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Paddle a 72° spring run in a clear-hull tandem kayak and watch wintering manatees glide beneath you. Small groups, passive observation, and access to Seven Sisters Springs make this a quiet, wildlife-forward alternative to busier nearby springs.
Paddle a 72° spring run in a clear-hull tandem kayak and watch wintering manatees glide beneath you. Small groups, passive observation, and access to Seven Sisters Springs make this a quiet, wildlife-forward alternative to busier nearby springs.
Book with Get Up and Go Kayaking - The Chaz
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Operated by Get Up and Go Kayaking - The Chaz · Homosassa, Florida
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, where the Chassahowitzka River threads through live oaks and marsh, the Manatee Season Clear Kayak Tour puts you above a 72° spring system that hosts wintering manatees. Operated from Seven Sisters Campground, 8544 W Miss Maggie Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448, this two-hour outing guides small groups into narrow spring runs and over the limestone vents of Seven Sisters Springs—water-access only pockets of glass-clear flow that the manatees favor when coastal temperatures drop. The route follows spring-fed channels carved from limestone, where visibility in a 100% clear tandem kayak turns the river into a living aquarium. Manatees glide beneath the hull; turtles and wading birds survey the shallows; dolphins and the occasional fish trail the current. Guides favor passive observation: no chasing, no touching, and no entering the water during manatee season (November 15–March 31). That restraint keeps interactions genuine and conforms to Florida Fish & Wildlife protection guidelines. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on quiet, informed access. The operator runs just five clear kayaks and limits groups to ten guests, so you’re not paddling in a flotilla but in a small, managed circle where animals decide the distance. The guide reads tides, clarity, and manatee movement to pick the day’s best line, often pausing above the natural limestone vents so you can watch the animals surface and sink in unhurried silence. Practical details matter: departures run daily at 10:30 AM for the calmest light and at 1:30 PM for a budget-friendly option. The tour is two hours; guests must be at least five years old, families are welcome with one adult per child under 14, and there are strict weight limits (425 lb per kayak, 250 lb per seat). Meeting details are explicit—arrive at the trailer outside the campground office, pay the $10 parking fee collected by the site, and dress warmer than the onshore forecast because you’ll be still on the water. For visitors staying in Homosassa or nearby Crystal River, this is the quieter twenty minutes south of the busier springs—same animals, fewer people, and access to a spring complex reachable only by water. Whether you’re a photographer hoping for a glassy under-hull frame or a family wanting a close, respectful wildlife encounter, this tour blends careful stewardship with the thrill of watching manatees in their winter refuge. Guides supply life jackets and basic paddling instruction, but bring a camera with a polarizing filter, a dry bag for phones, and a water bottle. Private charters are available—reserve all five kayaks for your group if you want the river to yourselves. Tours run rain or shine; cancellations only for lightning or unsafe conditions, in which case you'll receive a full refund.
easy.
2 Hours.
Light fitness: able to sit still and paddle for two hours and handle short wading entry/exit.
No. Manatees are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, but tours go where manatees gather and winter concentrations are highest between November 15 and March 31.
Meet at Seven Sisters Campground, 8544 W Miss Maggie Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448 at the Get Up And Go trailer outside the campground office; pay the $10 parking fee on arrival.
No. During manatee season the tour practices passive observation only—no swimming, touching, or pursuing manatees—to comply with FWC guidelines.
Minimum age is 5. Weight limits are 425 pounds per kayak and 250 pounds maximum per seat; one adult is required per child under 14.
Tours run rain or shine and will only cancel for lightning or unsafe conditions; if we cancel you will receive a full refund or be offered a reschedule when possible.
No. Entry and exit require stepping into shallow water; participants must have the mobility to step into a tandem kayak and paddle.
Citrus County markets itself as the Manatee Capital of the World® and the Chassahowitzka’s spring runs consistently draw wintering manatees when coastal water drops below 68°F.
Tours adhere to Florida Fish & Wildlife manatee protection guidelines with passive observation only, small group sizes, and no swimming to minimize disturbance.
Get Up and Go Kayaking - The Chaz operates from Homosassa, Florida, providing guided and self-guided kayak experiences on local rivers and springs. The outfitter offers a selection of small-group guided tours and self-guided options designed for wildlife viewing, clear-water swimming, and scenic paddling. Popular offerings include the Chassahowitzka River Manatee Season Tour (November 15th - March 31st), a three-hour guided paddle that focuses on manatee and dolphin sightings with a maximum of 10 paddlers per trip. Another signature experience is the Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Tour, a guided clear kayak adventure that emphasizes springs, hidden channels, and Old Florida landscapes. An additional self-guided trip listed as 'Unknown' is presented with included gear and a BBQ lunch. Guides and staff prioritize safety, local knowledge, and responsible wildlife viewing. Equipment provided typically includes kayaks, paddles, and life jackets appropriate for the activity. Small group sizes, seasonal scheduling, and focus on protected waterways support a low-impact approach to recreation. Get Up and Go Kayaking - The Chaz caters to a range of paddlers from families and first-time kayakers to experienced paddlers seeking wildlife encounters. Booking information, departure details, and current schedules are provided through the company's reservation channels. Travelers should check seasonal availability, age and weight restrictions, and any safety briefings before booking. The business emphasizes clear expectations, experienced local guides, and an immersive Florida paddling experience. Guests receive safety briefings and equipment orientation prior to departure, and tours are run in compliance with seasonal manatee viewing windows. Local guides maintain wildlife-safe practices consistently.
Book with Get Up and Go Kayaking - The Chaz