Waterfront Adventures: Swimming with the Manatees

We had a lovely time with captain Jacob and captain Morgan on February 11. We were able to swim into the three sisters springs and view the manatees up close and personal. A lot of time and attention was given on proper behavior around the manatees and abiding by the law to make sure the manatees are treated with respect and care. Captain Jacob led us in the water and answered all questions enthusiastically and ensured everyone in the group had good visibility on the manatees present. I cannot recommend this tour enough. I'll never forget the experience!

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Avast ye! Gather 'round as I spin ye a tale of the most rib-tickling, fin-flapping adventure I've ever had on the high seas... well, okay, maybe not the high seas, but the waters of Capt. Mike's Manatee Excursion! From the moment I stepped aboard the good ship, I knew I was in for a treat. Capt. Tom and Ron greeted us with a smile that could charm the barnacles off a crusty pirate's beard. And let me tell ya, that's some serious charm! As we set sail, the captain regaled us with stories of his encounters with manatees. Apparently, these gentle giants have a thing for belly rubs! I mean, who can blame 'em? If I had a belly that cute, I'd want it rubbed too! Now, here's the punchline, folks: we were barely out of the harbor when a rogue seagull swooped down and snatched the captain's hat right off his noggin! The audacity! But Captain Tom, being the quick-witted pirate he is, shouted at the seagull, "Avast, ye feathered fiend! That be the latest fashion in bird's nests!" We all burst into laughter, and that crafty seagull had to make do with a seaweed wig instead. As we approached the manatee zone, the excitement was palpable. We donned our snorkeling gear, ready to dive into the depths and frolic with these magnificent sea cows. But lo and behold, the captain warned us, "Beware the notorious 'Manatee Mafia'! They control these waters, and rumor has it they demand a tribute of belly rubs in exchange for safe passage." We all chuckled nervously, but with belly rubs in our hearts, we plunged into the water, prepared to negotiate with the underwater crime lords. Well, shiver me timbers, those manatees were the friendliest bunch of mobsters I've ever met! They swam up to us, their eyes twinkling with mischief, as if to say, "Rub away, ye scurvy landlubbers! We be enjoyin' this as much as ye!" We spent hours rubbing their bellies, laughing, and imagining what their gangster names might be. Tony the Tusk? Al "Flippers" Capone? The possibilities were endless! To wrap up our nautical escapade, Captain Tom and Ron treated us to a pirate-themed dance party on deck. Picture a bunch of sea-soaked sailors busting moves to "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" while wearing snorkels as improvised headgear. It was a sight to behold, and even the manatees joined in, swaying their rotund bodies to the rhythm. All in all, Capt. Mike's Manatee Excursion was a whale of a time! With belly laughs, seagull wig mishaps, and manatee mafias, it was an adventure I won't soon forget. So, if you're in the mood for laughter, belly rubs, and a sprinkle of pirate magic, set sail with Capt. Mike. Just keep an eye out for those sneaky seagulls and their hat-stealing shenanigans

Went out with my family (husband and two kids) to swim with the manatees. We were with Captain Morgan and Captain Glen. Booked for the last weekend in January in prime season but it wound up being 80° that day. We still found manatees. We were the only ones there. Beautiful new boat, new wetsuits that kept us warm. Had snacks and hot chocolates afterward. It was great. We were not at the three sisters springs with the crystal clear water but if we had been there, there would have been 50 people on top of each other so I prefer the way they did it. Morgan took pics and we could buy the thumb drive for a reasonable price. I wish she would have taken more pictures of us than the manatees, but all in all, it was a great experience.

We had the most wonderful morning with Captain Morgan and Captain Glenn! They were both full of knowledge and fun and made our 3 kids feel so comfortable in the water. We snorkeled with the manatees and got a bonus when the dolphins showed up! It was an incredible, once in a lifetime experience to observe these amazing animals in their natural habitat!

Jake was FANTASTIC. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. The whole staff is a excellent group. Everyone was so nice and friendly. You can tell they actually enjoy their job. Jake took our group of 10 to see the manatees and let me just say WOW! They are really cool animals, and they do come really close. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again.

First, I was not impressed by trying to find the place. Among the hotels and restaurants, we had to go into one establishment to ask. But after that it went smoothly. We had a group of five of beginners or have never gone before. We did not have a guided tour or helpful tips of how to paddle. By the end of the trip, we did get the hang of it. The equipment that was provided was very well maintained.