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Florida Water Tours

Offering dolphin tours, sunset cruises, wine tasting cruises, private charters, and more.

At Comachee Yacht Harbor 107 Yacht Club Dr. St. Augustine, FL 32084

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For boating excursions that are sure to entertain, Florida Water Tours offers a variety of tours on St. Augustine's beautiful waterways.

Tours are available daily. Visitors can learn more about St. Augustine on a number of different guided boat tours, such as the Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure, Sunset Cruise, and Wine Tasting Cruise. In addition, they offer private tours for larger groups and for private events. Florida Water Tours is located at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor , a short distance from St. Augustine's historic district, and offers free parking.

Florida Water Tours offers options for both adults-only or family-friendly cruises, and two vessels to choose from. To learn which tours are available and which boat is being used, go here , and click on the calendar.

• The Osprey is a 45-foot pontoon boat that is certified for 38 passengers. There is a restroom on board and most of the boat is fully enclosed and shaded. There is also a bar on board where guests may purchase mimosas, beer, wine, and canned cocktails.
• The Island Breeze is a 30-foot pontoon boat that's certified for 24 passengers. It's fully enclosed and has a restroom on board. Guests may bring their own beverages onto the boat.
• The Salty Dreams is a 42-foot motor yacht, which is available for private charters of up to six passengers.

To learn which tours are available and which boat is being used, go here and click on the calendar. To schedule a private cruise, call (904) 827-7728.

Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure cruises are available daily for guests of all ages. These 90-minute tours explore St. Augustine's natural and historic beauty while the boat's crew and passengers scan the water's surface for signs of dolphins.

Florida Water Tours also offers daily Sunset Cruises aboard each boat. Sunset cruises on the Osprey are limited to those who are age 21 or older. Sunset cruises on the Island Breeze are family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Receive 10% off by entering the coupon code STAUG10 when booking a Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure or Sunset Cruise.

Florida Water Tours offers Full Moon Tours each month on the three nights surrounding the full moon. Guests who are at least 21 years old may purchase beer or wine, and all may enjoy watching the full moon rise over the lighthouse while learning a bit of St. Augustine history. For more information, or to book a Full Moon Tour, please visit here .

The Wine Tasting Cruise offers guests an evening on the water for a special 90-minute wine tasting. While passing along St. Augustine's historic bayfront, guests can take in the views and enjoy a presentation of six wines, including local ones. In addition to the wine samples, each guest receives a personal charcuterie cone, and can enjoy the view, chatting with friends, and listening to the lively narration featuring both history and wildlife. Wine tasting cruises take place on Thursday through Sunday. For more information, or to book a Wine Tasting Cruise, please visit here .

St. Augustine's Nights of Lights festival is a magnificent sight from land, but it's even more spectacular and romantic from the water. Florida Water Tours offers nightly tours aboard their fleet of vessels through the Nights of Lights season, from November 18, 2023, through January 28, 2024. Every guest receives complimentary 3D glasses and hot chocolate. Click here to learn more about Florida Water Tours Nights of Lights Cruise.

Private Tours

In addition to daily public tours, Florida Water Tours offers private charters. These special private cruises are perfect for birthday or bachelorette parties, family reunions, anniversaries, and weddings .

For more information, or to book a tour, please visit here .

Florida Water Warriors

At Florida Water Tours, a percentage of every ticket purchased is donated to Florida Water Warriors, an educational program for young people. The funds from these regular ticket sales provide their educational tours to low-income and under-served students. Every Florida Water Warriors tour provides water and wildlife education, so that young minds are engaged and have a greater interest in marine wildlife, nature, and conversation. To learn more about this program, and to book tours for your group, go to Florida Water Warriors .

Reminders — Things to Know When Booking a Tour

• Guests of Florida Water Tours receive 10% off their bill at Kingfish Grill.
• Guests must arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.
• There is free parking at the marina. (The parking lot fills up quickly on holidays and weekends, so guests are encouraged to carpool or arrive early.)

