Manatees are some of the most popular wildlife here in Florida. Whether you’ve loved them all your life or discovered them through videos, memes, and more on the internet, we bet you’re more than excited to see them in person. The great thing is that plenty of exciting tours offer a unique chance to possibly see them.
While there’s no guarantee they’ll meet you, it can still be a fantastic experience, nevertheless. That’s why you must come prepared, both mentally and physically.
If you’re going on a manatee tour for the first time in your life, here’s the most important thing you need to prepare and what you can expect:
Swimming Essentials
You will have to be prepared to get in the water. When you’re going on a manatee tour, you’re likely to be going to an area where the waters aren’t really deep. To make sure that you stay safe and dry at the same time, you must have a swimsuit, goggles or a snorkel, water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Snacks and Water
You can’t count on the tour to offer you food or water, so it’s a great idea to pack a few snacks and drinks for the ride. It’s essential that you bring a bottle of water with you to avoid dehydrating during the day. Make sure to bring plastic bags to throw your trash in.
Waterproof Camera
Taking pictures of manatees can be difficult, especially if you’re not adequately equipped. Bring a waterproof or underwater camera to ensure that you get the photos you want to commemorate the experience.
What to Expect
When you take a manatee tour, you can expect that the tour group will usually drive you to an area where the water is shallow enough for you to see the manatees. Once you’ve arrived, you may need to wait for a little while for the manatees to get comfortable with your splashing, but once they do, you’ll likely see them playing around in the water.
They’re known to love being petted and fawned over, so don’t be afraid to get close to them! It’s crucial that you do it with care, though, just as how you’d do it with a domestic animal.
As mentioned before, it’s not a sure thing that you’ll be able to see a manatee, but it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be able to see some other wildlife. No matter how many manatees you’re able to see, if you’re new to the experience, it’s undoubtedly going to be an amazing experience.
Since manatees are nocturnal, they tend to hang out in warmer waters during the day and move toward cooler waters at night. The best time to see them is in the afternoon. That’s why most tours include activities both in the morning and afternoon.
Most manatee tour companies also take you on a relaxing boat ride through beautiful local spots, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored.
Manatee tours are a fantastic experience for anyone. Whether you’re a family with kids, or a group of friends looking for a vacation with a little more action, there’s something for everyone!
Summary
Manatee Tours are a great way of checking out the local wildlife. Just make sure that you bring all your essentials with you. Whether or not you see manatees, at the very least, you’ll get to explore the local spots, see other wildlife, and have a fun and exciting day.
If you are interested in going on a guided kayak tour to see manatees, you’re in the right place. Here at Nature Coast Eco Tours, we specialize in providing you with a more personal and un-commercialized experience.
The tours and events we offer are perfect for people who want to explore the real Florida wilderness, view wildlife, take photographs and learn about the area’s history and ecosystems. Book a tour online today and see nature’s true beauty up close and personal!
