The Florida waterways are a magical place! They are full of natural beauty, home to thousands of wildlife species, and offer a great source of entertainment. This is why we offer paddle board tours in several locations all around the state. While on tour, we frequently experience wildlife in many forms, but the most common question or comment we receive is about manatees.
“Can I touch a manatee?”
The short answer is no, manatees are not to be touched! This rule goes for any wildlife we see while on our tours, as we frequently experience dolphins, turtles, birds, and other animals. We strongly enforce the “look, don’t touch” practice.
Manatees Are Curious Animals
Before each tour, our guides educate guests on exactly how to behave if a manatee or any other animal swims up to them. We emphasize leaving the water and environment exactly as you found it—undisturbed. This means never touching or bothering the manatees or their habitat.
During our paddle board tours, manatees often come right up to explore. These curious creatures may approach your paddle board, and when they do, we instruct guests to stay calm, let them pass, and simply observe without interfering. All our tour guides are trained to manage wildlife interactions and are ready to assist anytime you feel uncomfortable.
1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act
All marine mammals, including manatees and dolphins, are protected under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. Moreover, this act states that it is illegal to feed, harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, annoy, or molest any mammal. Actions included in this:
- Feeding the manatees or using food to attract them.
- Chasing manatees while either swimming, paddling, or with a vessel.
- Hitting, poking, jumping on, holding, or attempting to ride on a manatee.
- Blocking the path of the manatee or trying to separate a mother & calf.
- Disturbing a resting or mating manatee herd.
- Attempting to hook or catch a manatee.
Moreover, this law is an extremely important piece of Florida wildlife preservation, and we make sure all of our guests are aware of it to help protect our wildlife.
What About Dolphins?
Similar to manatees, dolphins are incredibly entertaining and likeable creatures! Also, they often put on a show for our paddle board tour guests by jumping out of the water, sticking their heads up to look at you, or even swimming alongside a tour group. They fall under the same 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act and are not to be touched or disturbed.
Help Us Keep Florida Waterways Safe
Three Brothers Tours is committed to keeping our waterways safe for all of their natural inhabitants. This includes educating our guests, preventing litter and pollution, and making sure our manatees & dolphins are safe while we also enjoy the water. If you are interested in learning more about wildlife protection, visit the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Interested in a Three Brothers Adventure Tour?
We have locations throughout Florida, and your SUP tour is guaranteed to be amazing with great memories to share when you go home. As seen on the Travel Channel, our tours are perfect for all ages, skill levels, and large groups. They were voted the top activity in Florida.
