Homosassa Manatee Paddle Tour

Paddle and Swim with Manatees! During winter, manatees migrate to the clear, warm spring waters at the top of this beautiful river.

Advanced Registration and Payment Required via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homosassa-manatee-paddle-tour-tickets-2003835981362

From November to March, when the air temp is colder, manatees migrate to the warmer waters of Homosassa springs, making this a popular spot to view them in their natural habitat.

Our tour is longer than most giving ample time to connect with wildlife and nature. There is also an opportunity to snorkel with manatees and it is much less crowded than Crystal River. Tour photos always included!
Located just 1.5 hours west of Orlando, we’ll launch on the beautiful Homosassa River, abundant with birds, fish, and turtles; and bordered by palm, cypress and oak trees. You'll be greeted by your friendly guides, given paddleboard instruction if needed, and outfitted with quality paddleboard gear. The site has nice restrooms and an easy, carpeted launch ramp.

Once ready, we'll paddle upriver where the water gets clearer and clearer approaching the headwaters of Homosassa Springs. Here, we'll take plenty of time hanging out where curious West Indian manatees congregate for up-close and personal encounters right from our paddleboards! These gentle giants can be very curious and often come over to say hello - surfacing to look at us and sometimes even nudging the boards - what a special and memorable experience to connect with this protected marine mammal! We often see adorable small calves accompanied by their big mamas, as well as active males.

For those ready to swim, bring your snorkel gear (mask, snorkel and wetsuit - the water is 72 degrees), to soak in the mineral-rich spring water, coming face to face with manatees from beneath the surface!

Not into swimming? If you don't want to completely submerge, bring just a dive mask to lay on your board and peer over the side to snorkel while staying dry!

We'll explore all the nooks and crannies in this area, including some narrow tributaries with mesmerizing turquoise water over white sand, and areas where sting rays (or "spring rays" as I like to call them), cormorants, and river otters like to play.

Then we'll make our way downriver, paddling alongside manatees, osprey, pelicans, and tarpon, saying good bye for now until we make landfall at the launch site, with our souls full.

This will conclude our tour, but for those who've worked up an appetite, Margueritas Restaurant is located on the river directly across from the launch site with a beautiful view for dining and filling your belly.

What's Included:
-All Stand Up Paddleboard Gear (quality and fitted to you, seated option available - please request)
-3 hour Guided Manatee Eco Tour with experienced and knowledgeable guides (including stopping to hang/swim with manatees and eat snacks - we won't be paddling the entire time)
-Launch fees ($10 value)
-SUP Instruction with friendly, certified instructors
-Tour Photos (so you can be in the present moment)
-Inclusive Paddle Tribe (we welcome everyone!)

Other Ticket Options Include:
-BYOBoard/Paddle Craft for a discount. All paddlecraft are welcome.

Paddle Skill Level: All Levels. Instruction provided for beginners. Must know how to swim. Kids 12 and under may ride along free with an experienced adult.

Guide: Jessica Cichra is a SUP enthusiast that has been actively paddle touring, racing, surfing, and instructing since 2009. She is the founder of Wave of Wellness, a company with a mission to empower clients through adventurous activities that enhance all areas of well-being with a focus on travel, SUP, yoga, and community. Jessica guides paddle tours in Central Florida and internationally on adventure travel retreats.

Advanced Registration and Payment Required via Eventbrite -> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/homosassa-manatee-paddle-tour-tickets-2003835981362