Come join our U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain Jake and Nature Coast Manatee Tours in the Homosassa and Crystal River Florida area for your own private or non private manatee tour on the comfortable 26ft U.S. Coast Guard Certified Rendezvous. This boat is powerd with a enviormentally friendly Honda 4 Stroke engine its fast, solar heated and enclosed during the winter months. This vessel also has an onboard restroom for our guests. This vessel seats up to 6 people comfortably. Our tours are $50.00 per person which includes all snorkel gear, wet suites and beverages. We can also produce a free above water manatee DVD video which is free of charge and is also available upon request. Our tours are 3 hours in duration. You may also want to choose our 6 hour tour which would give you extra swim time with the manatees. Our cost of this tour is $100.00 per person. For our all private manatee tours we ask that you pay for the cost of the empty seats for either our 3 hour tour or our 6 hour tour if need be. Most people choose all private to keep the tour just for the family. So what are you waiting for?
Swim With The Manatees Guest Book!
Contact Us!
captjake@swimwiththefloridamanatees.com
Local Tampa Area Forecast
You may want to visit Homosassa Springs
Wild Life Park
The Following Information Can be Found at Homesafe.com web site
Homosassa Springs Wildlife park is a refuge where injured or orphaned manatees which have received treatment at a critical care facility are housed, fed, and cared for - until released or for the rest of their lives, depending on whether or not the animal is expected to be able to re-acclimate itself to life in the wild. The park centers around a large freshwater spring which is the headwater for the Homosassa River - flowing about 2 million gallons of 72-degree spring water every hour. The springs constant temperature attracts manatees during the colder winter months to the springs area. Wild manatees are separated from the parks manatees by a special fence which spans the width of the flow several hundred feet from the main spring. The park features a floating observatory which enables you to get "up-close" with the swimming manatees - with windows to allow you to see them feeding, playing and cavorting in the warm spring waters. The spring's clear warm water also attracts a number of other native fishes, which gather in large circling schools above the springs outlet - and can easily be seen from the observatory. The manatees at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park are fed a variety of greens and vitamins to simulate their normal diet of sea grasses and vegetation. To feed a single manatee can cost in excess of $1000.00 per month in lettuce and greens. Currently there are 9 manatees at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Besides the main-attraction manatees, the park also showcases other native Florida wildlife - including alligators, crocodiles, native birds, and many other animals - all in a beautiful, natural setting which makes a visit to the park more than a fantastic manatee experience. For more information on the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, please contact them a 352-628-2311 - or - visit their web site on-line at: http://www.homosassasprings.com
Florida is also known as the sunshine state.
Nature Coast Manatee Tours Directory List
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Swim with the manatees is listed in Gordon's Guide - Adventure & Active Travel
Nature Coast Manatee Tours
Crystal River FL.
Toll Free (888) 930-0111
Local (352) 560-3261 AM - 8PM Mon-Sun ( Eastern )
We are open year round and on all Holidays!
Rates - Places To Stay - Manatee Encounter Video - Pictures
Manatee Manners - Manatee Sounds - Maps Directions
Swim With The Manatees On Florida's Nature Coast
Nature Coast Manatee Tours is located in the Crystal River and Homosassa Springs Florida area also know as Florida's Nature Coast. Crystal River and Homosassa Springs is located in Citrus County. Citrus County Florida is well known for and the only place in the world where you can legally interact with The Florida Manatee. Here at Nature Coast Manatee Tours we specialize in all private and non private, manatee swim, scallop and sunset tours. Why do we choose to specialize in all private and non private tours of 6 people or less? This is because most of our guests appreciate the family oriented tours. Over the time that we have been doing manatee tours we have had our customers tell us, "boy I'm glad we chose to go with your company". The reason why customers say this is because, imagine yourself on another tour operator's boat that has a cattle call of about 20 or more people and possibly a manatee or two around that boat. This in turn makes the experience not as enjoyable for some people. Why is this? Because some of our guests will not have that one on one manatee experience that they where looking for. This is the reason why we only book small private and non private tours. Being a private or non private tour of 6 people or less is that our guests will be guaranteed that one on one manatee experience. Before we take you out on your manatee snorkel tour we will be playing a 10 minute onboard video from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service called, "Manatee Manners". This video shows our guests the rules and guidelines on how to interact with the Florida Manatees on your tour. We are conveniently located approximately 1.5 hours from Tampa or Orlando and 1 hour from Ocala. There are three different fresh water springs in the Crystal River that are 72' all year round that we can visit during your encounter. Swimming with the manatees is one of the most unique things to do in Florida and to most, an experience of a lifetime and some family's even say better then Sea World or Disney in our guest book. If you would like please take a minute to watch our "Swim With The Manatees Video " and the "Manatee Manners" video and see just how these wild Florida Manatees come up to you and interact with you. All snorkel equipment, wet suits and beverages are included with your tour. If you are interested in one of our manatee tours with these gentle giants or other tours, please make your reservations by calling the number above. Because of the growing manatee population, we now offer manatee tours all year round! We accept Visa or Master Card.
