Manatee Tour

Manatee Tour in Southwest Florida

Manatee tours are SEASONAL and typically offered between December – February. Join us aboard the River Queen II as we take a tour on the Caloosahatchee and Orange Rivers in Southwest Florida in search of manatees!

As the water in the Gulf of Mexico begins to cool below 68 degrees and seasonal air temperatures drop, the manatees move into warmer waters. Within our region of southwest Florida, their popular hangout is that of the Orange River near the warm water outflow of the FPL power plant.  Remember, the more uncomfortable (cold) we are, requiring jackets to keep warm, the better the observation of manatees!  We do have blankets on board that you can snuggle up in if need be.

What to Expect

The captain will do his best to find manatees and maneuver as close as possible without interfering with their natural behaviors. Part of the adventure is not knowing what you will see when you’re exploring the waterways. Rest assured, the boat motors are each fitted with propeller guards, and all speed zones are respected as well as the preservation of the habitat and manatee.

Tours are approximately 2 hours narrated by knowledgeable Florida Master Naturalists, researchers, docents, guest speakers, and manatee enthusiasts. Narrators vary depending on their schedule of availability.