We had the most amazing time at the Manatee tour today!
Unfortunately our first booked kayaktour got canceled because there weren’t enough participants, but we got a free upgrade to the VIP tour which was even better.
Our guide Heidi and Captain John S. were just amazing and made everyone feel prepared and as friends.
We got a little introduction and security booking before we took off on our ponton boat (with free hot and cold beverages and snacks) and after maybe 10 minutes saw our first Manatee! A rather small male one (small only according to Heidi) who was munching all the sea grass on the bottom of the lake (maybe 3-4 foot deep there). We got around 30-40 minutes to spend with him and after the first “fear” or, let’s call it respect towards this huge animal we had an amazing time observing him!
We took off to another spot after a while and got to observe a female with her calf (which was around 5-6 foot long already!!) in almost crystal clear water, which was absolutely astonishing. The overall flora and fauna there is amazing. We got to see so many fish around there, too!
Because we got there before the Springs were closed for the Manatees, we were able to visit the 3-Sister Springs, too. Incredibly clear water there, you could literally see the fresh springwater come out of the holes in the ground!
The 4 hour tour was over rather quick and we got back to the bus and the center, where we changed back and left after an really amazing day. Thank you so much River Ventures! Your approach of respectful observing these animals was the perfect way to engage those incredible animals!