2.5 Hour Kayaking With Manatee And History Tour In Tarpon Springs

While the guides were super nice, I was really disappointed with this tour. First, the description said “ Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity of kayaking with Manatees”. We saw no manatees. I understand that nature isn’t predictable but the description should be changed to indicate that seeing manatees wasn’t a sure thing. Secondly, the description also said that we would be padding by docks and learning about history. Unfortunately, we were asked to make a choice in the beginning between going to the docks or seeing manatees, which we didn’t see. So we spent the entire time going through mangroves looking for manatees. I’m not sure whether this was a one off (not seeing manatees), but if you are really interested in seeing manatees then I would recommend you call in advance to ask about the probability of seeing them.

Albie was a great guide- full of knowledge about the area and the wildlife we saw. We were lucky to see several manatees, plus a few dolphins, one of which lead our way and showed off a bit for us! I was worried going into it that I wouldn't be able to keep up, but we went at a relaxing pace on the way out. It was more constant on the way back, but it wasn't a struggle. It was sooo nice being on the water. I would definitely recommend!

Julie is a great guide and very knowledgeable. while we didn't see manatees on this particular day, it was fun to learn about all of the plants, fish and birds that we saw.

Wonderful kayaking day. Julie and her partner were very helpful and informative. We saw a sting ray, dolphin, jumping fish and many different kinds of birds. Definitely a very good tour.

Julie, Julie was the greatest. Very sweet, knowledgeable, and quite patient. I flipped over at the beginning and Julie saved the day and gave us a wonderful tour. We will definitely when we come back. Thanks Julie! For making my husband’s bday so enjoyable with the yummy food recommendations as well!!!

Our afternoon paddle on the historic river yhrough Tarpon Springs was an excellent experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area history and natural wonders we witnessed.

This kayak trip was absolutely magical. Julie is certified naturalist and knows just about everything about the many birds you see. Before arriving at the manatees, she makes very sure that you will be a visitor who will enjoy your experience without intruding on this endangered species. So, we floated around for awhile watching the curious animals swim all around us and under us. On the way out and back, Julie has a lot of stories about the boats and shops in Tarpon Springs, and we took her advice while exploring the town afterwards. This part of my trip to Florida will live in my memory forever. So grateful for our day with Julie and the gorgeous and educational kayaking.

Julie was amazing! She really knows her stuff. We had such a great time paddling while she pointed out birds and wildlife along the way. We got to see LOTS of manatees also. This tour was awesome.

Wear sunscreen. Our guide Julie was very knowledgeable about local wildlife. She was exceptionally interesting to listen to. She was respectful of the manitees' environment. GREAT!

Albie was super knowledgeable. This was a great tour for teens. The new headsets they offer were perfect for hearing all the interesting facts about spongedocks and manatees. We lucked out and the manatees were super active for us. Overall, a great adventure for all.

Julie was a very knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. She was very patient with those of us (me) who don’t possess sting paddling skills. We shown beautiful wildlife while learning about the different ecosystems that exist along the river. I highly recommend a kayak tour with River Wild.

Julie was an awesome guide. She is very knowledgeable about the wildlife as well as the local history. We were fortunate enough to see several dolphins and a herd of manatees! She explained that the manatees were mating and it was so cool to see the 1,000 pound creatures breach out of the water! I was concerned whether this would be too strenuous for me, but it wasn’t too difficult.

Julie was a great and knowledgeable guide. The trip was the perfect length of time. We did see the manatees, dolphins and tons of different birds.

The kayak trip was awesome!!! Julie the guide was informative and interesting. We saw tons of manatee learned a lot about the area.

Julie was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. The scenery and wildlife were beautiful. The manatees were a little shy, but peeked up at us. There were very playful dolphins that put on a show. The kayaking was no problem for amateurs like me and my teen daughter.

Julie was amazing and we loved the tour. We got to see a bunch of manatees as well as dolphins mating. Definitely recommend.

Great experience. Suitable for all experience and ages. Julia the guide was knowledgeable and so helpful. Being so close to many manatees was a once in a lifetime experience.

Julie/Guide/Owner was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, passionate, attentive, and helpful. Learned a lot about local wildlife. Saw several dozen roosting pelicans. Saw approaching 100 surfacing events with the manatees. Saw 4 dolphins playing chase and jumping games. Saw a variety of birds. Reasonably priced was a bonus.

Julie was very knowledgeable about many of the birds and animals on the trek. We saw several manatees and enjoyed spending several minutes with them observing their playful nature. The trek was pretty casual and we learned about the history along the Sponge Docks.

Julie, our guide was great, but the kayaking was rough. I've asked for tandem in the comments, but that was overlooked, so we all got single kayaks (I have an 8 and a 12 year olds). Luckily one couple agreed to split (otherwise had to reschedule which was not an option), so I could do tandem with my 8 y/o, but my wife and 12 y/o had to do single. It was a difficult 2 hour kayaking against gusts and with lots of boat traffic, and 30 min with the manatees. On the way back the guide connected my daughter's kayak with a rope to help her. As for the manatees - you can barely see them because the water is not clear. You can see the same by parking at the spring and seeing them. A couple years ago we did a similar kayaking tour in Crystal Springs (a 1.5 hour drive north), and it was so much better. Clear water, short and easy paddle and a much better facility. No boats and lots of manatees that you clearly see from your kayak. Overall, if you're in the area, and have strong kayaking abilities - it's fine. The guide said I should have booked the tandem tour, but I couldn't find it. Also, there's no option to mix tandem and single, and I assumed that they read the comments before hand. Also, probably best to call them directly and say exactly what you need. And get ready for a workout. Tarpon Springs is a cute town, dominated by Greeks, which is like being in a greek village. Very fun.

Julie was so great! She reached out ahead of time to make sure I was prepared. The experience itself was totally amazing. I plan to bring my husband back and do it again. We saw so many manatees and she was very familiar with all of the them; even before name! My I had such a peaceful time. Definitely a good workout. We also had to return Santa Jaws to his home!

super relaxing and saw lots of animals! Julia is very supportive and knowledgeable. Very good family experience with reasonable price!

The trip was amazing. We saw so many birds and fish. We even saw manatees. Julie showed us the sponge docks and explained quite a bit of history. I highly recommend this trip.

Julie, our guide was the absolute best. Very informative, accommodating, passionate, energetic, and made sure everyone was safe and involved. The experience met all expectations and I highly recommend taking the tour.

Beautiful day kayaking. The highlight of the tour was the manatees. Our guide Julie was amazing and knowledgeable regarding the manatees and wildlife. Was a highlight of our 2 weeks in Clearwater beach.

Julie was an amazing guide. So knowledgeable and taught us about a variety of things. We were able to see so many manatees, a couple dolphins and a variety of birds along the way. We definitely recommend this tour!

Julie was such an amazing n knowledgeable guide. We learned a lot from her on the wild life and just tarpon springs in general. We got to see dolphins with their babies n manatees with their babies. It was an excursion my husband and I will never forget! Thanks Julie 🐬💕

We had a wonderful time with our guide, Austin. He was very knowledgeable about the area. We saw dolphins and many manatees! They were right near our kayaks! It was amazing!!!