We provide family time:
Come for the experience,
Leave with memories.
Exotic Mangrove Tour
Our mangrove tours transport our guests into another world that does not even seem to exist to the casual onlooker. What makes this tour so spectacular is that one would never believe what lies just past these magical tunnels. We recommend this tour as one of our Morning or Afternoon Tours.What can I expect to see on this tour?
The mangroves create a natural protective habitat for many birds and fish. Typically the waters are shallow enough for you to see marine life such as fish, conchs, starfish, sand dollars, crabs, hermit crabs, sting rays, and horseshoe crabs. The waters surrounding the mangroves are very grassy and attract Manatees which we frequently encounter on our tours. Depending on the time of day and water levels, dolphins are also a common encounter on this tour as well.
Is the tour okay for children?
The Mangrove Tunnel Tour is a low impact tour which makes this tour the perfect choice for anyone regardless of physical ability. We provide the option of single kayaks for those who want to do their own paddling or tandem kayaks which are designed for 2 people or parents who want to share a kayak with a child.
Are there alligators on this tour?
No.
What kinds of birds are on this tour?
Depending on the time of year, our guests can expect to see a wide variety of birds such as the Osprey- which Florida’s comparison to the Eagle, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Pelicans, Wood Storks- which is the only stork native to Florida, and Spoonbills- which are typically mistaken for Pink Flamingos due to their pink coloring.
Will my tour be cancelled if it rains?
We will not cancel or postpone a tour just because it is raining however; our guest’s safety is our main concern. If the weather calls for severe weather (lightning and high winds) then the tour will be initially postponed. If the weather does not clear, the tour will then be rescheduled. Guests have the option to reschedule or receive a complete refund.
Do the kayaks fit all body types?
Out kayaks are specially designed to support guests of any size and shape. (Single kayaks rated up to 350lbs and tandems 750lbs)
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing bottled water for your tour, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water shoes if you have them. Please be aware that you will get wet on these tours and anything you bring along with you is bound to get wet. Trust our experience, even when you bag items in plastic bags, items get wet. Take this into consideration when planning on bringing electronic equipment such as a cell phone and camera!!!
Don't worry; we own several waterproof cameras and all of our tour pictures can be downloaded from our Facebook Page.
What should I wear?
Remember you will be getting wet on this tour so wear clothing that you will be comfortable getting wet in such as a bathing suit. During the hot summer months, our guests typically wear bathing suits and maybe a loose shirt and in the cooler winter months a windbreaker or jacket.
Where do we meet for this tour?
At the canoe launch at Emerson Point Preserve.
5801 17th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221
Driving Directions:
1. From Central Manatee County:Take U.S. 301 north over the DeSoto Bridge. Turn left onto 10th Street West. Stay on this road, heading toward Snead Island. After crossing the bridge, take the immediate right (across from the Yacht Club). Turn left at the first stop sign and drive west into Emerson Point Preserve. Parking is available at the Temple Mound, Observation Tower, Canoe Launch, and Point Parking lots.
2. From I-75: Take I-75 to exit 224. After exiting, head west on U.S. 301. Instead of turning on U.S. 301, continue west on 10th Street West. Follow the directions listed above in to Emerson Point Preserve.
