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2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs

2.5 Hour Kayaking with Manatee and History Tour in Tarpon Springs

Overview

Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity of kayaking with Manatees. Start at our launch then paddle past the historic Sponge Docks, learning about the area's unique history. Then, enter the mangroves and learn all about their important role as part of Florida's coastal ecosystems. Float into the freshwater spring to join the Manatees in the warm water. Your guide will instruct you on how to safely navigate the water so you do not disturb these protected mammals. Then work your way back while the guide continues to point out wildlife along the way.

City: Clearwater

Tue 29 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $68.00

Make a reservation

Tue 29 Apr

Starting at $68.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Use of the kayak, paddle and life jacket

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Our wildlife experts will guide you through the mangroves, spotting wildlife along the way. You'll enjoy the peace and quiet as you drift along the river learning about the precious ecosystems that surround us here in Florida. Of course, there will be some time to float by the historic sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (18)

O3414NVamyp

Jan 2025

Julie/Guide/Owner was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, passionate, attentive, and helpful. Learned a lot about local wildlife. Saw several dozen roosting pelicans. Saw approaching 100 surfacing events with the manatees. Saw 4 dolphins playing chase and jumping games. Saw a variety of birds. Reasonably priced was a bonus.

Response from Host

Feb 2025

Thanks for the review, sounds like you got to see loads on your tour!

goingp2020

Jan 2025

Julie was very knowledgeable about many of the birds and animals on the trek. We saw several manatees and enjoyed spending several minutes with them observing their playful nature. The trek was pretty casual and we learned about the history along the Sponge Docks.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thanks for the review. Really happy to hear you had a great time with us.

Udi_W

Jan 2025

Julie, our guide was great, but the kayaking was rough. I've asked for tandem in the comments, but that was overlooked, so we all got single kayaks (I have an 8 and a 12 year olds). Luckily one couple agreed to split (otherwise had to reschedule which was not an option), so I could do tandem with my 8 y/o, but my wife and 12 y/o had to do single. It was a difficult 2 hour kayaking against gusts and with lots of boat traffic, and 30 min with the manatees. On the way back the guide connected my daughter's kayak with a rope to help her. As for the manatees - you can barely see them because the water is not clear. You can see the same by parking at the spring and seeing them. A couple years ago we did a similar kayaking tour in Crystal Springs (a 1.5 hour drive north), and it was so much better. Clear water, short and easy paddle and a much better facility. No boats and lots of manatees that you clearly see from your kayak. Overall, if you're in the area, and have strong kayaking abilities - it's fine. The guide said I should have booked the tandem tour, but I couldn't find it. Also, there's no option to mix tandem and single, and I assumed that they read the comments before hand. Also, probably best to call them directly and say exactly what you need. And get ready for a workout. Tarpon Springs is a cute town, dominated by Greeks, which is like being in a greek village. Very fun.

Response from Host

Jan 2025

Thanks for the review. We do offer the ability to book tandems separately. It is not so easy to find when booking through Viator/Tripadvisor however. If booking directly on our website it is much simpler. I appreciate that doesn't help now.