Awesome experience! Definitely worth it to go with a tour company and guide, and better by far to be in the water with the manatees than kayaking above (we’d considered a self guided or a kayak tour as alternatives; I’m really glad we chose this tour). This company emphasizes education and safety and respect for the manatees, which was important to us. And their (included) full body wetsuits were a must - I’d read the water is always 72 degrees but had no idea how it would *feel. It’s cold. You definitely want a wetsuit. Even though we went in the off season, we still got to swim with a mandate and her calf, and visit two amazing springs. Our guide, Trish, and her husband Wade, the boat captain, were fun, kind, knowledgeable, and great with children; I highly recommend them, especially if you have a family. One thing to know before you go is that manatees startle easily, so when you’re in the water you need to not splash with your feet; just gently swim with your arms below the surface. That was easy for my 8 year old daughter, but my 10 year old son would’ve struggled with it if he’d been along. With Trish’s expert guidance, interacting with the manatees and observing their world was easy, safe, and awe-inspiring. We can’t wait to come back during busy season!