Manatee & Eco River Tours
Manatee & Eco River Tours
Manatee & Eco River Tours
5
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view

About
During late December - Early February we provide manatee tours. When the Gulf of Mexico waters are less than 70 degrees, that's the best time! March through November we offer eco tours, complete with a fun/interactive "ECO BINGO" game and fabulous prizes. Sunset tours, classroom on the water, small group gatherings, corporate meetings, birthday parties or a private tour for up to 24 people.
Fort Myers, Florida
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Manatee & Eco River Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
381 reviews
Excellent
366
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Martha J
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
14 Canadian friends went together on the sunset cruise. Captain John and Cathy are great tour guides and very flexible on timing. They took a detour so we could see manatees and then off the see the sunset.
Great food provided on board and plenty of it.
Kathy played music on request and we sang karaoke . It was so much fun. We sang both national anthems - very patriotic moment.
I highly recommend this excursion.
Great food provided on board and plenty of it.
Kathy played music on request and we sang karaoke . It was so much fun. We sang both national anthems - very patriotic moment.
I highly recommend this excursion.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great time with your group!!! The singing was so much fun.... we do hope you'll join us again in the future.
Written September 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katherine E
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Hello, we have been on other Caloosahatchee River boat tours and also rented boats for our own travels on the river, but our Caloosahatchee River trip with Captain John from the Sweet Water Marina near Highway 31 bridge up river, through the Franklin Lock and about a mile beyond was best of all especially because of the narration! Captain John told us a lot about the history of the river from when it was just a winding stream to what it is today as part of the inland water way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. We loved hearing this history as it further endeared us to this SW part of Florida. He also describe how Hurricane Ian had effected the shore, homes, boats, and lock with the surge of water coming up river from the Gulf.
Captain John handled his boat smoothly through the river channel and oxbows so we could see and hear about the lovely homes, water birds, and the natural beauty of this river's shores. If you are looking for a means to show family or friends what makes this part of Florida special, this river trip is perfect. Thank you, Captain John and thank all who help with your tours.
Captain John handled his boat smoothly through the river channel and oxbows so we could see and hear about the lovely homes, water birds, and the natural beauty of this river's shores. If you are looking for a means to show family or friends what makes this part of Florida special, this river trip is perfect. Thank you, Captain John and thank all who help with your tours.
Written December 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the kind words! The love of this area is evident when you take a tour with Manatee & Eco River Tours. We are so glad you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again in the future!
Written December 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mardenshi
Cincinnati38 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
What a fun tour! John and Cathy were great guides and an excellent source of all sorts of information not only about manatees, but also other wildlife, the mangroves, and the ecosystem. One of the first thing that John pointed out as we boarded the boat were the propeller guards which protect/prevent the manatees from getting injured by the propellers. It was nice that they had blankets available since it was a bit chilly and windy. Once we got further into the Orange River where the waters were warmer, we saw several manatees! Along the way there and back, we also saw pelicans, a heron, and a dolphin too. Not only was this a fun way to spend the morning, but also an educational tour, as we learned a lot about manatees. Thank you for a great tour!
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you joined us and that you have a fun and educational time! Thank you for your kind words.
Written January 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth D
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
I went on this tour with my husband and our two kids (7 and 4) and had a great time! We saw so many manatees and they came right up to the boat. The owners also did a great job making the kids feel special, even allowing them to "drive" the boat back to the marina for a short time. Would highly recommend to others wanting a fun family outing.
Written January 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much! We are always happy to have future "Captains" on board... and to watch their smiles as well as the smiles of Mom, Dad and grand parents!
Written January 14, 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenny B
6 contributions
Jan 2023
Kathy & John did a great job navigating the waters in the rivers, and pointing out the manatees. Kathy’s extensive knowledge of manatees added so much to our experience. We saw dozens of manatees throughout our tour.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for joining us! We are glad you enjoyed your trip on the Caloosahatchee!
Written April 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connie Warriner
Alva, FL19 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This tour was so pleasant! Loved Capt. John and admiral Kathy. They made us feel so comfortable and at home! They thought of everything from rain slickers to binoculars, great music on board cool lighting after sun set. Kathy’s lite bites were more like dinner. The knowledge she and capt john shared really showed a passion for their trade. We can’t wait to go again! It was so personal it felt like a Sunday outing with family. Thank you John and Kathy!
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you joined us and hope you visit again!!
Written January 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda G
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Friends
I highly recommend the manatee tour with Captain John and Kathy! This was my second trip this season as we had a friend visiting who had never been. Captain John and Kathy are so knowledgeable about manatees and history of the area. We anchored for a while and the manatees came right up to the boat. So many pictures. This is a great trip for families and children! I will go every year!
Written January 29, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark T
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Family
From the start our hosts were fantastic. They went above and beyond with their hospitality as we travel with two Golden Retrievers. They are extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Being boat owners we were extremely pleased with the quality of the boat and how well maintained it is. We did see Manatees but even if we didn’t the boat ride itself was worth the price. I will go again next time we visit Fort Meyers.
Written December 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed having you on board and the fur kids were an extra treat! Such well behaved kids. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Written December 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CWP
Homosassa, FL6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Captain John and Kathy do a wonderful job of putting you up close and personal with the Manatees. Captain John and Kathy are very knowledgeable of the Caloosahatchee and Orange Rivers as well as Manatee biology and behavior.
Their vessel (40 pontoon boat) is very well constructed, maintained, and equipped. This is the nicest commercial pontoon boat that we have been on.
We plan on taking another trip with them, they do a very good job!
Their vessel (40 pontoon boat) is very well constructed, maintained, and equipped. This is the nicest commercial pontoon boat that we have been on.
We plan on taking another trip with them, they do a very good job!
Written February 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you joined us and enjoyed your trip! We look forward to seeing you again in the future!!
Written September 28, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susannah R
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Our whole family (including our adult children 19 and 21) enjoyed this excursion. Our guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable about Manatees, their environment and how to view them safely without disturbing them. We had the opportunity to observe several manatees and to learn a lot along the way in an entertaining environment. The complimentary souvenirs were a big hit with all of us and a nice surprise. I would recommend this in the winter months to anyone visiting the Fort Myers/Cape Coral area who is interested in the manatees and the local environment.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you had a pleasant experience and hope to see you again in the future!
Written January 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wondering if a customer wears glasses, if the special glasses provided can still be useful to see through the muddy water
Written January 25, 2020
Polarized sunglasses are helpful as the waters of the Orange and Caloosahatchee Rivers are tannin colored (like tea).
Written February 2, 2020
bpank3
Lombard, Illinois
Can someone who is mildly handicapped go on this tour?
Written December 31, 2019
Yes, we have a ramp that we can place to help with boarding and return.
Written January 10, 2020
Sweetwater Landing Marina located at 16991 State Road 31, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Written December 29, 2017
There is a marine-toilet onboard.
Written December 29, 2017
I think it was $25 per adult when we went in December 2015. Check their website to confirm.
Written March 18, 2016
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