This was an AWESOME experience. Our guide, Lindsey M was awesome and took such good care of us. My daughter can be strong willed, especially when nervous, and she towed her around for me so I could have some time to really enjoy the manatees and my boys. I cannot stress how much I appreciated that! It also helped my peanut become so much more comfortable with the manatees so we could really enjoy the experience together.
Emerson, our captain, was so safety minded and clearly took his job seriously. They both stayed calm even in a bit of a hairy moment when the weather started to cause some problems. I felt incredibly safe with both Lindsey and Emerson the whole time! They were knowledgeable about all of the marine life and so patient with all our questions. We even finally figured out what the jumping fish at our AirBnB are (mullets - the fish, not the hairstyle)!
I also really appreciated how respectful River Ventures was to the animals. They really stress passive observation and do everything they can not to stress out the manatees. Lindsey also tried to educate a group of private boaters who were being less than respectful. I felt really good knowing my kids were being taught how important it is to be respectful of the wildlife around them. The pics they took were awesome as well, and totally worth the $30 not to have to worry about a waterproof camera case, etc.
All around an AMAZING experience! I would do it again in a heartbeat. My kids (9, 11, 13) and husband (39) all loved it.