Hello Folks,

I've had this idea about designing a houseboat specifically for an all day all inclusive Manatee Tour for quite sometime now. Some say to swim with the Manatees is a spiritual experience. With that in mind I believe this tour will be everything you anticipated and more.

When you arrive for your departure at 8:00 am you will be served a continental breakfast consisting of fresh coffee and doughnuts, fresh fruit, and fresh Florida orange juice. On departure we will watch a video about manatee manners as required by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. During your tour there will be snacks and cold sodas or water available onboard.

After breakfast we will fit you with a mask, fins, snorkel, and wetsuit. We will then proceed to explore some of the many springs in the Crystal River, Florida area in search of your Manatee Encounter.

Along the way you may see the abundant wildlife of the Nature Coast area such as Eagles, Osprey, Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Wood Ducks, Cormorants, Anhingas,and maybe even a Wild Boar on shore. Occasionally we also see Dolphins searching the river for dinner.

Since this is a very private Manatee Swim we will try to stay away from crowds and visit the areas where manatees are known to be. This is an all day tour so we will have time to do a lot of exploring.

Underwater, you may also see other marine life...such as Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Sheepshead, Jack Caravelle, Mullet, Blue Crabs, and many different species of turtle. While in the water your wetsuit provides you with buoyancy so you will not expend much energy. Since the water temperature is a constant 72 degrees year around we highly recommend the wetsuit for comfort as well.

Let the Manatee come to you. They are very curious by nature and will approach you. If you have an underwater camera take as many photos as you like. Often it seems as if they are posing for you. You can remain in the water as long as you like or we can explore another spring. It entirely up to your small group.

At the end of the tour we return to Crackers for lunch (included in your tour price) inside or at the Tiki Bar overlooking Kings Bay.

(All of the above photos were taken on our tours. Click on image for larger picture) |

©2005-2008 Manatee Swim Tours