Kayak And Swim with Manatees Tour (Nov 15th – Feb 28th)
Experience our All-Inclusive Swim with Manatees Tour!
This all-inclusive swim with manatees tour includes your choice of a regular sit on top kayak or paddleboard, wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and one of our AMAZING local guides! You will see plenty of nature along the way while learning some amazing facts about the thriving eco-system. You will have the opportunity to swim with manatees and view bald eagles, owls, dolphins, pelicans, tarpon, turtles, otters, and other species known to be found in Crystal River. This is a 2.5-hour kayak and swim adventure that operates from November 15 through February 28 each year.
Towards the end of manatee season (the month of March) it gets more difficult to spot manatees on warmer days/weeks due to manatees heading back out to the Gulf of Mexico to survive. Our guides make every effort possible to find the manatees but it is a natural environment and there is no guarantee that every tour will get the opportunity to swim with them, or possibly even spot a manatee during the month of March.
Important Information
We require that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your reservation time. There is a short video (required by FWC) and waivers to sign before send out.
Your time on the water starts at your booking time. As such, if you arrive at your reservation time you will miss your tour. Tours leave at the scheduled reservation time.
Children must be at least 3 years of age to participate. No pets are allowed on any of our tours. There is a $5.00 per person launch fee that is charged at checkout, this gets paid directly to Pete’s Pier. You will be given a bracelet that is necessary to launch at Pete’s Pier Marina. There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle at the launch site that can be paid via card or cash.
Tour Details
- What To Wear & Bring
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen (not permitted in kayak, pre-apply only)
- Hat
- Polarized sunglasses
- Towel
- Dry Clothes
- What's Included
- ALL clear kayak
- Life vest
- Paddles
- Amazing local guide
- Superior customer service
- Fresh air on our amazing waterways
- Possibility to view many wildlife species
- Restrictions
Got Questions? We Have Answers
Since we do not feed alligators, we cannot guarantee that you will see an alligator. We see only wild alligators in their natural habitat. American alligators are more timid and less aggressive than people think. They are naturally afraid of people. It is rare for a human to be attacked by an alligator. Attacks are more likely when an alligator is being fed or if it is around people often. This makes them used to people and they become less afraid of humans. These types of alligators are more likely to become a nuisance and possibly dangerous and end up being killed. However, wild alligators tend to stray away from the sight of humans unless you are too close to their nest or their babies. Even in this case, the mother alligator often makes a hissing noise to warn you not to get any closer. We strive to provide the most genuine and authentic experience possible. Feeding wildlife consistently encourages animals to become reliant on that food source rather than feeding naturally. Besides, there are over 100 species of fish and shellfish that they can snack on in the Atchafalaya Basin!
Dress comfortable! Please check the weather before arriving to our tour to be sure to dress appropriate. Keep in mind during cool days, the temperatures will be ~10 degrees cooler on the water and even cooler while we are driving fast! During the summer, it is very hot and humid in Louisiana. A hat and light clothing are recommended!
We do not lure or feed the wildlife so we cannot guarantee that we will see a specific type of wildlife. The Atchafalaya is home to many creatures which makes it more likely to see a variety of animals! On a typical day we will see a variety of birds and alligators. On our tours we have also seen otters, beavers, snakes, fishing spiders, racoons. It’s always a surprise which makes it that much more fun!
Swimming is allowed if all parties consent to pausing to swim.