Manatee Facts
Manatees take up residence primarily in Florida's coastal waters during winter. Some individuals migrate as far north as the Carolinas or as far west as Louisiana in summer. In recent years, a manatee traveled to New York and Rhode Island another swam up the Mississippi River! The Manatee can also 50-60 years in the wild. The manatees are also Well known for their gentle, slow-moving nature, manatees have been known to body surf or barrel roll when playing. They normally rest and feed often. Manatees communicate by making squeaking noises under water to demonstrate fear, stress or excitement. Calves are born weighing between 60 and 70 pounds guided by the mother the calf will remain dependent on its mother for up to two years. Citrus County, FL. is well known for its Manatee's and It is the only place in the world where you can legally interact with Florida Manatees. People all over the world travel here just to see the manatees. Manatee's are playful mammals that swim into the 72' springs to avoid the cold temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico during the winter months. Manatees have a tough leathery skin like an Elephant, and their flippers have toenails that look like flat elephant feet. For more in depth information on manatees please visit The Wonderful World of the Manatee web site! Or this miscellaneous link 'Sea cow' could give cancer clues.
Manatee Tours In Homosassa
The Following Information Can be Found at Homesafe.com web site.
Just outside the park, beyond the sanctuary markers which provide a buffer zone for wild manatees, is the publicly accessible area of the springs which attracts visitors from all over the world - who want to meet and swim with the gentle giants during the colder winter months. The warm spring water spills into the much colder tannic water present in the canal - forming a very noticeable thermocline between the two. A wetsuit is recommended. Follow all rules and laws associated with swimming with the manatees. This area is closely monitored by Fish and Wildlife Officials who will fine you or arrest you for harassing or harming the animals in any way. The best way to find and access this area is with an experienced guide - who will train and supervise you as to proper conduct when swimming around manatees, can provide you with snorkeling equipment, and can help make your experience an enjoyable and memorable one. The best time to visit the spring is in colder winter months, as many manatees gather here to keep warm. For more information on supporting rescue efforts or adopting a manatee please contact Save The Manatee -visit their adopt-a-manatee web site on-line at: http://www.savethemanatee.com
Scallop Tours
Because the Homosassa and Crystal River leads into the Gulf of Mexico it makes it easy to enjoy a snorkel trip to get Scallops. What's better than to snorkel in the Gulf of Mexico and collect your own Scallops to take home and cook up!
Gentle Giant
Its the middle of the winter but we feel like taking a dip. So we hop on the boat to take a little trip. As we float down the river we see the ripples along the coast line. What is that over yonder? Oh what can it be? Oh look its a Manatee. Long and gray and wide as a tree. I wonder will he eat me? No silly you say with a grin, he's as gentle as kitten licking your chin. Well come on lets hurry and take a swim. The water is frigid but we don't care, because look over there it is a pair. A mom and her calf how awesome is that. Oh look their swimming towards us. Oh my what a giant, are sure they don't bite? Just wait and you will see, they are gentle as can be. As it brushes against me I cant help but giggle, its whiskers tickle!! Its skins like an elephant but whiskers like a cat. When all of a sudden oh what a surprise, the manatee hugs me with its flippers oh my! The baby rolls over like a puppy, for you to scratch his tummy! How cute and how sweet, they really are gentle giants. It's getting kinda late and the weather much cooler I think we must go now. As we begin to swim away, the manatee reaches to us with a flipper, you turn to look and SMOOCH!!!! A manatee Kiss!!!
Written by: Rose Johnson 11-19-2008
Cancellation Policy
Due to our limited number of tours we have found it necessary to implement a cancellation policy. When you make a reservation with us it means that someone else may be turned away if they try to book that date and tour. We make a commitment to our guests when we reserve a tour on their behalf and require a commitment from our guests in return. We require seven (7) days notification if you wish to cancel a tour. We will not refund short-notice cancellations. We pre-charge all credit card reservations for the cost of the tour. this is to insure that people don't book a tour and then not show up.
Thank You.
