Top 5 Comments about the trip:
1. Don't be discouraged about "manatee off season"; I went June 19th & John Stark was an expert boat captain with a keen eye for tracking down these amazing mammals and getting us up close to observe them in the wild.
2. Pay extra for the VIP and go in the morning; River Ventures is an tour company that offers smaller group options; you're in a smaller boat that's more maneuverable, you're in a smaller group that's more manageable in the water. Some boats (from other companies) are out there with 10-12 people in the water and everyone is trying to crowd up the same manatee. Once one person stirs up the bottom, the water becomes murky and it's just a huge disaster with a giant throng of people flailing around the manatees.
3. Demand that Jody is your in-water guide. She is a fantastic swimmer, accomplished photographer, great with kids, and has a knack for locating and sustaining observation opportunities with these magical creatures. She is extremely knowledgeable on the natural features, flora and fauna of the area, and is truly gifted in always having sunny weather and calm / clear water during all of her tours. She also does kayak tours at a river nearby, especially if you're interested in interacting with alligators and other indigenous species of interest.
4. Wear sunscreen, drink water, bring snacks, keep quiet, go as earlier in the morning as humanly possible. The water is not cold, the wet suits are more then adequate. Pay attention to the video at the beginning of the tour; that is your guide to absolute success for your manatee experience.
5. Finally, when you're on a manatee VIP tour with River Ventures, it's hard not to gloat a little. As you slowly and quietly ease down the river, in your heated / air conditioned boat, with your expert captain and guide, you cannot help but let a thick smirk draw across your face as you gaze out across the water behind your mirrored sunglass lenses, observing the lesser rabble flail about, among throngs of patrons desperately investigating murky water for sea cows. Rest easy, knowing you're part of a small, elite force, in relentless pursuit of clear water, amazing weather, vistas of breathtaking (you have a snorkel) underwater manatee encounters, and the vision and agility to tailor your tour to meet whatever requirements pop up as the morning moves on (since you chose the early option). Oh and buy the picture package at the end of the tour; ain't nobody got time to be fumbling with a camera, in that regard. Leave the national geographic stuff up to Jody (since you demanded she be your guide).
--Gregory (Solo traveler from North Carolina)
Відповідь від хоста
Jun 2018
Ok, OK Gregory, we don't know who you are......but you are definitely part of our 'wacky tribe'! What a beautiful, descriptive and helpful review.....in fact it may be one of my favorite of all time!! You describe Ms. Jodi as a wizard who can control the sun, and us as an 'elite force'!! Man, oh man...it doesn't get much better than that. In fact, it has sprouted a new idea for us...forget the 'Space Force' we are ready to build the RV Elite 'Manatee Force'!! I think we should get hats or t shirts to declare it, but ain't nobody go time for that! Please come back and see us again, you wont believe what it's like in the winter. Until then...may the Force be with you.