Quick Details
Adult
Ages 15+
$ 79
Child
Ages 3-14
$ 69
Winter Manatee Viewing by Clear Kayak on the Chassahowitzka River
Every winter, when the Gulf drops below 68°, manatees move inland looking for warm water. The Chassahowitzka River runs a constant 72° straight out of the limestone — so they come here by the dozens.
Time of day matters more than most people realize. The colder the morning, the more manatees are packed into the spring runs, and at 8 AM you get them before wind and boat traffic stir the water. This is the best manatee viewing on the river.
You’ll watch them from a 100% clear tandem kayak — a manatee gliding beneath a transparent hull is a better view than a snorkeler gets, and it doesn’t disturb the animal.
Twenty minutes south of Crystal River. A fraction of the crowd.
Highlights
- Manatee season on the Chassahowitzka runs November 15 – March 31, when dozens of manatees move into the 72° spring runs
- The best manatee odds of the day — cold mornings concentrate manatees in the springs, and the 8 AM tour gets there before the water is stirred
- Watch manatees through a 100% clear kayak hull — a better view than snorkeling, without disturbing the animal or getting in cold water
- Passive observation only, in line with FWC manatee protection guidelines — we watch, we don’t chase
- Citrus County is the trademarked Manatee Capital of the World® — the Chaz is the quiet twenty minutes south of the famous part
- Bordered by the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, with almost no development and a fraction of Crystal River’s traffic
- Ten guests maximum, always — we own five boats, so small groups aren’t a promise, they’re just how we’re built
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- 100% clear tandem kayak for underwater viewing
- Paddles and premium kayak seats
- Coast Guard approved life jackets and safety whistles
- Dry bags for phones and valuables
- Expert local eco-tour guide
- Exclusive Chaz location sticker
- Photos from your guide
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- Gratuity for your guide
- $10 parking fee, paid at the Seven Sisters Campground office on arrival
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- Check-In & Orientation (15 min) — Meet your guide at the trailer, get fitted for your life jacket, and run through paddling basics plus manatee viewing etiquette. First-timers welcome.
- Launch at First Light — Push off into the calmest, clearest water of the day. No wake, no traffic, no other boats.
- The Warm Spring Runs — Paddle into the spring-fed channels where manatees gather overnight to stay warm. This is where they’ll be, and 8 AM is when they’re most concentrated.
- Passive Observation — We hold position and let them come to us. No chasing, no touching, no getting in the water. Manatees are curious animals — stay still long enough and they’ll often approach on their own.
- Seven Sisters Springs & Guide’s Choice — Float above the limestone spring system, then let your guide pick the day’s best route based on water clarity, tide, and where manatees have been.
- Return & Wrap-Up — Paddle back, grab your Chaz sticker, and be done by 10 AM with the whole day ahead.
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- Warm layers — a fleece or jacket, and more than you think you need
- Long pants or leggings
- Water-friendly shoes or sandals
- Gloves and a beanie on cold mornings — you’ll be sitting still on the water
- Reusable water bottle
- Sunglasses
- Minimal gear — the less you bring, the better you see through the kayak
- *No swimsuit needed. There is no swimming during manatee season — we practice passive observation only.*
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- Reservations required for all tours.
- Weight limit is 425 pounds per kayak and 250 pounds maximum per seat.
- Minimum age is 5.
- One adult required per child under 14.
- Children 70 pounds or under must bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket — sizing is very specific and safety is our priority.
- All kayaks are tandem (two-person).
- No swimming during manatee season (November 15 – March 31).
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- No swimming during manatee season. We practice passive observation only and remain in the kayaks for the full tour.
- Do not touch, chase, feed, or pursue manatees. Your guide will position the group at a respectful distance and let the animals decide how close they come.
- Participants must have upper-body mobility and be able to paddle a kayak.
- Not recommended for women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
- Alcohol is prohibited on all tours.
- Not wheelchair accessible — entry and exit require stepping into shallow water.
- Manatees are wild animals. Sightings are never guaranteed, but we take you where the day’s conditions say they’ll be.
Frequently Asked Questions
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All Sales Final: Once booked, all sales are final, and no cancellations are permitted unless specified otherwise.
Unsafe Weather: In the event of unsafe weather, we offer the option to reschedule, receive a gift card, or provide a full refund.
Trip Protection: Purchasing Trip Protection allows guests to cancel or reschedule their initial tour at any time for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour time. Guests will be reimbursed for the full ticket amount, less the cost of Trip Protection and any booking fees. If Trip Protection is not purchased, all sales are final. -
Our weight limit is no more than 250 pounds per person and no more than 425 pounds per 2 people that are in the same kayak. All of our kayaks are double kayaks. Unfortunately our kayak manufacturer has given us this strict limit of 250 pounds per person and we cannot exceed this limit.
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Each of our kayaks are tandem (made for 2 paddlers). However, the seats are removable and if you have an odd number of paddlers in your party we are able to accommodate the kayak as a single.
Keep in mind, the same 250 pound PER person weight limit still applies even if taking a kayak out as a single. -
Tips are greatly appreciated. We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide!”
Standard US gratuity is 20%!
A mandatory gratuity of 20% will be added for groups 11 or more. -
Alcohol is not allowed on any of our tours.
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- Reservations are required for all tours.
- There is a $10 Parking Fee per Seven Sisters Campground – you will need to pay by the entrance upon arrival. Their office is located to the right once you enter the campground!
- Pets are allowed on the tour as long as the weight limit is not exceeded.
- Manatees and other wildlife are wild! We cannot guarantee sightings though we do our best to take you to the places where we are most likely to see them based on the day’s conditions!
- Please do NOT put sunscreen on the back of your legs because it eats the clarity away and cannot be cleaned off
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We encourage you to bring the following:
- Water (preferably in a reusable water bottle)
- Swimsuit/clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet
- Sunglasses/hat
- Shoes that can get wet/sandals
- Towel for after the trip
- Any extra gear you’d like! Remember – the less gear, the more visibility through the kayak!
We will provide you with the following:
- Dry bags to store your personal items
- Safety equipment including lifejackets and whistles
- A clear kayak with seats and paddles
- A knowledgeable tour guide
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- Every tour is given on one of our 100% clear kayaks.
- Our fleet is small (5 kayaks) so expect an exclusive experience (no more than 10 people at a time).
- Our guides are always helpful and entertaining (and they love tips)
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- Yes, children are welcome on our tours!
- We require children 30 pounds or under to bring their own Coast Guard approved life jacket as the size is very specific and safety is of utmost importance.
- We require one adult per each child under age 14.
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This is an intermediate paddle. Our guides will help if it is your first time!
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Pets are allowed to come on tours as long as the weight limit is not exceeded.