Restaurants nearby

Floating Food Company

within 1 block

Odd Birds Café

Vinny's Pizza

Kingfish Grill

Places to Stay nearby

Harbor 26 at the Inn at Camachee Harbor

Inn at Camachee Harbor

Holiday Inn Express St. Augustine - Vilano Beach

Hyatt Place St. Augustine/Vilano Beach

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Florida Water Tours

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Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure of St. Augustine

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Florida Water Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Osprey Boat Tour - Florida Water Tours

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Osprey Boat Tour

More lighting is needed for the approach to the boat. Some waiting benches would be nice, too. Tour guide was full of information and all staff were helpful. Hot chocolate was a nice surprise.

Went on the Island Breeze for the sunset/Nights of Lights tour last night. Kevin and Mary-Clare (hope that’s right) were a great team. Smooth sailing as they shared some of the city’s history. We saw quite a few dolphins and were educated a bit on them as well as the overall waterways that we travelled. The lights downtown were seen from one of the best vantage points you can imagine and without the crowds. I would say that everyone on board thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Highly recommend, especially as a way to see the Nights of Lights.

A perfect way to view the coastal city of St. Augustine. While everyone else was stuck in traffic, trying to find parking, we easily traveled to the Marina, parked, got coffee and a mini charcuterie box in their shop/cafe. Friendly, caring staff and crew. The Osprey was roomy and clean and Captain Mike, Rose and Sarah were professional and fun to cruise with. Highly recommend. We will do it again.

We had a great time on the cruise. The crew was very friendly & knowledgeable. We saw several dolphins. The view of St Augustine from the water was beautiful! We would definitely go on the cruise again.

Great time. Was not really sure what to expect from the trip but went ahead with it. The tour guides and captains were extremely friendly, knowledgeable and personable. The tour started with a brief history of the area followed by a drive by of a handful of haunted locations. The stories told of the light house and fort’s history were great. The second part of the evening was spent covering stars, planets and constellations. Although it was an overcast night the crew did a great job waiting out a break in cloud coverage to identify a couple planets and stars. This all culminated to a big surprise. We got a perfect view of a Space X launch! Great trip. Would definitely recommend.

We had an awesome time. The weather was perfect and the commentator was very knowledgeable. We will definitely take another tour with them Thank you for a wonderful time

Casey Key Water Taxi

We are a boat tour agency located in the gorgeous Osprey, FL right on Casey Key. There are 4 licensed captains that will take you anywhere down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) from Anna Maria Island to Englewood. Sit back relax and enjoy your stress free mini cruises!

Celebrating a birthday, promotion, bachelorette/bachelor party? We will take you tiki bar hopping till early morning!

Want to do a day charter? Sandbar hopping is the way to go! Collect some shells, swim in the crystal clear aquamarine waters, and enjoy Mother Nature at her finest! Search for dolphins and manatees!

Want to enjoy the breathtaking sunset over  the  Gulf of Mexico near Venice Inlet? The  photographs  you will be able to take and the memories you will have with your loved ones is worth it!

It is BYOB and you can bring your own food if you would like as  well . We provide a cooler filled with ice.

Dogs are welcome on board if they are well-behaved.

Kids under 6 must wear a lifejacket while underway.

Sunset tours

Sunset tours start at 4:45pm and last until the sun goes down- typically 2 or 3 hours!

Sunset tours are $325 for up to 6 people!

We will show you the gorgeous multi-million dollar real estate and possibly are able to see some manatees and dolphins along the way! Hint hint- bring your cameras!

It is BYOB and you are also welcome to bring food along! A cooler with ice is provided if needed.

Dogs are welcomed if they are well-behaved!

Kids 6 and under must wear a lifejacket. (We provide it)

Sightseeing, photography, real estate, shell hunting, sandbar and tiki bar hopping, dolphin tours, and enjoying the beautiful weather with the people you love are just some things we offer on Casey Key Water Taxi! You name it, and we will go!

