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Manatees in Bairs Cove

Bairs Cove

A go-to location for spotting manatees at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bairs Cove off Haulover Canal is also a launch point for bioluminescence

Merritt Island NWR  |  Titusville
( 28.733150, -80.756378 )      

Connecting the north end of the Indian River Lagoon with the Mosquito Lagoon, Haulover Canal is always a tumultuous waterway due to the tides rushing back and forth between the two.

Having a place to launch a boat or a kayak without getting into the rough flow is a blessing, and Bairs Cove is the spot.

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Overview

Location: Titusville
Trailhead: 28.733150, -80.756378
Fees: $10 per vehicle or $2 per bicycle
Restroom: Vault toilet. No drinking water.
Land manager: Merritt Island NWR
Phone: 321-861-0669

A National Parks Pass, Duck Stamp, or Federal Public Lands Pass covers your parking fee.

Open 24 hours. Ample parking for boat trailers. No camping permitted.

Manatees in Bairs Cove


Directions

 
From Interstate 95 exit 220, Titusville, follow SR 406 east for 8 miles to cross the Max Brewer Bridge and the causeway to Merritt Island. Stay left at the divide in the road. When you reach CR 3 at the T intersection, turn left. Just as you see the bridge for Haulover Canal up ahead, the turnoff to Bairs Cove is on the left.

About the Park

With a parking area to accommodate boat trailers, Bairs Cove is the easiest-to-access of all of the boat ramps in Merritt Island NWR.

A cove off Haulover Canal, its shallows also attract manatees to the warmer waters, especially during the winter months.

Manatee Manatee in Bairs Cove


An accessible docking area provides a place to tie up as needed, but it also serves as a walkway for manatee watching.

Boat ramp into cove Boat ramp at Bairs Cove


The ramp enters a channel in the cove which leads out to the canal. Perpendicular to it is a hand launch area for kayaks and canoes to slip into the canal.

Launch into Haulover Canal Hand launch into Haulover Canal


Some of the best summer bioluminescence can be seen in the shallow estuaries nearest the shoreline north and south of the canal.

Paddling the canal itself is tricky because of the tides. Consult a tide chart before attempting a paddle, especially if your plans are after dark.

Indian River Lagoon The Indian River Lagoon due east of Bairs Cove


Along the entrance road into Bairs Cove, there are several pulloffs that anglers use to cast a line into Haulover Canal.

They also slip along the shoreline on beaten paths leading towards the lagoon away from the launch.

Kayakers can slip their craft directly into the lagoon through a gap between the palms and mangroves at the very west edge of the parking area.

Launching into the lagoon Launch directly into the lagoon


Explore More!

Learn more about Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Dummett Cove Merritt Island

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

With recreational activities ranging from hiking to biking, boating, fishing, and bioluminscent kayaking, Florida’s top destination for birding is also home to Kennedy Space Center


Nearby Adventures

Nearby destinations on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Manatee Viewing Area at Merritt Island NWR

Manatee Observation Deck

Where Haulover Canal connects the Indian River Lagoon and Mosquito Lagoon in Merritt Island NWR, a manatee observation deck makes it easy to watch for manatees drifting by

Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore

Playalinda Beach

At the south end of Canaveral National Seashore, Playalinda Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers along the Space Coast thanks to its natural beaches and views of Kennedy Space Center.


Slideshow

See our photos of Bairs Cove

Refuge Map (PDF) Official Website

Category: Central Florida, Launch Points, PaddlingTag: Best Paddling, Merritt Island, Merritt Island NWR, National Wildlife Refuges, Rivers, Seminole Wars, Titusville

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