Kayak with the Manatees
“Do Not Disturb” Tours offer manatee viewing
without disrupting their natural behavior

Dr. Katie Tripp, SMC Director of Science and Conservation, heads out with a tour to paddle the beautiful waters of Crystal River. At right, "Snorty" the manatee checks out a kayaker. (Top to bottom: Photos courtesy Katie Tripp and Matt Clemons)

Beginning in December and running through February 2009, Save the Manatee Club will once again offer the “Do Not Disturb” kayak tours. The tours, which take place in Crystal River, Florida, provide an alternative way to view manatees without disrupting their natural behavior.

This is the third year of the kayak tours, which have proven to be immensely popular. "We LOVED our kayak tour to see manatees!" said SMC members Susan and Salvatore Lepore. "It's a memory that we'll treasure forever! It was amazing to see the manatees so up-close and to discuss their lives and habitats in detail with our guide. We are so thankful that the Save The Manatee Club offers these do-not-disturb tours so that we can enjoy the manatees without negatively impacting them."

At top, SMC members Salvatore and Susan Lepore gear up to start the kayak tour. At bottom, the tour participants head out on the waterway (Photos courtesy Susan Lepore and Bryan Krantz)

The kayak tours are offered by the Club in conjunction with Aardvark’s Florida Kayak Company. The cost is $40 per person and includes an experienced guide, kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Aardvark’s will generously donate 50% of each tour fee to Save the Manatee Club.

Crystal River/Kings Bay is the winter home to hundreds of manatees. When the weather cools down, manatees gather at natural springs such as those found in the Crystal River area. Each kayak trip starts with an educational briefing to discuss proper etiquette for observing manatees as well as basic kayaking tips. Then it’s time to begin a wonderful morning of paddling through the waters of Crystal River. Along the way, you’ll get a chance to view manatees in the wild and learn about the local flora and fauna. You’ll be done by around 12:30 p.m., with time to explore the local shops and restaurants of the area.

The three-hour tours are kept small in number and include a maximum of 20 participants. Tour participants must be Save the Manatee Club members and their guests and have to be 13 years of age or older. In addition, an adult must accompany anyone under the age of 18. Tour participants are responsible for all travel, hotel, meals, and other expenses. Once you sign up, we’ll send you an itinerary including information about area hotels.

"My dad and I attended and we had a great time!" says SMC member Amie G. It was our first time kayaking and it was a great pleasure. "We enjoyed it thoroughly and seeing the manatees without disturbing them was a real honor."

So call Save the Manatee Club now at 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) to reserve your spot. We will need at least two weeks’ notice to book your tour. Phone reservations only. Please call during our regular business hours: Monday –Friday, 8:30 – 4:30 EST.

"With so much pressure being put on manatees by people swimming with them, we feel the guided kayak tours are a much better alternative in the Crystal River area.” says Patrick Rose, Executive Director for the Club.

Matt Clemons, wildlife biologist and owner of Aardvark's Florida Kayak, points out interesting flora and fauna to tour participants. At right, he stops to observe a manatee. (Photos l-r courtesy Bryan Krantz and Steve Kingery)

Dates for the 2008 - 2009 "Do Not Disturb" Tours
Tours will launch at 9:30 a.m. on the dates below with the educational presentation beginning at 8:30 a.m. on your scheduled tour date in the conference room of The Port Hotel in Crystal River, FL.

You are responsible for all your travel, hotel, meals, and other expenses. The following hotels are offering discounts: The Plantation Inn (1-800-632-6262), ask for the rate code “STM08.” For a standard double or standard king room the rate is $90 per night plus tax. The Port Hotel (352-795-3111), and The Comfort Inn (352-563-1500) in Crystal River are offering discounted rates of $55.80 per night plus tax for up to two people per room. When making reservations, please mention that you are with Save the Manatee Club’s kayak tours. Hotel accommodations vary by location.

Not a Member?
Adopt-A-Manatee and join Save the Manatee Club today!

SMC member Amie G. and her dad pause to take a break during the kayak tour. "We enjoyed it thoroughly and seeing the manatees without disturbing them was a real honor," says Amie. (Photo courtesy Amie G.)