The types of vessels for day trips are on our pontoons. We have 2 pontoons ranging from 25-27'.

$125 per hour up to 6 people for day tours. 8am-6pm. Book as many hours as you would like.

It is BYOB and you are also welcome to bring food along! A cooler with ice is provided if needed.

Gone Coastal Fishing

We provide onshore and offshore fishing charters with Captain Charlie on the 30ft Wellcraft Coastal.

Offshore fishing trips are typically about 8-10 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico and all depends on where the fish are and the weather!

Onshore fishing trips are within the ICW.

We provide all of the equipment such as bait, tackle, ice, cleaning the fish, etc. We are license for 4 fishermen and under.

Half day near shore $560.00

Full day near shore $660.00

Half day offshore $760.00

Full day offshore $960.00

Deepwater trips available!

  It is BYOB and you are also welcome to bring food along!  A cooler with ice is provided if needed.

Are you one for adrenaline? Do you want your kids to enjoy a day out on the water and take the ride of their lifetime?

Let's go tubing and then stop at a sandbar to go swimming or play volleyball!

$125.00/hr up to 6 people

BYOB & bring food if you would like! We provide a cooler with ice.

While tubing, everyone (no matter what age) must wear a lifejacket.

While underway, kids 6 and under must wear a lifejacket.

Florida Water Tours

Review Highlights

“ The crew was awesome, the views were pretty, saw some dolphins, and the sunset cruise is byob. ” in 16 reviews

“ As we are leaving the dock, the captain mentioned that we may see a dolphin, but noted that they just returned from a 90 minute dolphin tour without seeing a single dolphin. ” in 5 reviews

“ My mom doesn't speak English , and Marcel took the time and explain some history to her in Spanish .(he did a great job ) . ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

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107 Yacht Club Dr

Ste Dock A-19

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Serving St. Augustine Area

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About the business.

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Business Owner

Family Friendly Tours, Adults Only Tours, Bar on Board, Free Parking, Restroom on Board. Products: Beer, Wine, Tumblers, Apparel, Beach Necessities, Bathing Suits, Gifts, Local Art, St Augustine Souvenirs. Services: Dolphin and Wildlife Tours, Sunset Cruises, Full Moon Tour, Wine Tasting Cruise, Date Night, Night of Lights Cruise, Florida Water Warriors Non Profit, Photography Tours. Location Notes: King Fish Grill Restaurant. …

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103 reviews

What a wonderful way to enjoy Nights of Lights! The Captain and crew of the Osprey were fantastic and very knowledgeable. We did the adult tour with the bar on board and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommend!

We did a sunset cruise with Captain Kevin & Rose. Highly recommend! Great narrative, beautiful views, fantastic music, dolphins, sunsets and drinks-what could be bad?? This is a must do!

Captain Isaac, Troy, and Mary Claire were AMAZING!! We spent our Valentine's wine tasting cruise with them and they were extremely fun and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend and we will be back!

Beautiful way to view the St Augustine night of lights! It was a little distance from the dock to the downtown waterfront, but it was such a pleasant trip! Free hot chocolate or upgrade to a shot of Bailey's for a nominal fee. Once we got to the Bridge of the Lions, they went back & forth to the fort and back several times for us to enjoy the lights. Truly worth every penny!

Went for the sunset tour yesterday and it was worth every penny. First off, I didn't know what to expect and wanted to add a splash of romance to my girlfriend's evening. The views were amazing and the staff is really where we were won over. The crew absolutely knew all the places to get great photo opportunities of wildlife, the perfect sunset, and of course historic St Aug! 12/10 would recommend and and will be back to see the views for Night of Lights. Thanks for an amazing experience! Oh and they have adult beverages available for purchase onboard...what more could you want for a romantic Florida sunset!!!!!

