About us
Hi, I'm Master Captain Parker. Thanks for stopping by.
I grew up watching Flipper and knew early on that I wanted a life on the water, surrounded by wildlife. I became a scuba instructor in Oklahoma before moving to Florida, where I found my passion for manatees.
In 2000, I started this business for a simple reason: I enjoyed being on the water with these remarkable animals and wanted to share the magic of manatees with others. We began with our own little docks, a couple of boats, and two captains.
The response was immediate. Now, 26 years later, we've grown to five boats and a family of seven captains, while keeping the same welcoming spirit that started it all. Rain or shine, there's something special about life on the river. And here in Florida, it's mostly shine.
We take guests to observe wild manatees on the Homosassa River, just south of Crystal River. We keep our groups small, approach quietly, and take the time to help you understand the animals and their habitat. We're visitors in their home, and respecting that has been part of our approach since day one.
Master Captain Parker
That's our motto, and it's the reason a lot of guests pick us.
Manatees are wild animals. They don't have a calendar or a smartphone, so they don't know you're coming. The water isn't always crystal clear, and we'll tell you that before you book, not after. What we can promise is a captain who knows this river, a boat that isn't crowded, and a straight answer to every question. Call us before your trip and we'll tell you exactly what the river's doing.
Our boats could carry 10 to 15 people. We take six.
Fewer people means fewer splashes, less noise, and calmer manatees, which means better encounters for everybody, including the manatee. It also means you get a real seat on the boat instead of a little spot to sit, and a captain who has time for your questions. Some operators cater to big crowds all at once. We'd rather cater to the crowds a little at a time.
Bigger group? No problem. We put you on two boats that travel to the same area, so you swim together.
From the logbook
2000
Two captains, a couple of boats, our own little docks, and a lot of time on the water.
The 2000s
Word of mouth does the marketing. Families start coming back with their grandkids.
2010
We start departing from the Old Homosassa River, next to Monkey Island.
Today
A team of captains and manatee educators, the same small boats, and the same idea: meet manatees on their terms.
Our USCG-licensed captains run small boats out of Homosassa every day, and they give every water instruction right from the boat. They're the reason people leave reviews. More than half of our Google reviews mention someone on the crew by name.
This business was built to educate people about the manatees and the rivers they depend on. Our captains don't just find manatees. They explain why manatees come to these springs, how a mother cares for her calf, and why a boat strike is the biggest danger they face.
Our goal isn't simply to help you see a manatee. It's to help you understand one. If you leave telling your friends how to do it right, we've done our job.
"The manatees are a lifestyle to us, not just a tourist attraction."
Captain Parker
The No Sighting Promise
Our captains find manatees on 90% of trips. On the rare day they don't, you can come back. You get a return voucher that never expires: free with Trip Protection, or $15 per person without.
The people aboard
Booking captain
Captain Kim has been with Gene for seven years. She started as his first mate with no boat experience, earned her captain's license, and for the last five years has run every booking and everything behind the scenes. If you've called us, you've probably talked to Captain Kim.
Event photographer
Janice and Gene have been friends since 2013, and her work is known around the world. Book Event Photography and she's the one in the water with you, catching the moments you're too busy enjoying to film.
Giving back. Every season, part of what we earn goes back to recovery programs in our community.
We'll show you the river the way we've seen it every day for 26 years.
Book your manatee tour
Every tour is a small boat with six guests or fewer. Choose a tour to see dates and times.
Private, more water time
$585 per boat, up to 6
Departs 8 AM and 1 PM
Private, lunch included
$999 per boat, up to 6
Departs 8 AM
Not sure which one? Compare the tours
More than six in your group? Call 352-257-8687
