R3678LQdaniellep
Mar 2025
We went on a 50 degree day, they suited us up with wetsuits, had us watch a brief video on manatee manners, then we were off to the boat. Sara our swim guide and Chaz our boat captain were amazing. The were familiar with the waters and the best spots, and you could feel their passion for manatees and protecting them. We saw 2 springs, a short swim apart from each other, the water was a warm 72 degrees and comfortable with the wetsuits on. We saw 3-5 manatees in the first spring and left because a tagged/research manatee settled there and we weren’t supposed to disturb him. And at the second location the water was clearer and we saw 10! They were resting so we watched from a distance, then went back to the first location since the tagged manatee had left. When we got back to the boat Chaz helped us up, and had towels and hot chocolate/coffee waiting. On the way back they talked more about conservation efforts. At the office we changed back into our clothes and were seated to watch a slideshow with pictures and videos that Sara took, and we paid for the photo package so we got a tiny manatee shaped flash drive with the slide show on it. It was an incredible experience, I can’t wait to come back again, I’ll definitely request Chaz and Sara again. Well worth the 17 hour drive from CT!