See all photos from Matthew P. for Florida Water Tours

We had a great 10 am ocean tour. The boat was a nice size for standing and sitting in or out of the sun. Staff was very knowledgeable about the local wildlife and were super friendly. Our family would do it again or even book a different excursion with this company- definitely recommend.

Dolphins SO close to the boat

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the sunset cruise. The crew did a great job and we felt safe / comfortable the entire trip.

Looking for something a little different and have some wine so how about drink wine on a boat! Great crew and lots of fun. Nice pours and decent wines. Not a bad price either. Well worth it.

See all photos from Bill M. for Florida Water Tours

The sunset cruise was a great thing to do to get to know St Augustine more. The crew members were fantastic and told us plenty of history. They played country music in the background too. Plenty of drink options and the sunset turned out fantastic

See all photos from Courtney P. for Florida Water Tours

A great experience with Florida Water Tours. AJ & Capt Skip did a great job although one of those FL pop up afternoon showers made for a wet finish. Saw lots of dolphins in Salt Run. The ospreys where feeding. The beer was cold - just a great trip. Make sure you do the trip. It's a 5.

See all photos from Rich G. for Florida Water Tours

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Got plankton? Florida Water Warriors introduces youth to oceans and its inhabitants

Jessica Jadick grew up on Long Island, N.Y., where her father was in the boating and marina industry.

She spent much of her time "climbing around on old wooden boats, looking for crabs and mussels on the dock pilings and finding horseshoe crabs to put back in the water," she said. She dreamed of studying dolphins, turtles, manatees and the ocean.

But she also saw how humans can negatively impact the ecosystem, such as overfishing leading to the depletion of the oyster and clam supply in Great South Bay, a lagoon between Long Island and Fire Island.

"Knowing that my grandparents had a different scenery of the bay than I did broke my heart," she said.

Now 36 and living in St. Augustine , Jadick is helping turn things around. The married mother of two created a tour boat company, Florida Water Tours , that merges sightseeing with marine education on 90-minute tours and extended excursions. Then she founded the nonprofit Florida Water Warriors that does similar boat tours and teaches students ages kindergarten through 12th grade in schools, homeschools and other youth groups as well as families about the local ecosystem, conservation and marine life.

Guest column: Don't touch! Here's some advice on handling wildlife in distress

"This nonprofit is so important to me because we get to play a part in the larger picture of conservation by fostering stewardship, understanding and appreciation of our surrounding natural beauty and emphasizing our responsibility to its protection," she said.

Jadick said she is "mostly behind the scenes," with marine wisdom dispensed by educational director and teacher Kristie Corrigan and captain and educator Kevin Jadick, her husband's brother who is engaged to Corrigan. But when any of them spot youth getting excited about seeing a dolphin or grasp a particular environmental concept, they know they're making a difference.

"Seeing these kids' eyes light up, I know that it's going to stick with them," Jessica Jadick said. "The kids love to be involved and collect water with a bucket off the side of the boat, then use that water and tools to test the salinity , temperature and then collect plankton to view under the microscope.

"The hands-on field experience is so important and sparks an interest into these topics that they never knew about," she said.

To the sea: Environmentalists-in-training

Jadick intended to become a marine biologist, but family finances and the closure of the small college she attended derailed her plans. Instead, she spent her 20s working and traveling and meeting now-husband Mike Jadick.

In 2013 they visited St. Augustine and fell in love with the city and its coastal environment.

"Dolphins and sea turtles were always a fascination to me, as we don't see them up North and there is so much to learn about them," she said. Every local glimpse of a dolphin "feels special and magical."

In 2016 the couple acquired their first vessel, the Osprey, and started Florida Water Tours. Her husband got his master captain's license, she took online business and marketing courses and expanded her knowledge of local history and marine wildlife and they both learned about safety and sustainability in running a tour boat business. 