© 2009 Nature Coast Manatee Tours
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Customer Testimonials
I've always dreamed of swimming with the manatees after the first time I saw one at Sea World. Captain Jake helped me realize that dream. In my opinion he is the best in his business. Captain Jake is passionate about his work. He cares about the manatees and treats them with great respect. He also cares about his clients ensuring that they have the best manatee interaction experience possible, always in a manner which is least evasive to the mantees and always helping his clients to feel safe and comfortable. His keen experience helps him spot out the manitees and approach them in an inviting way. He is not afraid to get out of the boat and help you initiate contact. Captain Jake takes small groups on a manatee swim ensuring personal quality time with the manatees. If you want to swim with the manatees Jake is your man! Thanks Bud.
Peter Corsi
Hello To the Readers of Captain Jake's Guest Book. Many of you are searching for a company that will take you on your most precious adventure of your life, meeting a manatee. We had Captain Jake in our plans for two years and finally made it here on May 8, 2009. You can see some of the photos from our experience on the Pictures link on the home page of Captain Jake’s Nature Coast Manatee Tours. Jan Lee fell in love with these adoring creatures a few years ago and we finally found the best person to fulfill her dream. Jan Lee spent over an hour in the water with the manatee’s watching them with their young babies. Eventually they approached Jan Lee and a bond took place as they followed her everywhere and the interactions that started with the manatee were amazing. They are the sweetest gentlest creatures we have ever encountered in our adventures. The pressure was on me, the husband, to find a person that could make our dreams come true and we want to tell you that Captain Jake is that person that will fulfill your dreams of a lifetime. His helpful attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for us was above and beyond what other tour guides would do. Great job Jake!!
Warren & Jan Lee Jorgenson Willmar, MN USA
Additional Guest Comments Here
From: The Forsythe Family
We couldn't recommend Captain Jake highly enough! He seems to have an innate sense about manatees: where they will be, and whether they will be active and playful. We had the entire area to ourselves not one other boat was around. The manatees seemed so happy to see us! They would pop their heads out for an up-close face-to-face peek, sneak up from behind to bump up against us, roll over on their bellies as if to ask for a belly rub, and chase after us when we swam away. What a memorable experience! On the way back, we inquired about the locations that the other captains advertise in their websites. Captain Jake agreed to show us those areas, and when we arrived, we actually felt sorry for the people who had hired those other captains. Even though it was off-season and very early in the morning, the boats and people were packed in so tightly that it was difficult for them to maneuver. Yes, the water was crystal clear and would have made for great photos, but the manatees seemed to detest the crowded conditions and wanted nothing to do with people. They tried to hide and get away, and who could blame them with so many intruders? At that moment, we knew how lucky we were that we had chosen Captain Jake. If we had chosen any other Captain, our experience with the manatees would have been far less magical.
From: Lisa
Had a wonderful experience with the manatees thanks to Capt. Jake. He is a great guide, and knows the best places to go. We had 90 minutes in the water with constant interaction with the manatees....amazing, can't explain the buzz you get from it!! Capt. Jake is highly recommended, and we will definately be coming back again. Thank you!!
From: Rebecca
My husband, two sons, my sister and myself went with Captain Jake on our first ever visit and swim with the manatees. It was unbelievable, Captain Jake made my very cautious husband feel very comfortable on his dream connection with these lovable, gentle creatures. Don't miss out on an extraordinary experience with Captain Jake and the Crystal River manatees!
From: Denise
Absolutely the best experience ever! My sister, brotherinlaw and two nephews (ages 21 and 26) along with me spent the morning with the manatees and Captain Jake. Our family is planning on a repeat visit. I would recommend Captain Jake without any hesitattion!
From: Manatee Lover
Captain Jake created a great day for our family. In addition to enjoying the manatee, we enjoyed cruising the waters in Jake's boat and sharing our picnic lunch leisurely floating in the shade of the overhanging trees. It was a wonderful day and one that we will look forward to sharing again. Many thanks to Captain Jake!
From: Jim and Lera
Captain Jake took us out 8/2/09 on his boat to swim with the manatees. The trip was wonderful. Even though August is considered off season for the manatees, Captain Jake was determined to find some. We were able to touch and play with about 8 manatees. Jake's boat is very nice and the group is limited to 6 which is really nice. He is very knowledgeable about the manatees and is great at what he does. He also took us over to see Three Sisters Springs which was gorgeous. Our trip with Jake was great and I would highly recommend you book with him if you want a great experience with the manatees. Jake is super nice and we loved him. We wish him the best.
