Swimming with Manatees

When it comes to taking a dip with sea creatures most people daydream about spending the day swimming with the dolphins. If you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, you might try swimming with manatees instead. Despite their somewhat goofy appearance, these gentle giants are some of the ocean’s most graceful denizens.

River Ventures wants to help you get up close and personal with the manatees right off our own shores. Many manatees make their home in the Gulf of Mexico, making Florida the best destination to dive in and meet them.

The group offers a variety of tours, from boating excursions to snorkeling trips that all allow you to get close enough to touch these majestic beasts. They even have paddling trips if that’s more your speed.

Most of the trips are family friendly and affordable. The tours take place on a wildlife refuge that helps protect the endangered manatees from human and environmental dangers and the staff is highly skilled in taking good care of them.

Each trip lasts roughly three hours and equipment is included in the price. You can even book private tours if you don’t want to hang with strangers. It’s a fairly unique opportunity and, with it being so close to home, there’s no excuse not to try it!