Florida Water Tours now has three vessels and offers a variety of trips, including the Sunset Cruise, Wine Tasting Cruise, Adults Only with bar on board, a family-friendly trip and the Dolphin and Wildlife Adventure, which offers far more than sightseeing. "It's an engaging wildlife watch where our professional tour guides dive deep into the intricate coastal ecosystem," Jadick said. Those trips cost from $29 to $39; the business also offers longer or private excursions with higher prices.

In 2018 she began an educational outreach program, which in 2020 evolved into the nonprofit. The initial outreach was free or at a low cost, she said, because of underserved students' "gap in marine science knowledge" and financial barriers.

Florida Water Warriors now offers financial assistance for groups of underprivileged youth and since its inception has provided free tours for 400 underserved students. The 2024 goal, Jadick said, is to raise $10,000 for the program to serve 1,000 students in 2025.

"We now get to fight cost barriers and education inequity to improve overall environmental literacy in our community," she said. "My goal is to help close the educational gap for underserved students , encourage pro-green decisions , engage people in environmental issues and catch students up on a global level."

They also occasionally offer marine education on land. At the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in Augustine, they brought "touch and listening" marine science centers to eighth-graders for an in-school lesson, she said.

Regular ticket prices for the private group tours are $8 for students and $13 for chaperones. The nonprofit also schedules " Marine Field Experience " tours for the public and families, with ticket prices of $16 for children and $24 for adults.

One lesson learned: Reusable bags

St. Johns County public schools educator Bertha Flores has been taking students on Florida Water Warriors tours for several years. Her charges, she said, "love it."

"Every time that we go, they learn something new. The best part is that since this is such a hands-on program, everything they learn stays permanently in their memory," Flores said. "Not only have they learned some amazing marine biology facts, but they have also discovered how important it is to take care of our oceans.

"I definitely think all youth should have the opportunity to learn about marine science in this hands-on way," she said.

After one of the tour field trips, Flores' own 12-year-old daughter decreed the family should use reusable shopping bags instead of one-time use bags.

"It was amazing for her to take the initiative. She convinced me to start buying one reusable bag per week until we had enough. This is something that will make a huge difference not only for our youth, but also for our oceans," she said.

Local kids: Suggestions for saving the manatees, sea turtles and the St. Johns River

Jadick said she hopes some level of environmentalism takes root in all the warriors.

"If our program inspired one of our youth to become a marine scientist, I know that our educators and I would feel so honored," Jadick said. "But if all of our students took even a little bit of knowledge and applied it to their daily lives, we would feel extremely accomplished."

[email protected], (904) 359-4100

TO LEARN MORE

Florida Water Warriors (nonprofit): 107 Yacht Club Drive, Dock A-19, St. Augustine 32084; (904) 827-7728; [email protected]; floridawaterwarriors.org

Florida Water Tours: 107 Yacht Club Drive, #Dock A-19 St. Augustine 32084 ; (904) 827-7728 , [email protected] ; floridawatertour.com

Dolphin Tours, Sunset Tours, Snorkeling And Private Boat Tours

Dolphin tours.

Our guided dolphin watching tour is one of our most popular tours. Come see why we are the #1 rated dolphin tour in the area! All of our boat tours are private for parties of 6 or fewer. 

Sunset Cruises

There’s nothing like a Suncoast Sunset.  Our scenic sunset boat tours travel through the intracoastal waterways to Big Pass and Sarasota Bay. 

Shelling & Snorkeling

Looking for that perfect vacation day? Guided snorkeling and shelling adventures are a great way to spend the day. 

Dolphin Tours, Sunset and Sightseeing Tours and Private Charters

Your adventure starts here.

All of our boat tours and charters are private and we will accommodate parties of 6 or fewer.  There are no age restrictions aboard our boat and we offer a unique boating experience for about the same price as renting a boat. We offer a variety of private boat tours and charters and are happy to help you plan your Adventure! We offer dolphin tours, sunset tours, sightseeing boat tours, private charters as well as special event services. It’s your Adventure, your Captain and your boat so relax and let us take you there.  

