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Description

Join us for a three-hour swimming experience with manatees in the federally protected waters of Florida’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, often referred to as the "manatee capital of the world." This title is due to the record number of wintering manatees and the year-round manatee population in the area.

Our tour begins at Explorida’s facility, where all participants will attend a safety briefing and receive gear, including wetsuits and snorkeling equipment. After gearing up, we will be transported approximately one mile from the facility to the launch point. There, we will divide into smaller groups and board U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessels, guided by our boat captain into the Kings Bay refuge waters. Each group will be assigned an in-water guide who will take photos during our experience, which will be available to you after the trip.

Please note: This is a wildlife tour, and we will be swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, where Mother Nature is in charge. Conditions can vary daily, tour by tour, and are unpredictable. The visibility and number of manatees you may encounter will depend on factors such as weather, tides, and crowds.

Logistics

Location

Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours, 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428

Departure Time and Location

Please arrive ready to go by 6:45 AM. We will depart as soon as possible, but no later than 7:00 AM. If you have not checked in by 7:00 AM, your spot may be given to another student.

Departure Location: Circle Drive (in front of the ROTC building)

Drive Time: 2 hours, each way

Transportation: Small World Tours

Trip Capacity: 42

Return Time and Location

Return Location: Circle Drive (in front of the ROTC building)

Return Time: Approximately 5:00 PM

Weather Considerations

Due to the nature of surfing, this trip will be postponed if conditions are not favorable and conducive to beginners learning to surf. If this is the case, you should be notified at least three days in advance.

What is provided?

• Wetsuit
• Snorkel Gear
• Float Noodles
• Coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water
• USGC Master Captain
• In water Guide/Photographer

What to Bring/ Recommended Packing List

• Swimsuit (wear your swimsuit under your clothing to make it easy to change into wetsuits).
• Towels
• Flip Flops/Sandals
• Change of clothes
• Drinks and snaklcs
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Insect repellant
• Water shoes
• If you wear corrective lenses, it is highly recommended that you wear contacts instead of glasses for the tour.

Meals

One meal will be provided as part of this trip. We anticipate stopping at a fast-casual restaurant on the way back to campus.

Agenda

• 6:45 am – 7:00 am Student Check-In at Circle Drive (in front of the ROTC building).
• 7:00 am – 9:00 am Travel
• 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Explorida - Manatee Swim Tours
• 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch Window (Location TBD)
• 4:00 pm Anticipated Return / Student Drop-Off at ROTC Roundabout