The Indian River Lagoon runs along the western shore of Indialantic, separated from the Atlantic by a narrow strip of land. It is one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America, home to manatees, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of species of migratory and resident birds. The shallow, sheltered waters are excellent for kayaking and paddleboarding, and wildlife sightings are virtually guaranteed.
Several outfitters in Melbourne and the surrounding area offer kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided tours of the lagoon. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife viewing. Manatees are particularly common in the winter months, when they congregate near the warm-water outflows from power plants along the lagoon's shore. The lagoon is also a nursery habitat for numerous commercially important fish species, and fishing from kayak or small boat is popular with locals.