No matter what you decide, you will have a great time as you cruise aboard our clean, new and comfortable new 24′ 2022 Hurricane Sundeck 240 OBX. Our boat is equipped with comfortable lounges at the bow for stretching out and catching some sun, a bimini top aft that provides plenty of shade, Bluetooth if you like your tunes and ice chest. At Suncoast Adventure Tours you will be cruising in style! We promise you’ll see tons of wild life and enjoy breathtaking views of the inland waterways, Siesta Key and Sarasota. We operate all of our tours and charters 7 days a week.  Serving all of Sarasota County, Siesta Key and Venice.

Tours and Charters

Our dolphin tours, sunset cruises and charters are exclusive and private to you and your guests. the boat and captain are all yours, up to 6 passengers.

 Our 2 hour dolphin tour is our most popular tour. Want to stay longer? Half Day and Full Day Charters are the way to go! Let us take you to a fantastic tropical sandbar, pack a lunch and enjoy the crystal clear waters that surround Siesta Key! The boat is all yours, up to 6 passengers. Ice, Ice chest and bottled water included. Prices below are for a party of 6 or fewer. There are no age restrictions. 

• 2 Hour Dolphin Tour - $299.00 +tax
• 2 Hour Sunset Tour - $325 +tax
• Half Day - 4 Hours - $525.00 +tax
• Full Day - 6 Hours - $749.00 +tax
• To Purchase a Gift Certificate - Click Book Now and select Gift Certificate.

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE NOW

Select a dolphin tour, sunset tour or any of our private charters to get started.

Come see why we are Rated  the #1 Boat Tour in the area! Over 600 Reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. 

What Our Customers Say

Tripadvisor travelers choice award 2023.

We are very proud to be the recipient of the Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Award for the last 4 years! We love and are great at what we do everyday and our customers see it. Captain Karie Daniel

-Fabulous Outing!! Lee Anne G.

Girls day on the water! The boat was pristine and beautiful! Captain Karie greeted us with a smile and was very friendly! He had water for us and and even a towel for an unexpected spray! We toured Sarasota bay, Siesta key and saw Sandollar island! Got to view beautiful homes and foliage as well as dolphins playing! Loved the dolphins chasing the wake of the boat! I totally recommend this ride! Captain Karie is funny, genuine and knowledgeable! Great FUN!

-Best Day Ever! - jasonrL2762BJ

100% recommended!! What an absolutely amazing experience and Captain. Captain Karie not only knew how to make the dolphins ride and jump in his wake he was also super helpful and friendly catering to all our needs for the best day ever. We will be back next year Captain Karie! Thanks for the amazing memories!

Seven Mile Eco Tours

Captain Rick – Yankeetown Florida

     Welcome to one of the most exceptional Eco-tours Florida has to offer. Osprey Guide Services presents a breathtaking seven-mile, two-hour Eco Tour of the Withlacoochee River, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature either before or after enjoying a delightful dining experience at Blackwater Grill and Bar located at Izaak Walton Lodge . Step aboard Osprey III, our luxurious and comfortable 20 ft Bennington pontoon, which is USCG certified for up to six passengers, and embark on a private and personal journey. Capt. Rick LeFiles, with his extensive knowledge and captivating storytelling, will guide you through the history of Yankeetown while you behold the wonders of the exotic wildlife and explore this Florida designated Outstanding Water Way.

     Prepare to witness the majestic Bald Eagles, the gentle Manatee, the vibrant Rosette Spoonbills, and many other fascinating creatures that call this place home. Every trip is a unique adventure, influenced by the daily tidal swing that can reach as high as five feet. Spotting foraging deer, turkeys, wild boars, and alligators is a common occurrence. Watch in awe as porpoises elegantly disrupt mullet schools, witness the tender moments of manatees with their offspring, and observe the abundant variety of fish both above and below the surface from your privileged vantage point on Osprey Ill. Don’t forget to bring your camera and polarized sunglasses to capture these unforgettable moments in all their glory.

