Manatee Diving

King’s Bay, Florida
February 14 - 18, 2027
( 5 Day Trip with 3 Days Diving )
2 of 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE

 Join us in Florida’s spring-fed backcountry for a photographer-focused wildlife experience to photograph, the Florida Manatee.

Clear springs rise from the earth, light filters through the water, and hundreds of manatees move through their world with calm, unhurried presence.

This trip isn’t about a single, crowded location.

We travel by boat, in search of water clarity, light, tides, and animal behavior, choosing the springs that offer the best opportunities each day.

The goal is simple: quality encounters, not rushed ones.

Drifting alongside a manatee in clear water is a moment that stays with you.

You notice the details, the texture of their skin, the slow movement of a flipper, the quiet exhale as they surface near you.

This trip is designed for guests who want a more intimate experience.

Manatees are the heart of the journey, but Florida often offers more to those who pay attention.

Birdlife, fish, turtles, alligators, shifting light, and quiet stretches between encounters all become part of the story.

This is for those of you who want more than a checkbox experience.

So if you’re ready to slow down, see differently, and come home with images and memories that feel very personal… Join Us!

TRIP COST PER PERSON is $1888.00 pp.

A deposit of $500 is required to reserve your space.

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 4 night stay Eco-Lodge (D/O)
    *Add $350 for single occupancy.

  • 3 morning sessions with manatees and other wildlife.

  • 3 afternoons sessions with manatees and other wildlife.

  • Snacks and drinks on the boat

  • Van transfer from airport to hotel.

  • Private River Boat

  • Photo coaching during the trip

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PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Airfare

  • All Meals

  • Alcoholic Beverages and Soft Drinks

  • Crew gratuities

  • Trip insurance

  • Hotels on travel days

  • Travel Visas (if Required)

🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE
- You can book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.

READ TRIP REPORT

2026 Trip report

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1.
Arrival & Transfer to Kings Bay

Guests will be picked up from Orlando International Airport between 12:00 - 1:00 PM.

From the airport, we’ll drive approximately 1.5 hours to Kings Bay, home to Florida’s famous spring-fed waters and winter manatee habitat.

Once checked into the hotel, the afternoon is yours to settle in, organize camera gear, and relax. We will get together at 6:30 to have dinner and discuss tomorrows plans.

Day 2. Full Day on the River

We’ll depart the hotel around 8:00 AM, pick up our pontoon, and head straight to the river.

Our morning session is spent at our first chosen location, focusing on photographing manatees in clear water under calm morning light. We work slowly and respectfully, allowing the animals to dictate the encounter while you focus on composition, behavior, and timing.

Late morning, we’ll break for lunch at a riverside café, giving everyone time to rest, review images, and recharge.

In the afternoon, we return to the river in search of the best water visibility and light as conditions evolve throughout the day.

Locations may change depending on clarity, light, and wildlife activity.

We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, relax and regroup for dinner.

Day 3. Kings Bay: Second Full Day on the River

Another early start as we head back out around 8:00 AM.

This second full day allows us to refine our approach, and photo opportunities, revisiting productive areas or exploring new sections of the river depending on conditions.

With familiarity comes better anticipation of light, behavior, and moments worth capturing

As with Day 2, we’ll break midday for lunch at a riverside café before heading out again for an afternoon session.

Day 4 — Exploring a Second River System

Today we shift focus to a different river system, expanding our search beyond manatees.

This day is dedicated to exploring Florida’s broader freshwater ecosystem, with opportunities to photograph water birds, turtles, fish, and potentially alligators, depending on conditions and wildlife activity.

It’s a slower, exploratory day, ideal for guests who enjoy diverse environments, adapting to what appears, and photographing whatever the wild presents.

Day 5. Departure DAY

We’ll depart the hotel at 8:00 AM and return you to Orlando International Airport by approximately 10:00 AM.

Please schedule your return flights for 12:00 PM (noon) or later.

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY 

PAYMENT POLICY

  • A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD is required to reserve a space on this SDM adventures.

  • 50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.

  • 100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.

  • A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.

  • A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.

  • Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info.
    Please add $40 to cover bank fees.

  • Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:

  • SDM adventures
    332 East 15th St.
    San Juan, Texas 78589

    CANCELLATION POLICY 

    All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $500 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.

  • Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).

  • Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.

  • All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.