Weeki Wachee Clear Kayak Manatee Eco-Tour (Nov-Mar)

Manatee season officially runs November 15 through March 31, when declining Gulf of Mexico water temperatures drive manatees to seek refuge in the warm spring-fed rivers. This is when the greatest concentrations of manatees are present. That said, manatees call the Weeki Wachee River home year-round and are spotted on the river daily, even outside of manatee season.

Manatees are wild animals and sightings can never be 100% guaranteed. However, the Weeki Wachee River is one of the best places in the world to see manatees in the wild, and they are spotted during the vast majority of tours — especially during manatee season when hundreds gather in the spring-fed waters. Your guides actively navigate to the areas most likely to have manatee activity based on that day's conditions.

No. Touching manatees is prohibited by federal and state law. Manatees have a protective mucus layer on their skin that is easily damaged by human contact, which can lead to bacterial infections. The only allowable interaction is if a manatee swims up and initiates gentle contact on its own — and even then, the "Freeze and Float" approach (staying still and letting the manatee control the interaction) is always encouraged. Your guides will cover all of this in the pre-tour briefing.

Not at all. Manatees are among the most gentle and non-aggressive animals you'll encounter in the wild. They have no teeth capable of biting, no stingers, and their typical response to being startled is to swim away. Your biggest challenge will be resisting the urge to reach out and touch them — they're that majestic up close.

In addition to manatees, winter tours on the Weeki Wachee commonly include sightings of dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, turtles, alligators, mullet, snook, and other native species. The estuary is particularly productive for wildlife viewing in the cooler months.

Florida winters can be cool, especially on the water in the early morning hours. Dress in layers — a swimsuit or quick-drying base layer with a sweatshirt or light jacket on top works well. Water shoes or sandals with straps are recommended. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses, as the Florida sun is strong even in winter.

Three springs converge in the Weeki Wachee estuary — Mud Spring, Salt Spring, and Weeki Wachee Springs — creating an exceptionally warm, sheltered freshwater habitat. This makes the area one of the top warm-water refuges in Florida for manatees during cold weather, and it's less crowded than more well-known spots like Crystal River, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience.

Alligators are present throughout Florida's waterways, and the Weeki Wachee River is no exception. They are occasionally spotted on tours, though sightings near the springs where manatees congregate are relatively uncommon, as alligators tend to prefer calmer, murkier backwaters. Your guide will always prioritize safety and keep the group well-informed.

The operator donates $1 per guest and $1 per review written to the Save the Manatee Club. Guides hold Guardian Guide certification through the Save the Manatee Club, a voluntary education program for ecotourism providers in Florida. The operator also participates in broader Florida Springs advocacy and environmental conservation efforts.

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.

Pets are not permitted during manatee season.

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 intermediate 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.