The two questions we have been getting the most this busy season is if red tide is affecting our area, and if manatees will be seen this time of year. I am here to tell you the good news...no to red tide and yes to manatees!!!

We are located in Port of the Island's Marina which is six miles up river from the Gulf of Mexico. This time of year, the manatees take haven from the colder waters and live up in our area for the fresh drinking water and warmer temperatures. Our water is warmer due to it being brackish with a muddy bottom, which holds heat better than a sandy bottom like the Gulf. What this means is that it is the best time of year to see the manatees. We have counted up to 15 in our area at one time. While manatees are always on the move, we can pretty much guarantee you will see one on your adventure! To make you feel even better, we track our trips, and since January 1, 2023, our success rate is 97% for seeing manatees. If nature happens to be difficult at the day and time of your tour and you do not see a manatee, you get to come back for free! 

As for the red tide, this goes hand in hand with our location. Because we are six miles upriver from the Gulf and protected by mangroves, we have not been affected by the red tide. It is mostly seen on Marco Island and central/north Naples. We are actually further south and east than Marco Island and have no signs of it in our area. So you can rest assured that when you book our adventures, even our 3 hour Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Eco Tour that goes to the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, that you will not come across any red tide.

We hope that this alleviates any concerns and that you will join us for one of our four ways to see manatees! We know that our captains can put on a great experience for you and that you will enjoy the sights and sounds of the Everglades and southwest Florida. So what are you waiting for... let's go see some manatees!

Manatees and Mangroves Post Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian plowed its way through southwest Florida in late September. It was one of the

most devastating hurricanes to hit the area. Many tourists and locals concern lie within

recovery and if there will still be a tourist season. Can the beaches reopen? Will restaurants

renovate in time? Are there still sights to see and things to do? The answer is absolutely yes.

And as for the Everglades eco system, it was among the luckiest.

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures departs in the Everglades from Port of the

Island’s marina at 525 Newport Drive, Naples, Florida. It is located about 20 minutes east on 41

from the Collier and 41 intersections. The Port is on the very southern end of Naples which

bode well when it came to Hurricane Ian.

Storm surge reached an all-time high with flooding across 41, a road that typically does not

endure this type of devastation. But as for wind, the Port was primarily protected. Mangroves

are intact and as beautiful and green as ever. There weren’t any boats that were even damaged

during the storm. Because the Port lies 6 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, it was

somewhat barricaded from the worst of it. So, when you visit us in the Everglades, you can rest

assured that it will feel like the southwest Florida you always knew, lush and peaceful.

As for the wildlife, manatees, dolphins, alligators, sea turtles, bull sharks, and an abundant

number of birds have already been spotted post Ian. The surge has receded and the eco system

is back to normal. Manatees remain swimming up the canal for fresh water and sea grass.

Alligators are sun bathing with no care in the world. Dolphins have been playing in our wakes.

And the birds have all returned from the summer hiatus up north.

So, when you book an adventure with Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures, you will

escape to a world where everything remains as it should be. We are very fortunate that our

piece of paradise came out unscathed. We’d love to share it with you as a glimpse of hope for

the return of southwest Florida.

For photos of our recent wildlife sightings, checkout our Facebook and Instagram

@manateesightseeingtours.

For bookings and inquiries, visit see-manatees.com or call 239-642-8818.

We look forward to bringing happiness and light this season while things return to normal.