Captain Rick Lefiles

Captain / Owner

Florida Water Tours

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Florida airboat flips sending 9 passengers into gator-infested waters, operator arrested

An airboat tour in the Florida Everglades capsized sending passengers overboard on Friday, officials say. This happened when the airboat's driver took a sharp turn to try to see an alligator in the water, according to multiple reports.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said three units responded to a waterway near Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour in the Everglades Friday afternoon. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, nine people and the operator all fell into the water when the boat took a quick turn.

By time MDFR arrived, everyone had climbed out of the water, and only one patient was treated for injuries on the scene.

But the boat's operator was arrested after FWC said he did not have the proper documentation necessary to operate the boat. His employer, Coopertown, did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment Monday morning.

Miami tour accidents: More than a dozen injured after tour boat and charter boat crash in Miami waters

Boat passengers say they were afraid of alligators in water, reports state

Passengers told Local 10 the boat operator was trying to get a closer look at a nearby alligator when the airboat flipped.

“My first thought was panic, I was afraid for my wife and family members, and then I thought about the alligator,” passenger Jose Maldonado told Local 10.

NBC Miami said the boat was partially submerged in the water and some passengers were standing on top waiting for help.

Alligator mating season runs from early April until the end of June, when the Sunshine State sees more activity and they become more aggressive.

Contributing: Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

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Biden tours collapsed Baltimore bridge as clearing proceeds and declares ‘your nation has your back’

President Joe Biden visited Baltimore Friday to get a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which collapsed last week, killing six people. Biden vowed to “move heaven and earth” to rebuild the bridge.

President Joe Biden, aboard Marine One, takes an aerial tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Friday, April 5, 2024, as seen from an accompanying aircraft. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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President Joe Biden waves as he walks to Marine One for departure from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Washington. Behind the President from left are Adm. Linda Fagan, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They are headed to Maryland. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Joe Biden participates in an operational briefing on the response and recovery efforts of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Friday, April 5, 2024 in Dundalk, Md., from Brigadier General John Lloyd, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, left, as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, right, looks on. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, with the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, seen rear, moves to speak, Friday, April 5, 2024 in Dundalk, Md. President Joe Biden is on scene getting a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the hulking remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

An aerial formation including Marine One, carrying President Joe Biden, flies in a formation with a decoy helicopter and a U.S. Marine Corps Osprey aircraft carrying members of the White House press corps, during a tour of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Dundalk, Md. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

DUNDALK, Md. (AP) — President Joe Biden got a firsthand look Friday at efforts to clear away the “mangled mess” of remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore , as cranes, ships and diving crews work to reopen one of the nation’s main shipping lanes.

Aboard Marine One, circling the warped metal remains and the mass of construction and salvage equipment trying to clear the wreckage of last week’s collapse, which killed six workers, Biden got an up close view of the devastation.

On the ground later, he received a briefing from local officials, the U.S. Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers on the situation in the water and its impacts on the region. The president also greeted police officers who helped block traffic to the bridge in the moments before it was hit by a ship — which helped avert an even larger loss of life.

“I’m here to say your nation has your back and I mean it,” Biden said from the shoreline overlooking the collapsed bridge in Dundalk, just outside Baltimore. “Your nation has your back.”

Eight workers — immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador — were filling potholes on the bridge when it was hit by a huge cargo ship and collapsed in the middle of the night of March 26. Two men were rescued and the bodies of two others were recovered in subsequent days.

Authorities announced Friday evening that salvage divers had recovered, in the hours before Biden arrived, a third body from the water, that of Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandoval, 38, one of the missing workers. They said the search for the other victims will continue.

The president also met for more than an hour with the families of those killed.

“The damage is devastating and our hearts are still breaking,” Biden said.

