Weeki Wachee Clear Kayak Eco-Tour (Apr-Nov)

The Weeki Wachee River is a year-round destination, though the experience changes with the seasons. April through November offers warm, sunny weather and consistently active wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, and a full spectrum of coastal birds. If manatee sightings are your primary goal and you're visiting November 15 through March 31, consider the Manatee Season Clear Kayak Tour instead, when hundreds of manatees gather in the spring-fed waters.

The Weeki Wachee River and its estuary host a remarkable variety of Florida wildlife. Expect to see manatees (spotted daily), dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, alligators, turtles, raccoons, otters, stingrays, and a wide variety of fish and coastal birds. During warmer months, fireflies light up the shoreline at dusk. Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed.

Absolutely. This tour is beginner-friendly, and your guide will walk you through everything you need to know before launching. The calm, spring-fed waters of the Weeki Wachee River are an excellent environment for first-timers. Adults paddling with a child or paddling solo should have moderate fitness, as they'll be doing all the paddling work.

Guides are CPR/BLS certified, ACA certified, and Florida Master Naturalists. Every guest is provided with a PFD. A safety briefing is conducted before every tour. The small group size (max 10 paddlers) ensures guides can give each guest individual attention throughout the paddle.

In tandem kayaks, both paddlers are encouraged to participate, but the experience can be enjoyed even if one person does most of the paddling. Children too young or small to paddle effectively can ride along with an adult doing the paddling. Adults accompanying young children should be aware they'll be doing all the work.

Yes! Waterproof cameras and GoPros are welcome. Your guide will also take photos throughout the tour to share with your group. The company is not responsible for damaged or lost items, so be sure any camera is properly secured.

Alligators are occasionally spotted on the Weeki Wachee River and estuary, as they are present in virtually all Florida freshwater habitats. Sightings are exciting but rare during tours, and your guide will keep the group safe and informed. Alligators in this environment are typically non-threatening to kayakers who maintain a respectful distance.

Tours run rain or shine unless there is unsafe weather (lightning, severe storms). If the operator cancels due to unsafe weather, guests will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Please use reef-safe sunscreen and apply it at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure. Common sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that harm aquatic ecosystems. Look for mineral-based sunscreens labeled "non-nano" for the most eco-friendly option.

Yes, parking is available at Mary's Fish Camp. Please follow the designated parking signs for the kayak tour area, then follow the signs on foot to the kayak launch where you'll meet your guide.

Clear kayaks have stricter weight limits than traditional kayaks due to their unique materials and shape. The maximum weight is 250 lbs (113 kg) per person and no more than 425 lbs (193 kg) combined weight per tandem kayak.

Children weighing 30 lbs (14 kg) or under must bring their own Coast Guard-approved life jacket, as the smallest sizing is very specific for safety. Life jackets are provided for children over 30 lbs. All children 6 and under are legally required to wear a life jacket on the water.

Pets are not permitted on tours in order to preserve the fragile ecosystem. Exceptions are made for verified service dogs — please call ahead to arrange.

All skill levels are welcome. That said, kayaking can be physically demanding — wind, tides, and weather can all affect the difficulty of the paddle. Adults kayaking with a child or paddling solo will do all the work and should have moderate fitness. Beginners are welcome.

Yes! Private tours are available for groups of any size up to 20 people and receive 10% off. Private tours allow you to paddle at your own pace and explore areas not covered on public tours. A drone photo and video package can also be added.

Yes. A portion of every tour is donated to manatee conservation, and guides actively participate in Florida Springs advocacy, Eagle Watch, and other conservation programs. Guests are educated on Leave No Trace principles and responsible wildlife viewing throughout the tour.

The Weeki Wachee River and its estuary are home to a wide variety of Florida wildlife including manatees, dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, alligators, raccoons, otters, deer, bears, turtles, rays, pelicans, herons, and a variety of fish species. Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed.