What It’s Like to Watch a Manatee Glide Beneath a Clear Kayak
There’s something completely different about seeing a manatee from a clear kayak.
You’re floating quietly when suddenly, a shadow appears beneath you. At first, you might think it’s just the reflection or shadow. Then you realize… It’s a manatee!
And it’s swimming right underneath you.
A View You’ll Never Forget
From a clear kayak, you get a perspective that feels almost unreal. Instead of looking over the side of your kayak and trying to spot wildlife through the water, you can look straight down and
watch as a manatee glides beneath you. These curious animals are known to swim right up to our groups and make a friendly appearance.
You might see its flippers gently moving through the water, watch its cute face surface for air, or see it slowly roll and disappear into the blue. You might even get close enough to notice their fingernails and whiskers!
The Quiet Is Part of the Magic
One of the most amazing things about watching manatees from a kayak is how peaceful it is. Our kayaks move smoothly through the water, allowing you to experience these animals in their natural environment without the noise of a motor surrounding you. Motors also pose a huge risk to manatees, so this is a much more ethical and respectful way to see them. Our favorite part about quietly viewing manatees, is that you can even hear their inhale and exhale when they come up for air!
A typical Manatee Encounter
There’s usually a moment when someone in the group suddenly says, “There’s one!” Everyone stops and lifts their paddle out of the water. You look down, and there it is! A massive manatee is slowly gliding beneath your clear kayak, close enough that you can see the details of its body as it moves through the water. Many of our guests describe time standing still and a moment of complete awe.
Just you, floating above a manatee in the beautiful waters of Crystal River. It’s the kind of moment that makes you understand why people travel from all over to experience these gentle giants.
An Experience You’ll Talk About Long After You Leave
You may forget what restaurant you ate at or what time you woke up on vacation, but you probably won’t forget the first time you looked through the bottom of your clear kayak and watched a mama manatee nurse it’s newborn baby or a group swimming right between you and your family.
Crystal River has a way of making you slow down, look around, and appreciate the incredible wildlife that calls these waters home. Come experience Crystal River from a whole new perspective, and see what it feels like to have a front-row seat to one of Florida’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Know before you go
There are three things to know before booking a clear kayak tour in Crystal River. Firstly, book with Get Up and Go Kayaking – Crystal River. They are experts in all things clear kayaking, and their guides are some of the highest-rated outdoor guides in the entire county. You can expect exceptional customer service, outstanding knowledge, and affordable prices for a premium experience.
Second, these seats sell fast! Reservations are required, so be sure to either call (352) 747-4289 OR book online. Pro tip: Book directly rather than Viator or Airbnb if you want the best rate!
Lastly, get excited and be ready for an adventure! Whether you’ve never kayaked before or you’re a seasoned pro, you will have the time of your life on these tours. Your stellar guide will be with you to keep you safe and give you the best experience possible with these gentle giants!