Officials have established a temporary, alternate channel for vessels involved in clearing debris. The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to open a limited-access channel for barge container ships and some vessels moving cars and farm equipment by the end of this month, and to restore normal capacity to Baltimore’s port by May 31, the White House says.

That’s important since longer delays in reopening shipping lanes could send shockwaves through the economy . As much as $200 million in cargo normally moves through Baltimore’s port per day, and it is the leading hub for importing and exporting vehicles.

More than 50 salvage divers and 12 cranes are on site to help cut out sections of the bridge and remove them from the key waterway. Officials told Biden they had all the resources they need to meet the targets for opening the channel into the Baltimore port.

The president announced that some of the largest employers affected by the collapse, including Amazon, Home Depot and Domino Sugar, have committed to keeping their employees on payroll until the port is reopened. That followed days of outreach by state and federal officials to try to mitigate the economic impact.

“From the air I saw the bridge that has been ripped apart,” Biden said, “but here on the ground I see a community that’s pulled together.”

It is still unclear, though, how the costs of cleanup and building a new bridge will be covered.

The Federal Highway Administration has provided $60 million in “quick release” emergency relief funds to get started. Exactly how much the collapse will ultimately cost is unclear, though some experts estimate recovery will take at least $400 million and 18 months .

Biden said within hours of the collapse that “the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect the Congress to support my effort.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell likened the bridge collapse to assistance that flows after natural disasters and saying ”the federal government will step up and do the lion’s share” of funding. But authorization could cause some squabbles in Congress.

The White House is asking lawmakers to authorize the federal government to cover 100% of the collapsed bridge cleanup and reconstruction costs, rather than seeking funding through a separate, emergency supplemental funding request.

In a letter to congressional leaders, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young noted similar techniques were used for recovery and rebuilding efforts that received bipartisan congressional support in 2007, when a highway bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed during evening rush hour, killing 13 people.

But some hard-line congressional Republicans are already lining up to demand politically controversial offsets for the funding. The conservative House Freedom Caucus issued a statement saying, “If it proves necessary to appropriate taxpayer money to get one of America’s busiest ports back online, Congress should ensure it is fully offset and that burdensome regulations” are waved. It was referring to potential federal spending cuts elsewhere and to regulations like the Endangered Species Act.

The caucus’s letter also suggested that approval for bridge recovery funds be tied to the Biden administration agreeing to lift a pause it has imposed on exportation of liquified natural gas.

The funding questions only serve to heighten the collapse’s political implications as Biden squares off with former President Donald Trump in November’s election.

It’s the second major disaster along the country’s busy northeastern hub in as many years. Last summer, an overpass along Interstate 95 in Philadelphia caught fire and collapsed after a tanker truck slammed into it. Federal and state officials moved quickly on temporary repairs and ultimately reopened that section of the highway faster than expected.

But the cleanup and repairs in Baltimore will take far longer and be far more costly, making the chances it is a net political positive for Biden — especially in time for Election Day — far murkier. That hasn’t stopped the Biden administration from championing anew a $1 trillion-plus public works package that cleared Congress in 2021.

The bridge collapse also has thrust into the national spotlight Maryland’s Democratic Gov. Wes Moore , 45, a leading voice in Biden’s reelection campaign’s effort to energize young voters on the 81-year-old president’s behalf. The governor accompanied Biden on the helicopter tour and during his briefings.

Biden has traveled the country showcasing construction projects on highways, bridges and tunnels. In 2022, he arrived for an event in Pittsburgh just hours after a bridge nearby collapsed . Promoting the public works package also has allowed the president to lean into his love of train travel and many years commuting to and from Washington on Amtrak as a Delaware senator.

Biden said Friday that he’d been over the bridge “about a thousand times” commuting from Washington to his home in Delaware, prompting the state Department of Transportation chief to quip, “thank you for the tolls, sir.”

Associated Press writer Lea Skene in Baltimore contributed to this report.

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