I had scheduled a private tour with Mellow Mangrove Charters to snorkel with the manatees in late January for me and a few of my close friends. I was SO disappointed when the weather called for rain, as manatees were the whole purpose of our trip. Captain Sean assured me that the rain would not ruin the experience- and he was right! Captain Billy helped us get situated with wetsuits before the sun came up (an adventure in itself!) and navigated us out to a quiet cove on the Homosassa, all the while teaching us about the local area and the manatees we would see. We were literally THE ONLY people in the water for a full three hours, and it was truly the most amazing experience I have ever had. There were SO many manatees-- some of whom rested quietly on the river floor and others who were curious and playful. I had several encounters with separate manatees who booped me with their snouts, tapped me with their flippers, swam alongside me, and rolled on their backs like playful puppies. It was magical and unforgettable-- and I quickly forgot that it was raining above the surface. I didn't want to return to boat at the end of the tour, but when I did, I was met with hot chocolate to warm me up, which I drank as we all excitedly shared our stories from the morning's adventures. As a true animal lover, I have wanted to snorkel with manatees for some time but also wanted to make sure I did so with a company that took manatee welfare seriously. From start to finish, you can rest assured that Mellow Mangrove Charters respects the manatees and is just as concerned with their well-being as they are with ensuring that you have a great time. I also HIGHLY recommend seeing the manatees on the Homosassa with Mellow Mangrove over the more congested Crystal River. I honestly felt like it was just me and the manatees and it couldn't have been any more special-- rain and all! read more

SO.MUCH.FUN!! Captain Sean was fantastic. Mellow, funny, knew exactly where to go and showed us exactly what to do. Super fun day. One of our favorite family memories. He pointed out a dolphin, shared info. on the way in and out and kept an eye on us while out snorkeling to find scallops. We had 2 teens with us and I never had to worry as he paid attention to other boats in the area as it was a busy day on the water. The 7am trip was the perfect time for weather as it was a beautiful clear day and the bonus of seeing the sun come up. There is a 30 minute ride to get to the perfect location and by the time you get there, the sun is up, the water is warm and clear and you are ready to go! (The kids might grumble waking up, but once they see the beautiful sunrise, they'll agree it was worth the early rise.) I do recommend bringing some extra cash (I believe $6 per pound) for the kids at the dock to shuck your scallops for you since we learned it is a LOT Of work if you do it yourself. Also, be sure to bring a cooler with ice to take home your scallops. They were so sweet and delicious! Highly recommend and will come back for Captain Sean to take us out again! read more

Mellow Mangrove Charters is hands down THE choice for your manatee experience! Not only are they knowledgeable about the Homosassa area and Manatees, but they also provide you with a much more private, authentic and intimate experience that the "bigger name" (more commercialized) tours do not. We had the absolute BEST time with the manatees thanks to our awesome guide, Captain Janot. He found us an awesome spot to anchor up and swim around. We played and snuggled with the manatees (without any other people around!!!) for 2 hours! Janot even took photos of us playing - without us having to ask. It. Was. INCREDIBLE. Do not pass on the opportunity to do this! It is the experience of a lifetime and cannot be beat!! read more

Based on a recommendation from a friend, we hired Captain Sean for a manatee tour. We drove over 2.5 hours to get there and were not disappointed. I was really impressed with Sean's knowledge of the area and wildlife. He made sure we understood the rules so we could enjoy seeing the manatees without harming them or other wildlife. He provided all the necessary gear and information - we just needed to show up in our swimsuits! Our kids (15, 11 & 7) had a blast. It was a once in a lifetime experience. It was definitely a highlight of our trip. We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide. read more

Five of us went scalloping yesterday afternoon (08/09/17) with Captain Sean and It could not have been more enjoyable! He knows the river and Gulf in this area like the back of his hand. He is very laid-back, knowledgeable and pleasant to be with.In addition to finding lots of scallops. He pointed out the manatees, dolphins and even a sea turtle. The area is just beautiful and the boat is so spacious and comfortable. Definitely will go again for scalloping or fishing and or manatees. Highly recommended. Jim Downing read more

Captain Sean is extremely knowledgeable about the area and is extremely good at what he does! From manatees to scallops fishing kayaking and eco tours you can't go wrong with mellow mangrove! His luxury pontoon is to die for on hot days and really makes you feel like your trip is happening out of your living room with the comfortable amenities it provides. Top notch read more

Had a great time and was able to catch so many fish. My boyfriend and his son loved every second of it. Captain Sean was great and made the whole experience enjoyable! He cleaned the fish after we were finished and was able to give great recommendations on places to eat for the rest of our stay! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

I very much recommend Captain Sean and his charters! My wife and I have gone on two sunset dinner cruises and had amazing times! I also went out on a private fishing charter and we limited out on red fish and caught some nice speckled trout. Great times with Captain Sean! I can't wait for our next adventure! read more

Capt Sean does a great job whether it's a fishing trip, scallop trip, or snorkeling with the manatees. Mellow Mangrove Charters ensures you have a great time while still being professional and safe. Clean boat, prompt and on time, great time, at a great cost. Highly recommend!! read more

Swimming with the manatees was one of the coolest experiences of my life. Captain Sean is so helpful and knowledgeable. I would totally go again! You haven't lived until you've done this and I HIGHLY recommend doing it with Mellow Mangrove. read more

Went to swim with manatees and captain Billy made that happen! They take small groups which I think is great because it's more personal and you make less of a presence toward the manatees. Super fun experience, definitely book these guys! read more

Our first scalloping trip was a huge success. Perfect day on the water with Captain Sean. He is a very knowledgeable local. We found scallops and capped off the day with his great local lunch spot recommendation. We will be back! read more

Captain Sean is the best. My husband Brent and his friend Mike had a great time. They say everything was wonderful, from the trip out, scalloping, and the trip home ! We will definitely use Mellow Mangroves services again. read more

Captain Sean and his partner were absolutely fantastic! They were super friendly and my and I had an amazing time! I totally recommend going scalloping with them because they know all the best spots and are great teachers! read more

Awesome experience, Captain Sean was great - knowledgeable friendly and patient. The manatees were incredible - I've always wanted to swim with manatees and it was way better than I had imagined it could be. read more

This was the best family day spent. Can't wait to come back for more of his trips . He offers Eco, Manatee pleasure and or just a ride. The catered food will also be a addition next time. read more

We had an amazing trip with Sean. Incredibly relaxing sunset cruise was just what this girls' weekend needed.