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 is required to reserve a space on any SDM Adventures expedition.

    *Reservations are not considered confirmed until the deposit has been received.

    Payment schedule:

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

    • Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

    Payment methods:

    • Credit card payments incur a 4% processing fee.

    • PayPal payments incur a 3% processing fee.

    • Payments may also be made via wire transfer or Zelle. Please contact us for banking details.

    • For wire transfers, please add $40 to cover bank processing fees.

    CANCELLATION POLICY 

    SDM Adventures understands how disappointing it can be if you are forced to cancel your trip after looking forward to it for so long. However, our expeditions require significant advance planning, and we must make non-refundable payments to hotels, vessels, and other suppliers well before departure. For this reason, we must strictly adhere to the following cancellation policy for all guests.

    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself in the event you must cancel.

    Cancellation terms are as follows:

    • More than 120 days prior to departure:

    A refund will be issued minus the trip deposit, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. If we are able to fill your space after you cancel, we will apply your deposit toward another SDM Adventures trip booked within the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, the deposit will be forfeited.

    • 91–120 days prior to departure:

    A cancellation fee of 50% of the total expedition price (including extensions) will be applied.

    • Within 90 days of departure:

    No refunds will be issued.

    All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email or mail and must be received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.

    SDM Adventures is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or personal reasons.

    No refunds will be issued if a participant withdraws after the expedition has begun.

    SDM Adventures is not responsible for any penalties associated with non-refundable airfare or travel arrangements. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.