Basically, let them come to you. You're allowed to pet them with one open hand, if they approach you. You can't swim down to them and you can't get between a mother and her calf. There's a mandatory orientation video. The boats are enclosed and have a changing room.
Rental equipment is available.
Once manatees are spotted, the boat approaches slowly and the captain enters the water. Others are then invited to approach gingerly. We also shoot video every day, if customers want to buy a copy. Federal wildlife officials say folks who take such ecotours are usually well-behaved. A few people get carried away, since it can be a pretty awesome experience.