Manatees are my favorite animals, this was a dream come true to swim with them. I actually shopped around before booking, I am a larger person and was worried the wetsuit would not fit. 3 other company’s I checked with did not have larger wetsuits and I was told that if I don’t fit I can’t swim.
River Venture goes up to 6x and actually explained to me the importance to at least try the wetsuit first but if I couldn’t fit they said it would be fine.
I did fit it was a 5x which most others didn’t carry that size.
The captain Wade was super nice and helpful making sure I had assistance getting in and off the boat (water and shore). Since I went by myself he made sure that I didn’t take my starting pic alone lol.
Our guide Trish was losing her voice but was amazing. She truly cares about the manatees and had us swim with them until they seemed to be heading out and she made sure that we didn’t chase them.
All the rules where clearly set, not sure why some people have difficulties, there where other tours there that Trish had to remind not to touch the manatee, or tell them not the stand cause the manatee was right under them. The instructions where clear and easy to follow I will definitely be back.