2026 SFUPS SMALL GROUP MANATEE SNORKEL
Don’t miss the chance to snorkel and photograph manatees with fellow SFUPS members! Central Florida springs are a fantastic place to snorkel with the manatees that winter in the consistent 72-degree water and abundant vegetation. They are also a great place to photograph them in exceptionally clear, calm conditions.
To respect the manatees, and given the size of the location and local interest in keeping the site pristine, we are limiting the number of members on this trip to a small group of eight. It may be possible to run this trip a few times during the season, but there is no guarantee. If you want a chance to photograph manatees with fellow SFUPS friends, sign up FAST!
To add to the fun, we will hold a ‘Day of’ Photo Contest for trip participants.The winner will receive bragging rights and a manatee-sized prize!
DETAILS:
- Date: Thursday, January 30th, 2026
- Location: The spring we are visiting is a rare jewel and typically allows for a quiet and sparsely populated snorkel with manatees. To protect this special location and experience, we are withholding the name of the spring until you sign up. We can say the spring is approximately a 3.5-hour drive north from West Palm Beach. Upon signing up for the trip, you will be contacted by the director-at-large, who will reveal the exact spring location.
- Time to meet: 9am – The park is open until 8 PM, but you can anticipate 2-4 hours of snorkeling for a memory card full of images.
- Price: $15/pp paid at park entrance. Note that the park reserves the right to change the fee at any time.
- Max number of participants: 8 – We are intentionally putting together a small group snorkel/shoot to help preserve this pristine environment and respect these endangered creatures.
- Requirements: None, there is no scuba diving allowed in the park. Participants should bring all snorkel gear, weights, and exposure protection in addition to camera gear. Water temperature should be approximately 72 degrees.
- Transportation: Not provided. Carpooling is suggested as you desire.
- Facilities: The park has changing rooms, portable toilets, and multiple picnic benches. There is also a small store that sells drinks, food, etc.
- Conduct: The park requests a 20-foot buffer between swimmers/snorkelers and manatees, and we ask all participants to pay attention and self-enforce rules designed to protect these endangered and beautiful creatures. We all want great pictures, but not at the expense of the animals.
- Contact Director at Large, Rick Vollaro, with any questions at director@sfups.org.