Springs and Manatees Florida Welcome Letter

Welcome to the Springs and Manatees of Florida Snorkeling Kayaking Adventure.

I hope you will consider joining us as we explore the Florida Springs!

I saw my first manatee at age eleven. I was surf fishing in a quiet lagoon with my father. I will never forget my father’s startled expression as a massive, unidentifiable creature surfaced next to us in the warm Gulf waters of Florida. I have been swimming with these gentle animals nearly every winter since.

Each winter as the Gulf temperatures begin to drop, The West Indian Manatees migrate into the clear warmer springs of Florida. By January, the manatees have been in Crystal and Homosassa River for several months. Most of the population will leave the rivers for the Gulf waters by late March. January is an excellent time to visits these spring fed rivers. The weather in January can be very pleasant and there are typically plenty of manatees basking in the spring-fed water. We may experience daytime temperatures ranging from the 50’s to 70’s.

Our trip will also include the Chassahowitzka River offering a leisurely kayak run. During our day on the Chassahowitzka we may drift by cypress knees, basking alligators, river otters and a multitude of birds such as little blue herons, white ibis, great egrets and anhingas.

We are very excited to offer both The “Chass” as well as the crystal clear water of Rainbow Run, both spring-fed rivers to explore during our  unique and varied itinerary  Our  2  kayaking tours last from 3-4 hours each day. Depending upon weather and other factors that may affect timing,  we will offer  a brief stretch on land mid tour.

January 24th-30th, 2027

Trip Cost: 10 women: $2495   9 women: $2695   8 women: $2895

Our 7 Day Adventure includes: 6 nights of lodging, van transfers in Florida, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, 2 days of guided kayaking~snorkeling, 3 guided snorkeling tours via pontoon boat, guided hikes, entrance into wildlife parks, all permits, interpretive slide shows, naturalist -led in water programming and the extraordinary experience of snorkeling with a 2000 pound mammal!

This price does not include air transportation, snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) or personal liquor. Snorkel gear may be rented in Florida. Farmer Jane style wetsuits are provided for our 2 kayaking days and full wetsuits are provided on our 3 pontoon boat excursions. All meals are included with the exception of two restaurant meals,  lunch on Day 3 and dinner on Day 6. A tip for your Blue Water Ventures assistant guides is not included. We suggest $75-100 per person shared  among our assistant guides.

We are happy to offer a reasonably priced  week long  adventure to the wild side of Florida,  but we encourage you to explore your vacation options.   To review the cost and program  of  another US outfitter traveling to Florida please review Kayak Only Tours  or    More Options 

FLIGHTS TO TAMPA

There are several options for travel to Tampa International Airport (airport code TPA). Please make arrangements so that you can meet the group at 12:30pm  outside of United Arrivals on January 24th  This may require that you overnight in Tampa which is highly recommended to avoid jet lag. A red eye flight is also an option,  although a missed connection would require that  you Uber on your own to Crystal River, 2 hours away.  Several clients have stayed at the Hampton Inn which offers a free shuttle to the Tampa International Airport.
Some travelers arrive into Florida several days before our trip extending their experience in the “Sunshine State”.

An early arrival helps  avoid jet lag during our active adventure together. There are many hotels near the Tampa Airport and many Florida attractions including Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast, about 45 minutes from the airport. Others arriving early or staying an extra day visit the renown Florida Aquarium in Tampa or  the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg.  We recommend a meal at  the original Columbia Restaurant    located in the National Historic Landmark District of Ybor City.

I have found great flight deals into Tampa on Kayak.com Our trip ends at 11:00am at the Tampa International Airport on January 30th  allowing people to catch afternoon flights.

PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR RETURN FLIGHTS BEFORE 1:00pm on January 30th. We suggest that you follow our recommendations regarding the highly suggested trip insurance. Trip insurance protects your investment and provides medical assistance in the event that an evacuation from our program is required.

Snorkeling and drifting down Rainbow Run while BWV guides tow your kayak!

ACCOMMODATIONS

For six nights, we have rented a private waterfront home on Crystal River. The location is fabulous and our comfortable Florida style home has several bedrooms, some that   sleep 4  people.  Couples may  be sharing rooms with others.  This varies  each year. While some rooms may accommodate 4 people, other rooms  may accommodate a single person.  While in some regards it would be helpful if all rooms were designed equally, it would lose its charm and feel more like a hotel than a private  home.  Each trip we pre determine the best configuration for sleeping arrangements. Your Blue Water Ventures staff will be cooking most meals. The rental house is roomy and spacious, has a screened in pool, large backyard  and creates a relaxed atmosphere, Image a slumber party for adults!   You may take a look at our rental house at: Home Away from Home 

COVID-19 AND FLU PROTOCOL UPDATED OCTOBER 1ST, 2025

In 2023, The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organization and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired. However, several  international outfitters including Blue Water Ventures continued to monitor for COVID-19 before and during our travel programs.  As of October 1st, 2025 we offer our latest updates. Guests who choose to test for COVID-19 during our program  and test positive will be asked to wear a mask while traveling in vans. They may be asked to isolate during meal time. Their traveling companion sharing a room will also be asked to wear a mask when traveling in group vehicles. Guest who test positive will follow local health protocols in  Florida. Everyone will be encouraged to wash their hands frequently. Our staff will check in with anyone who appears ill,  but we will  no longer require Flu or COVid-19 testing before or during a trip.

As always, it will be imperative to avoid contact with people who have cold or flu like symptomss prior to our trip’s departure. Wash hands frequently and be mindful of staying healthy before and during our adventure together. At any time during our program, you may choose to wear a mask.  We expect our clients to be accountable for their own well-being and accept the inherent risks associated with group travel. We reserve the right to adjust our Covid-19 and Flu protocol as needed, as new  guidance may evolve.

Ultimately, we want our group members  to feel safe and remain healthy as they travel with us.  Thank you for taking everyone’s health and safety into consideration. Now more than ever, it is important  to secure Travel Insurance. You  may purchase through this link or choose a company of your choice.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

 While experience in kayaking or hiking is not required to participate in this program, good general health is needed.  Some level of upper body conditioning is advisable to prepare for snorkeling and kayaking. You will need upper body strength to hoist yourself up on the boat ladder after snorkeling with the manatees. On several mornings we will be out the door by 7:45am to improve our chances of the best manatee viewing and interactions. We travel through Florida in a passenger van which will require mobility to get in and out of our  vehicle. If you have a chronic back, shoulder  or neck  injury or condition you may find kayaking or snorkeling uncomfortable and  we don’t  recommend joining us. Our 2 kayaking tours last 3-4 hours  each day with a possible brief stretch on land.  We reserve the right to deny anyone participation in an activity. If you are a non swimmer, do not join our snorkeling and kayaking tour in Florida.  While we  use sit on top kayaks with back rests,  we recommend  bringing  extra back support (see our what to bring list). Please call us if you have any questions regarding the activities planned at 831 459 8548 or email Kim Powell at: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

Please give us a call at Blue Water Ventures if we can be of any other assistance (831) 345-2417. or email us at bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com

Very Sincerely,
Kim Powell, MRPA
Owner, Operator & Naturalist
Blue Water Ventures
Mobile Phone: 831-345-2417
www.bluewaterventures.org

email: bluewaterventuressc@gmail.com
220 Kenneth St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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