Rods Florida Charter Service Customer Reviews

Great experience! We saw several dolphins and sea turtles! We chose Crumps Landing as part of our dinner cruise and the food was delicious. Captain Rod was great and we’ll definitely do it again. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

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Captain RodReplied on September 16, 2025

William Valdez, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Best. Day. Ever!!!! Captain Rod was so thorough and incredibly patient with my kids (6yo and 4yo). But what I love most about the experience was the love and respect Captain Rod has for the manatees. GREAT experience and we can’t wait to do it again!

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Captain RodReplied on February 4, 2025

Thanks Bailey, you and your family made my job a pleasure that day. Looking forward to having you aboard again looking forward to having you all aboard again. Best Regards, Capt Rod

We had a great experience and saw so many manatees!

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Captain RodReplied on December 24, 2024

Kelly, thank you for the good review.I'm glad you had a wonderful time. Come again soon and try out some of our other tours available. Best Regards, Capt Rod PS: Nice picture!

(Translated by Google) Wonderful experience!!! With Rod's good vibes, the jokes, the enormous respect in the treatment of the manatees, the information provided, the patience and the good vibes. Everything was excellent!!! (Original) Experiencia maravillosa!!! Con la buena onda de Rod, los chistes, el enorme respeto en el trato hacia los manaties, la, info brindada, la paciencia y la buena onda. Todo fue excelente!!!

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We used Captain Rod's charter service to sail out to see the local manatees. Rod himself was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge was on point and delivered perfectly to our family with young children. Rod knew the best places to see manatees, and we were able to see so many swimming by. Rod cared about the manatees, he taught us how to interact with them but also taught us how to recognise when they won't want to interact with us, which happened. We relocated and had the opportunity to swim with a different manatee further down the water. Rod had a fantastic way with the children on board, which really mattered to me as a mum. His confidence allowed them to feel comfortable and willing to try something new. I'd 5 recommend Captain Rod's Florida Charter Service and will absolutely be contacting him again when in the area next time. #BestDayEver

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Captain RodReplied on April 12, 2024

Tony, I was very happy to have you and your family aboard! When I went to the bait shop to pick up my fishing net, the guys at the shop commented on how excited the kids were. You can't believe how happy that made me to hear that. Please come again soon so we can have another adventure! Your Captain and friend, Capt Rod Johnson Rod's Florida Charter Service 352 559-3398

We had the most amazing time with Captain Rod! He knew exactly where to take us to find manatees, was extremely knowledgeable about the manatees and ensured we had the best tour/encounter! We will be booking again!

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Captain RodReplied on April 5, 2024

Thank you amanda! Look forward to seeing you again. Captain Rod

We must do all that we can to protect this National treasure... and I'm not just talking about the manatees! Captain Rod is a treasure himself and wealth of knowledge about the Clearwater area and Crystal/Homosassa Rivers waterways. He will tell you all about the wildlife that live both above and below water. He is very curteous of other boaters in the water. We felt very safe during our ride to and from our snorkeling destination. I cannot swim, but my husband and two children are like mermaids in the water. Let me tell you, you will not be prepared for the size of these tranquil sea cows, the manatees! They frightened my son, at first. After much encouragement from Captain Rob and the State observers (who were there to make certain everyone including the manatees had a great time) my son was in the water scratching tummies and getting manatee hugs. I lasted maybe 5 minutes with my little pool noodle as the manatees made a game of tapping their noses on the bottoms of my feet to hear me scream. My daughter was in heaven. She floated and the manatees just surrounded her and cuddled up on her. At one point, one began to swim away with her. Observers to the rescue! The manatees will hug you for warmth. Captain Rob was absolutely the best. He explained the rules for interacting with them. He will give you the best experience ever. Trust me. Be sure to bring along towels and a fresh change of clothes as well as snacks and drinks.

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Captain RodReplied on February 19, 2024

Thank you so much for the great review. So happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour. Capt Rod

Our family of 4 with two boys 2 and 6 went out today and had an amazing trip to swim with the manatees. Rod was briliant with the kids and facilitated a great morning. We would strongly recommend. The boat is enclosed which helps in the winter if it is cold getting out of the water which is also a big plus. We would definately recommend

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Captain RodReplied on February 7, 2024

Thanks again for booking with Rod's Florida Charter Service. Thank you for the great review and hope to see you again soon! Capt Rod Johnson

We had an amazing time !!!! Captain Rod was very nice ! I would highly recommend this experience to everyone!!!

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Captain RodReplied on November 29, 2023

Thanks for the good review. You guys were great come again soon. Capt Rod

First-time scalloping for some and a second go for others! Captain Rod guided us to fantastic spots, providing all the gear we needed—more comfortable than what I have at home! As the weather turned against us later in the day, it was a relief to be inside the boat for the rainy ride back. Thanks to Captain Rod and Jake for an excellent day!

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Highly recommended

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We chartered captain rod for scalloping . We had a great time . One good thing is the boat is in closed with couches down each side and a bathroom . There was a storm blowed up while we was scalloping we all got in the boat and had a early lunch while it rained . Storm past we went back to scalloping . Captain Rod was great .

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Captain RodReplied on July 31, 2023

Thanks Cooter! You all were awesome!