Watch the launch from the water

The Space Shuttle Launch Kayak Tour has one of the best seats available giving you a completely unobstructed view of the event. You can see the shuttle launch pad from the kayak site straight across Mosquito Lagoon. All without having to fight traffic or stand in lines.

The one thing more exciting than watching a launch of one of our Space shuttles, is feeling it. Most shuttle launches travel north. As it comes toward you, you can feel the roar of the engines across the open water, quite a heart pounding event.

While launches cannot be guaranteed, you can be guaranteed a beautiful paddle and that you will have a wonderful outing on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Please see Important Notes below.

ITINERARY

1. Meeting time is generally about 2 hours prior to the scheduled launch time
2. Check-in & complete waivers
3. Safety talk; PFD check; brief paddling instruction
4. Launch kayaks; paddle to manatee hangout spots for brief visit
5. Paddle to SE corner of Haulover; arrive 30-45 minutes before launch time
6. Watch spectacular Launch of Space Shuttle
7. Paddle back to launch site
8. Arrive - Turn in gear - Farewells

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The following policy applies to Shuttle launches that are delayed or scrubbed by NASA.

Where launch is delayed or rescheduled before arrival at the kayak launch site:

• Participants have the option to reschedule or cancel due to unavoidable NASA schedule changes. Full refund provided if you choose to cancel
• Each participant choosing to reschedule must reconfirm for the next launch tour; you will not be automatically scheduled for the next attempt

Where launch is delayed or rescheduled after participants arrive at the kayak launch site:

Before kayaks are launched:

• Participants may reschedule for the next scheduled launch attempt at no additional cost
• OR choose to participate in an alternate tour of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for the same price
• OR elect to receive an Open Reservation certificate valid up to 2 years for the same tour for any available launch attempt by NASA

After kayaks have been launched:

• Participants will remain on the water and participate in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge tour with no refund

This tour takes place in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on the east coast of Florida in Brevard County - east of Titusville and about 50 miles east of Orlando. The specific location and directions will be provided on your E-Ticket, including GPS coordinates.

Tour Advisory:

Conditions can vary in Florida. It is important to prepare well to gain the best enjoyment from your trip. Your guides are very familiar with your paddling environment and conditions. Feel free to ask any questions you would like in order to understand all you need to be confident about your trip. Please understand, you will not paddle in unsafe conditions including high winds and thunderstorms.

What to Wear:

• Clothes that will get a little wet
• In warm weather - swimsuit/board shorts & T-shirt
• In cool weather - same as warm, add a nylon (not cotton) cover-up
• Shoes - preferably full coverage water sandals
• An extra change of clothes
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must!

What to Bring:

• Bug repellent
• Camera & a dry bag to keep it safe
• Bottled water & snacks
• Towel - must be left in the car (please remember to lock it & your valuables in the trunk)
• Any special personal paddling gear is optional

What to Expect:

• One of the best views of the Space Shuttle Launch you will ever see, 7 miles with no obstructions
• NASA to delay the launch
• Just under two hours on the water for a leisurely paddle
• To see a lot of wildlife
• To stretch those muscles a little
• To learn some of the basics about paddling and more about local wildlife
• To actually wear your life vest & whistle
• Lots of outdoor fun
• Great guides who enjoy their work and understand how to keep you safe

7 DAYS MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. You must arrive at meeting point at least 20 minutes prior to the tour departure time. Hotel pick-up is not included. This tour requires a total of 4 persons to operate. There is no child discount for this tour. Children ages 3 and 4 are free. Minimum age to participate is 3. Please order online, or call us toll-free at 888-838-8915.