Manatee Photo Safari - Kayak and Paddleboard Tour

3801 Rickenbacker Causeway,Miami FL 33149

15 January, 2021

Description

It’s Manatee Season! Ready your cameras and paddles, it’s the best time of the year for wild manatee viewing! Multiple Manatee families have made a home out of Jimbo’s Lagoon and absolutely love to pose for the cameras. Come join us in the early mornings or late winter afternoons for an exclusive Manatee Photo Safari with an occasional dolphin or two! Please keep in mind that these wild and protected animals. It is illegal to molest, harass, disturb, and even to hug a manatee. We will be viewing these beautiful, yet funny looking animals from afar. We will kayak around Jimbo’s Lagoon in search for Manatees, we may venture out to the Virginia Key Cove where multiple manatee and dolphin sightings have been documented! Please keep in mind that Virginia Key is filled with wildlife, you may see even more than just Manatees. If time and weather permits it, we may beach at North Point where you are able to see an array of different bird species and the gorgeous Miami Skyline. Things to Remember: Avoid excessive noise and splashing if a manatee appears nearby. The manatee may be resting and may surface without being aware of your presence. Noise and activity may startle the animal awake, which may put it in harm’s way if it is frightened and leaves the area.Look, but do not touch the manatees. Especially do not feed the manatees. Keep hands and objects (Paddles, and other materials) to yourself. Do not attempt to snag, hook, hold, grab, or ride a manatee.Do not Pursue or chase a manatee. They usually come around to check out paddlers. Pursuing them only causes them to swim away and ruins the fun for everyone, especially the manatee.When & Where: Please arrive between 1 hour to 30 minutes at Virginia Key Outdoor Center before the Launch Time. This will allow for a speedy check in process and have us on the water in no time. Parking is FREE in the VKOC Parking lot. Address: Virginia Key Outdoor Center 3801 Rickenbacker Causeway Miami, FL 33149 COVID19 Policy: Masks and distancing are required while visiting the parks, VKOC and the Paddle House. Please be sure to wear your mask while in the retail area, all indoor spaces including bathroom, and while engaging in passive activities such as walking. NO MASK * NO SERVICE * NO EXCEPTION All Guided Tours will be limited to groups of 9 People. Spots are VERY LIMITED. WHEN YOU ARRIVE: To make distancing easier we have rental agreement available under the canopy outside the rental office.. Please complete the form. Be sure to include your full contact info and emergency contact. ALL participants must print and sign the acknowledgment on the back of the form. For minors, list names and parent/guardian signs. WHEN YOU RETURN FROM YOUR RENTAL: VKOC/Paddle House takes extra steps to sanitize all shared equipment and common contact areas. When you return from your rental please place your life jacket or helmet in the designated bins. Showers are available behind the facility for your convenience. Our bathrooms are open and stocked with soap for hand washing. Sanitizer is also available on the deck and in the retail/rental room. If you need any special accommodation please let a staff member know so we may better assist you. What to Bring: Your Cellphone! We strongly suggest bringing a water proof case. If one is not available to you, there are cases for sale in the VKOC retail room starting at just $20.00. For those that are bringing your boards, please remember to bring a life jacket. You will not be allowed to join us if you do not have one. VKOC offers Life Jacket rentals if you do not have one. Towel and change of clothes for after Don’t have a Kayak/Paddle Board? No problem, VKOC has equipment for rent. You must reserve in advance for the Manatee Safari at VKOC.NET/Book-Now A Cheerful disposition! MINIMUM PARTICIPATION: Please note that a minimum of 4 participants are required conduct a group paddle. Events with fewer than 4 participants will be offered a discounted small group rate or refund. Fun is FREE if you let it happen!