Everglades: Manatee Boat Tour & Wildlife Sightings Small Group

Summary

See wild manatees and Everglades wildlife from a covered boat with expert local captains

You’ll feel the hush of the Everglades as you glide past mangroves in a covered boat with just five others, watching wild manatees surface right beside you. With an easygoing local guide narrating and polarized lenses for perfect photos, expect close-up wildlife moments—and maybe even laughter over dropped sunglasses or surprise animal sightings along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet. Not silence exactly—more like that soft hush you get when you’re out on water early, just the low hum of our boat leaving Port of the Islands Marina and a couple of egrets picking at the shoreline. Our captain, Mike, handed me these funny clip-on polarized lenses for my phone (never used those before), and I could actually see through the glare into the water. He pointed out some weirdly shaped roots in the mangroves—said they’re called “walking trees.” I tried to sound like I knew what he meant but honestly, I was just hoping to spot a manatee.

It didn’t take long. There was this sudden swirl near one of the docks, and sure enough, this round gray back surfaced right next to us. Mike grinned—he said they show up almost every day, but you never really get used to it. The manatee’s nose made this little puffing sound when it came up for air. For a second I forgot about taking photos; it just felt… peaceful? Like we were guests in their world. There were pelicans overhead and even an alligator sunning itself way off by some reeds (which got my heart going for a minute). The air smelled kind of sweet—like salt mixed with something green, maybe from all those mangroves.

We drifted past some houses tucked behind palms, then into these narrow channels where everything felt close and tangled. Mike kept tossing out facts about Everglades wildlife—I only half-remember them now—but he was patient with my questions about bull sharks (yes, apparently they do come up here sometimes). There’s something about being on such a small boat—just six of us—that makes it easier to ask stuff or just sit quietly watching birds flicker between branches. At one point my sunglasses slipped off my head and everyone laughed; Mike had extras ready, no big deal.

I still think about that manatee’s slow blink as we floated there together. It wasn’t dramatic or anything—just real. If you’re looking for some wild show, maybe this isn’t it. But if you want ninety minutes where time sort of stretches out and you remember how much is happening under the surface (literally), well… you might end up thinking about it later too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manatee and wildlife boat tour

• Depart from Port of the Islands Marina
• Enjoy 90-minute covered boat tour
• View manatees in harbor and bays
• Spot alligators, bull sharks, and birds
• Use polarized sunglasses and camera lenses
• Listen to narration by licensed captain
• Match birds with Everglades bird card

Top questions

How long is the Everglades manatee boat tour?

The tour lasts 90 minutes and departs every 45 minutes daily from Port of the Islands Marina.

Are manatees guaranteed on this boat tour?

Manatees are seen almost every day—over 90% of tours encounter them—but sightings can’t be absolutely guaranteed.

How many people fit on each Everglades boat?

Each covered boat holds up to 6 passengers; larger groups use multiple boats kept close together.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and boats are wheelchair accessible.

What wildlife can be seen besides manatees?

You may see alligators, bull sharks, birds like egrets or pelicans, and other Everglades wildlife during your tour.

Are polarized sunglasses provided for the tour?

Yes, polarized sunglasses and phone camera lenses are provided for better viewing and photography.

Where does the manatee sightseeing tour depart from?

The tour departs from Port of the Islands Marina in the Everglades region.

What’s included

Your outing includes narration by an experienced Coast Guard licensed local guide, use of polarized sunglasses and special phone camera lenses for better wildlife viewing, plus free parking right across from the firehouse at Port of the Islands Marina. All taxes and fees are covered so you can just show up dressed casually—and enjoy your time spotting manatees with your group before heading back ashore.