Manatee Season Clear Kayak

Manatee Season Clear Kayak Tour of Tarpon Springs runs through Get Up And Go Kayaking - Tampa Bay. Rated 4.9 across 297 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $69.

Overview

Two hours on the water in a clear kayak, paddling out from Belle Harbour Marina in Tarpon Springs during manatee season. Get Up And Go Kayaking, a Tampa Bay operator, runs this trip in search of manatees, with dolphins frequently appearing as well, according to reviewer accounts. The clear hulls let you look straight down at the water beneath you as you go.

The route follows the Anclote River, pauses at Craig Park, and finishes in Spring Bayou. Reviews repeatedly mention guides who lead the group to where the manatees actually are, and travellers describe sightings ranging from a single manatee and her calf to whole herds in one spot.

It is a wildlife tour, not a zoo visit. One reviewer went home without seeing a manatee at all, though they still caught dolphins and enjoyed the paddle. The trip suits people with moderate fitness who are comfortable sitting in a kayak for a couple of hours.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Belle Harbour MarinaPark in the marina lot at 307 Anclote Rd, walk through the main entrance straight to the water, then turn right to the floating dock with the clear kayaks. The tour ends back at this same point.
2. Paddle the Anclote RiverThe trip starts with 15 minutes on the river, with the guide pointing out wildlife and mangroves along the banks. Admission is free.
3. Stop at Craig ParkAnother 15-minute stretch brings the group to Craig Park. No admission fee applies.
4. Explore Spring BayouThe final 15-minute leg reaches Spring Bayou, the last stop on the route. Admission is free.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan this paddle and set the right expectations for wildlife.

• Wildlife is likely, not guaranteed. Many reviewers report seeing manatees, often several at once, and dolphins appear frequently too. But some travellers saw no manatees at all, catching only dolphins instead. Go in accepting that possibility.
• What is provided. The operator supplies kayaks, paddles, seats, life jackets, and whistles, plus dry bags for keeping personal items dry on the water. That leaves you free to travel light, though anything you want to keep with you can go in a dry bag.
• Fitness and pace. The listing asks for moderate physical fitness, and it is not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions. Reviewers describe the paddle as calm, easy, and relaxing.
• Group size and feel. The tour caps at 10 travelers.
• What to wear and bring. The listing does not specify clothing, so dress for paddling in Florida weather. Anything you want to keep with you on the water can go in one of the dry bags the operator provides.
• Booking and timing. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking. One reviewer visited in late December and saw plenty of manatees, and the tour's title places it firmly in manatee season.

Common issues. The main caveat is the wildlife itself: some reviewers saw no manatees, only dolphins, so sightings are never certain. The listing excludes wheelchair users and recommends against the tour for pregnant travelers and those with back problems or serious medical conditions. There is a weight limit of 250 lbs per guest, and 425 lbs combined for two people in a tandem kayak. Weather also matters, since the experience requires good conditions, and cancellations inside 24 hours of the start time get no refund.

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