| Question |
Answer |
|
1.
How much does it cost? |
$50
(US) includes mask, fins, and snorkel, and wetsuit. Additionally this we
include a FREE underwater camera. (one per booking) |
|
2.
Are you available for group tours? |
To
ensure comfort for our passengers and the tranquility of the manatees we
only schedule up to 15 persons on our 24 passenger tour boat.
In keeping with my tradition of boarding 15 passengers on my 24 passenger boat I will only reserve for groups of up to 30 at two different times per day only from November through March when manatees are in larger numbers in our area. There are tour operators that you may contact with up to 8 boats but that will surely diminish the quality of your manatee swim.
|
|
3.
Do you do dive instruction? |
Yes,
our associate is a certified PADI instructor.
Click
here for additional information. |
|
4.
Do you do scuba diving trips? |
Yes.
We have partners that will accommodate you for diving the King's Springs
in Crystal River. Call 352.621.0498 for more information. |
|
5.
Are there close by accommodations or home rentals? |
For
overnight lodging we recommend the Riverside Resort in Homosassa. For more information and other
accommodations please click here.
Accommodations |
|
6.
How do I find you? |
Here
are driving directions to the Nature Coast and Homosassa, Florida.
Directions
Driving times are: 2 hours from Orlando, Tampa, Gainesville; 3 hours from Jacksonville; 3 hours from Sarasota; 3.5 hours from
Tallahassee; 5 hours from Miami. |
|
7.
Where do I meet you for the tour? |
We meet at the Riverside Resort in
Homosassa.
Directions.
|
|
8.
Are there age limits? |
There
are no age limits, just the ability to swim. |
|
9.
Why do you recommend wet suits? |
The
water temperature in the Homosassa River is a constant 72 degrees year
around. This may seem warm but prolonged exposure could result in
hypothermia. Therefore we recommend a wetsuit. |
|
10.
How long will we be in the water? |
Manatee
tours last approximately 3 hours. |
|
11.
What sort of protection from the weather can we expect aboard the tour
boat? |
Our
boat is covered with clear plastic that can be raised or lowered and our
boat is heated. Since we are only minutes from the springs weather is
rarely a concern. However, we will cancel because of lightning
activity. |
|
12.
Where do I change clothes? |
We have a curtained
area on the boat that can be closed off to ensure privacy while
changing. |
|
13.
What do I need to bring? |
Bathing
suit and towel. A sweat suit is recommended for after the swim. |
|
14.
How do I snorkel? I've never snorkeled before. |
We
will show a short video on the basics of snorkeling as well as a video
on manatee manners. Your captain or mate will assist you in the water
also. For most it only takes a few minutes to become accustomed to
snorkeling. |
|
15.
How big are the manatees? |
Manatees
can reach up to 2000 lbs or more but are very gentle and curious mammals
that love to play. They may even roll over and let you scratch their
bellies. For more manatee information click here.
Manatee
information. |
|
16.
How deep is the water? |
The
Homosassa River averages 3-10 feet deep. This is better for younger children. |
|
17.
Can I take pictures? |
Yes,
it sometimes seems the manatees are posing for you. |
|
18.
What else is there to do in the area? |
I have compiled a list of
things to do in our area and most do not
require a reservation. Ask me for a copy when you arrive for your tour. |
|
19.
What is your cancellation policy? |
We require seven (7) days notification if you wish to cancel a tour. This is consistent with airline, car rental agency and hotel policies. If you have reserved a tour for a group of 10 or more, we require a 3 week cancellation notice. We will not refund short-notice cancellations. We pre-charge all credit card reservations for the cost of the tour. We have always required a credit card to hold a reservation. Unfortunately, we have had a lot of people reserve spots on a tour and then not show up. We make a commitment to you, who often travel long distances to get here, that you will have a seat on one of our boats. We need the same commitment from you that you will arrive and be on time. Otherwise, we needlessly disappoint someone else who would have liked your space(s) on the tour and / or we pay a Captain that we did not need. This cancellation policy is to give us time to re-sell any seats left vacant and helps us keep our prices reasonable for you. Thank you for understanding. |
|
20.
What times are your tours? |
Our
swim tours are at 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. See schedule on
rates page for summer information. |
|
21.
Do you offer private swim tours? |
Yes,
but only for groups of 15 or more. |
|
22.
How about scalloping? |
Scalloping season is from July 1-Sept 10. Please visit our
scallop
page for more information. |
|
23. Do you provide airport or hotel pickup? |
Yes, from Orlando and Tampa. Our affiliate Wayne's Taxi can pick you up at the hotel or airport. Rates are $90 each way to/from Tampa and Orlando. We can accommodate up to 10 passengers. For reservations call: 352.564.8294 |
|
We hope to see you soon and have a
safe trip as always. Capt Mike |
