras
We know you’ll want to capture the moment, but trust us—sometimes, it’s better to just soak it all in. As a friend once said, “Sometimes, you just have to put the camera down and kiss the whale.” We’re happy to snap group photos and send them your way—just as