Morning
Dolphin & manatee cruise
Calm water and quiet coves. Bottlenose dolphins and manatees feed and play in the lagoon year-round, and mornings are often the glassiest.
Private Boat Charters in Cocoa Beach
Dolphins, manatees and golden-hour sunsets on the Banana River Lagoon. One party a day, never more than six guests, captained by Florida native Craig Bell.
It's simple. We live in a beautiful place.
Our backyard holds dolphins, manatees, more birds than you can count, mangroves and flats, plus world-class fishing with over 40 species in the Banana River Lagoon.
We love sharing it up close. No two trips are the same; no two days are the same; and that's part of the beauty of what we do. Want to see dolphins, then stop at a beach you spotted on the way? No worries. We schedule one trip per day, so if you're having a blast and want to stay out, we stay out.
We look forward to having you aboard Utopia.
Captain Craig Bell
Dolphins and manatees, up close
This is the heart of what we do. The Banana River and Indian River Lagoons are home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and Florida manatees all year, and Captain Craig knows where they feed, rest and play. We idle in quietly, cut the engine, and let the wildlife come to us.
- Year-round sightings, no season to wait for
- Respectful viewing in protected manatee zones
- Eco-tourism first: small boat, slow approach, no crowds
From first light to last light
Every trip is private and built around your group. Pick a time of day, mix it up, or just tell us what you'd like to see.
Midday
Sandbar & nature run
Pull up to a sandbar, wade in, or slip into the mangrove islands to look for spoonbills, ospreys and the odd bald eagle.
Afternoon
Fun fishing
Reds, trout and snook on the flats. Rods, bait and licenses are on us, and first-timers are our favorite anglers.
Evening
Sunset cruise
The breeze dies down, the birds head to roost and the sky goes orange over the Banana River. Bring someone you like.
An intimate experience, by design
Big tour boats have their place. Ours are relaxed, small-group trips built around wildlife, scenery, fun fishing and time together.
- 6
- guests max, never crowded
- 1
- charter a day, so we never rush
- <1 hr
- from Orlando
Staying canal-front? We'll pick you up at your dock. The boat is fast and comfortable, and shallow enough to slip into the mangrove islands.
Captain Craig tailors the day to what you want and his knowledge is abundant. Wildlife viewing, fishing or just cruising around. Plenty of dolphin and manatee sightings. A memorable experience.
We call it fun fishing
Want to land a snook or stalk the flats for a red? We're your outfit. Never fished before? Even better. We bring the tackle, bait and licensing.
Few things beat watching a kid (in age or at heart) catch a first trout, learn to cast or tie a first knot. That's what we're out there for.
Read the latest Lagoon ReportBefore you step aboard
How much does a charter cost?
Inshore charters start at $249 for 2 hours, up to $600 for a full day. Reef and near-shore charters start at $600 for a half day. Prices are per charter, not per person. See the Charters page for every option.
How many people fit on the boat?
Up to six passengers. Every charter is private, so it's only your group aboard our 26-foot Andros Tarpon.
Where do we meet?
We're in Cocoa Beach, less than an hour from Orlando, with several pickup points tailored to what's convenient for you and where you're staying. Staying on a canal? We can pick you up at your dock.
Will we see dolphins and manatees?
Both live in the Banana River and Indian River Lagoons year-round and sightings are frequent. It's nature, though, so no two days are the same.
Do I need a fishing license or gear?
No. We provide all tackle, bait and licensing on fishing trips.
Can we stay out longer?
Usually, yes. We run only one charter a day, so if you're having a great time we can extend.
Can we start at a different time?
Yes. Rather start at 10? No problem. Your charter, your way.