Deep in the heart of Florida’s crystal-clear waters, a hidden gem awaits those seeking an extraordinary encounter with nature. Step aboard the Manatee Viewing Cruise and embark on a voyage that will transport you back in time, where ancient giants gracefully roam the seas.
Prepare to be captivated by the majesty of these gentle giants as they glide through the water, their massive bodies a testament to the wonders of the natural world. But that’s just the beginning of this remarkable journey, for the Manatee Viewing Cruise offers more than just a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures.
Stay tuned to uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.
Good To Know
- The tour takes place at Petes Pier and lasts for 15 minutes.
- Admission tickets are not included in the tour.
- The tour is operated by Explorida and has a maximum of 12 travelers.
- The tour requires good weather and may be canceled or rescheduled in case of poor weather conditions.
Tour Details
When booking the Manatee Viewing Cruise, you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking and meet your Captain by the Bait Shop at the end of the dock just past the boat ramp.
Your Captain, who’ll be wearing a bright green Explorida Shirt, will be ready to guide you on an unforgettable adventure.
This tour, operated by Explorida, will allow you to witness the beauty of manatees in their natural habitat. With a maximum of 12 travelers, you can expect a more intimate experience.
The tour lasts approximately 15 minutes and isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are allowed. Most travelers can participate and enjoy this incredible opportunity to observe these gentle creatures up close.
Don’t miss out on this chance to create lasting memories with the majestic manatees.
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Cancellation Policy
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy for the Manatee Viewing Cruise.
- You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid won’t be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time won’t be accepted.
Understanding the cancellation policy allows you to make informed decisions and avoid any potential financial loss. It’s always recommended to plan ahead and make any necessary changes or cancellations within the specified time frame to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Keep in mind that the cutoff times for cancellations are based on the local time of the experience.
Traveler Reviews
The traveler reviews for the Manatee Viewing Cruise are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the knowledgeable captains and the up-close encounters with these gentle creatures. Visitors have raved about the experience, sharing their excitement and appreciation for the tour guides who provide insightful information about the history and wildlife of the area. The encounters with the manatees have left a lasting impression on travelers, who describe the creatures as gentle and fascinating to watch. The cruise also receives high marks for its commitment to conservation, with reviewers noting the roped-off areas in the water to protect the manatees and the presence of USFWS volunteers ensuring their safety. The positive reviews highlight the exceptional experience and recommend the Manatee Viewing Cruise for all ages.
Rating | Review |
---|---|
5 stars | We had a wonderful trip with Captain Steve! He was polite and personable! He had great knowledge of the history and the wildlife of the area! He really got us up close and personal with the manatees, while stressing the Importance of their conservation. He answered all our questions! We felt very safe and were well taken care of in this trip! I would definitely recommend it for any age while visiting the area! We are already planning another trip and will definitely book another boat trip with Captain Steve! |
5 stars | Our 3-generation girls trip was enhanced by seeing manatees in their natural habitat for the very first time. They were so gentle and fun to watch. It was especially exciting when they came up for air while cleaning the boat. There was plenty of room to walk around the boat to see the manatees and our captain was happy to share his knowledge. I was especially impressed to see that there areas in the water roped off where humans and boats could not enter so the manatees had an escape from so many onlookers. There were even USFWS volunteers in kayaks and paddleboards to make sure everyone respected the manatees. Fantastic experience. |
5 stars | Highly recommend this adventure. Our tour guide (Jake) was very knowledgeable and delivered an exceptional tour. We saw at least 15 manatees! |
5 stars | Absolutely amazing trip with our knowledgeable captain, Gavin! We loved the experience and highly recommend it! |
The reviews demonstrate the exceptional quality of the Manatee Viewing Cruise, with visitors praising the knowledgeable captains, the up-close encounters with the manatees, and the commitment to conservation. The positive feedback from travelers emphasizes the enjoyable and educational nature of the tour, making it a highly recommended experience for all ages.
Featured Review
Building on the positive reviews and exceptional experiences shared by travelers, a featured review of the Manatee Viewing Cruise highlights the remarkable journey guided by Captain Steve and his extensive knowledge of the area’s history and wildlife.
Tammy_B, a satisfied customer, describes Captain Steve as polite and personable, with great knowledge of the history and wildlife of the area. She praises his ability to get up close and personal with the manatees while emphasizing the importance of their conservation.
Tammy_B felt safe and well taken care of throughout the trip and highly recommends it for visitors of all ages. The review paints a vivid picture of Captain Steve’s expertise, the close encounters with manatees, and the overall enjoyable experience of the cruise.
Additional Information
For additional information about the Manatee Viewing Cruise, travelers can find details about the tour, cancellation policy, and traveler reviews. Here are some key points to know:
Tour Details | Cancellation Policy | Traveler Reviews |
---|---|---|
Petes Pier | Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance | Overall rating: 5.0 (based on 411 reviews) |
15 minutes | No refund if canceled less than 24 hours before start time | Featured Review: Tammy_B – "We had a wonderful trip with Captain Steve!" |
Admission Ticket Not Included | Changes made less than 24 hours before start time not accepted | |
Confirmation received at time of booking | Minimum number of travelers required | |
Not wheelchair accessible | Refund or different date offered if experience canceled due to poor weather or minimum not met | |
Service animals allowed | Reviews from Viator travelers |
With these details, travelers can make informed decisions about the Manatee Viewing Cruise. They can learn about the tour duration, meeting location, and operator. The cancellation policy ensures flexibility, while traveler reviews give insights into the experience. The additional information provides a rundown of what to expect and helps travelers plan their adventure accordingly.
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Common Questions
Are Children Allowed on the Manatee Viewing Cruise?
Yes, children are allowed on the manatee viewing cruise. It’s a family-friendly experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They will have the opportunity to see these gentle creatures up close in their natural habitat.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic while observing the manatees in their natural habitat.
Is There a Restroom Available on the Boat?
Yes, there is a restroom available on the boat. Travelers can use the restroom during the Manatee Viewing Cruise. It provides convenience and ensures a comfortable experience for all participants.
Will Life Jackets Be Provided on the Cruise?
Yes, life jackets will be provided on the cruise. Passengers can rest assured knowing that safety is a priority, and the necessary equipment will be available to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Can I Bring My Camera and Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their cameras and take photos during the tour. Capturing the experience and the majestic manatees in their natural habitat is a great way to create lasting memories.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the Manatee Viewing Cruise offers nature enthusiasts and animal lovers a unique and unforgettable experience.
With knowledgeable captains and a focus on conservation, this intimate tour allows travelers to observe manatees in their natural habitat while ensuring their well-being.
With positive reviews from satisfied travelers, this adventure is suitable for all ages and promises to be an engaging and educational journey in the beautiful waters of Florida.
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