Manatees in Paradise charter gets a rating with so many stars we they should be at the Oscars
We like to balance our reviews by pointing out the pros and cons. But our trip with the Manatees in Paradise charter to (free) dive with the Crystal River Manatees had absolutely no cons. Even though it’s not SCUBA diving, there is still a mask, snorkel, and fins involved. Unlike diving with every other marine mammal species, with the gentle and giant manatees you do not have look hard to find them and then hope they will bother to come close to you. With the manatees of the Crystal river you drop into the water and they are there en mass within inches of you. This is a dream marine mammal trip, it is inexpensive, safe, no dive certification required, and the manatees are everywhere (during the season). (John’s mother is a non-swimmer by and large, had never before snorkeled, is approaching 80 and had a great time and spent over an hour in the water with the manatees.) Even if you are an advanced tech or wreck diver, with Manatees in Paradise, this is a grand trip you will greatly. Additionally, it is marvelous and effective way to introduce friends and family to diving.
When we began planning our trip to Florida, we searched widely on the Internet for places to swim with these huge, gentle water beasts. We wanted a place that was kind to the manatees – it was their domain after all. We were just visitors and wanted to observe, not intrude. We talked to quite a few boat operators and dive shops, none to our liking, until we finally came upon Manatees in Paradise.
What a find! Owned and operated by Captains Mike and Stacy Dunn, we found this couple to be exceptional guides. Both friendly and enthusiastic, they impressed us with their warmth and concern for the manatees. Offering “Education Manatee Encounters, Scenic Eco Tours and Beautiful Sunset Tours,” their rates were excellent ($25 pp with a $75 minimum) which included masks and snorkels and shorty fins if needed. Wetsuits rent for an additional $12. What you get for this nominal price far exceeds what many of the other boat operators provide. For one thing, it’s a private tour and less expensive the most of the cattle boats. It was just for us, up to 6 participants. As long as we want, where we want, and when we want to go. We choose to go after the majority of other operators had left for the day.
When we arrived, we were given a briefing on “Manatee Manners.” Specifically, we were told how to approach the manatee (just float – no kicking), how to touch the manatee (one hand if you must, don’t stroke over and over), don’t chase. Let sleeping manatee lie. Let them come to you.
Next we boarded their very comfortable and classy pontoon boat. We cruised down the river at minimal speeds. While we approached the first manatee observation site, we watched a short educational video and listened to Mike and Stacy educate us about All Things Manatee. They excitedly pointed out the huge figures gliding past the boat. Avid conservationists (they rescue manatees, participate in trash removal and just do whatever they can to help preserve the manatee), they told us of the Plight of the Manatee, pointing out the scarred backs of manatee that had been damaged by boat propellers.
During the swim we watched manatees nursing and getting cleaned by the local cleaner fish. Some of their swimming in the shallows closely resembles video we have seen of elephants swimming. Stacy explained that they both share a branch of the evolutionary tree. Another surprising paradox is that, although they appear as blubbery seals and walrus, they actually have very little body fat. This is why they must winter near the 72 degree springs, warm power plants runoff channels and other warm water spots. They would not last in the 58 degree water temps of the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
The dive was not limited to the manatees. Near the springs we saw dozens of other species of small and medium fish common to the Florida and Gulf waters.
Manatees in Paradise excelled in all areas. They were very friendly and very flexible. They offered advice as the best timing but left it up to use to decide when we wanted to go. They reinforced many times that, for our time with them it was our boat and they were there to serve us. They answered the phone whenever we called, they called before we arrived and kept us informed of conditions. They run a very eco-sensitive trip, are educated about the wildlife, are safe, experienced and certified to manage groups and the boat, in addition to being extremely passionate about the manatees. Before we arrived home that day, Stacy had already emailed us over 30 underwater pictures of our trip (no charge). If you ever want to swim with the manatees, visit Wet Cat Scuba and give us a call.