Manatees & Merfolk Camp
A Florida Springs Adventure Retreat
Astor, FL January 13-17 2027
A Mermaid Adventure with Florida’s Beloved Gentle Giants
This all-inclusive retreat is an invitation to tune in and play at the pace of nature. Set in Florida’s crystal-clear springs, we’ll immerse ourselves in a living ecosystem where freshwater bubbles up from the earth, wildlife drifts quietly through the water, and wonder waits around every riverbend.
At the heart of the experience is a rare and respectful opportunity to share the water with one of the world’s most beloved gentle giants: the manatee. Often called the original mermaids, these peaceful beings invite us into their world when we enter their territory with respect and peace. Here, floating, observing, and simply being becomes its own kind of magic.
Whether you are a Certified Mermaid or new to the tail, you will be welcomed with open fins. We begin with a beginner-friendly course to build confidence and comfort, then spend our days swimming, paddling through wildlife-filled rivers, wandering nature trails, and capturing playful, wild moments inspired by the landscape.
Come to explore, to reconnect, and to experience the magic of adventure in one of Florida’s most enchanting ecosystems. All genders welcome. No previous mermaid experience required, just a love of nature, water, and wonder.
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Have you yet to get your Mermaid certification? This package is for you!
We will get you started on your PADI Mermaid journey in a PADI Basic Mermaid Course. This course will get you ready to explore the underwater world safely and confidently.
No tail? No worries! We have a stock of Finfolk Discovery tails and Linden Monofins ready for you to use :)
Price: $1,750
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Do you already have a Mermaid certification? This package is for you!
Whether you are Mermaid certified through PADI, SSI, or NAUI, we’ve got a place for you!
Price: $1,700
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Photoshoot: $150
Packages:
Itinerary
Wednesday
5:30pm: Arrivals
6pm: Introductions
6:30pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Campfire & Smores
10pm: Lights out
Thursday
7:30am: Breakfast
8am: PADI Basic Mermaid and Mermaid/Manatee Safety Training Sessions
10am: Swimming Manatee Encounter & Exploration
Return to the retreat house
12pm: Lunch
2:30pm: River Paddling with Bird & Wildlife Sightings
5:30pm: Dinner
6:30pm: Manatee Board Games
7:30pm: Free time
10pm: Lights out
Friday
7:30am: Breakfast
8am: Photoshoots
9am: Swimming Manatee Encounter & Exploration
Return to retreat house
12:00pm: Lunch
2:30pm: Spring hop!
5pm: Dinner
6:45pm: Movie Night in private home theater
10pm: Lights out
Sunday
8:30am Breakfast
9am: Integration
10am: Departures
Saturday
8:30am: Breakfast
9:30am: Swimming Manatee Encounter & Exploration
Return to retreat house
12:00pm: Lunch
2:30pm: Nature Hike & Mindfulness Journaling Exercise
5pm: Dinner
6:45pm: Bracelet Making
10pm: Lights out
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This retreat is all-inclusive, which means lodging and meals are included! The community living arrangements mean that everyone will have their own bed, and some people may share a room. Our chef will cook for you, three meals a day! Our wonderful hosts will also lead you in group activities like bracelet making and themed games.
Park admission is covered. No need to worry about a thing!
You’re also welcome to ask our PADI Mermaid Instructor, Claire, for any advice on tricks and techniques you want to improve upon! She’s always down for a mini coaching session, as long as there’s time!
No tail? No worries! You can wear our Finfolk Discovery tails and Linden Monofins.
We provide the following gear:
Mermaid Tails
Monofins
Floatation Devices
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Required:
Full wetsuit that is at least 3mm
Neoprene socks that are at least 3mm
Mask and snorkel
Bi-fins (for Beginner package only)
Sunscreen
Towel
See our Gear Guide for wetsuit and gear recommendations.
Other items to add to your packing list:
Warm comfy clothes
Toiletries
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If you are flying in, you will need arrange your own transportation from and to the airport. Once you get to the retreat house, we’ve got you covered!
To get to the springs, we operate on a carpool system, which means you may be riding with the hosts and/or other students.
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Florida is quite warm in January compared to other states! That said, we will be in central Florida, so it will still get chilly, especially in the mornings. The water temperature in the springs is a constant 72 degrees F, which is why a 3mm or higher wetsuit is required.
Wildlife We May Encounter
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Manatees
The sea potatoes are what we’re here for! They swim into the springs on chilly mornings to warm up, rest, and eat. Manatee sightings in the springs can vary by day. If they’re not in the swimming area, we will paddle out into the spring run to find them!
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Sandhill Cranes
Our trip falls along their migration patterns. They are beautiful, red headed cranes that essentially mate for life. If you perform their mating dance, they may join you!
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Mullet Fish (and so many others!)
Mullets are not the only fish you will see - but they are the cutest! At least in my opinion. They love to jump out of the water and splash back down in a fishy belly flop!
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Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Cormorants
These are just some of the fishing birds you may see along the edges of the water, at the springs or on our paddling adventure.
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Turtles
We often find these guys swimming near the edges of the springs, sunning on logs, and peaking their little noses up for air.
About Manatee Protection & Conservation
Manatees have long been called the original mermaids, and during this retreat, you’ll have the rare chance to share the water with these gentle, curious beings in their natural spring habitat. It’s a truly breathtaking experience, but also a sacred one.
Manatees are a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. To ensure we’re respectful guests in their home, we follow the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) guidelines for safe, passive observation.
That means:
Look, but don’t approach. Feeding, chasing, or approaching manatees can alter their natural behavior and put them at risk. We will stay a safe distance away, and remain relaxed in the event that they decide to approach us.
Float calmly at the surface. We use snorkels and tails to observe without disturbing.
Give them space. If a manatee swims away, we let it go — no chasing, following, or crowding.
Stay quiet and gentle. Avoid splashing or loud noises that could startle them.
But here’s the magical part: while we respect their personal space, these playful sea cows aren’t bound by the same rules. Manatees are naturally curious and often approach calm, respectful swimmers, especially graceful mermaids! When they choose to interact with you, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.
We’ll guide you every step of the way to ensure both your safety and theirs, because when you meet a manatee on its terms, the moment is unforgettable.
By swimming mindfully, we help protect these incredible creatures for generations to come. Let’s make waves the right way.
Apply now to secure your spot!
Once you sign up, we will contact you via email! Once your invoice is paid, we will send over your PADI eLearning and forms to be fill out. See you in Florida!
Not ready to apply? Feel free to contact us with any and all questions you have.