About Us

About the Captain

     Captain Charlie first visited the Crystal River area in 1970 to fish with his grandparents. Again and again he was drawn back to the area and set a course to live and work here. Charlie began his scuba diving career in Crystal River and was certified in 1988. He spent time at a local dive shop where he was hired to lead manatee snorkeling tours.
    Those first manatee encounters led him on a mission to educate the public about the manatees and their fight for survival. In the process he developed a passion and love for the manatees that is evident to all his clients who disembark with a new appreciation for these wonderful, gentle marine mammals.
    Over the years Captain Charlie, also known as "Waterdog" in our local waters, has taken hundreds of clients to meet the beloved manatees. His knowledge and enthusiasm is so infectious that people return year after year, bringing other family members and friends to meet the endangered Florida Manatee.
    Charlie was awarded Dive Master certification by both NAUI and PADI in 1999. He also holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton Master Captain's License. He earned his full cave diver certification in 2000. In addition to leading manatee snorkeling tours, Captain Charlie conducts trips in Kings Bay, Crystal River, and Rainbow River.

About Aquamarine Images

In 2002 Aquamarine Images owner Larry Campbell was looking for the right person to take over his company, But he didn't have to go far, because he knew Capt. Charlie Slider who was the number one Captain working for Birds Underwater, another local company. He also knew how Capt. Charlie had a great respect and love for the manatee. And believed that education and information would be the best way to preserve and protect the manatees for the future of humanity. Capt. Charlie has been snorkeling with the manatee for more then 13 years.
After taken over Aquamarine Images in July 2002 and only making small changes to Aquamarine Images to better serve the customers, Capt. Charlie believes in treating his customers in a way that he would want to be treated when he is on vacation. So customer satisfaction is his first and only goal.

Mapquest

Google Maps

FROM KISSIMMEE / DISNEY

Estimated travel time 1 & ½ hours depending on traffic

Travel north on Hwy 192 until you reach US Hwy 27. Head north on US Hwy 27 until you reach the Florida Turnpike. Travel northwest on the Florida Turnpike until it ends on I-75. Stay in the right lane and go north a very short distance to Wildwood exit # 66. (State Road 44). Take a left going west on 44 through the city of Inverness until it ends on US Hwy 19 in Crystal River. Turn right at traffic light heading north on US Hwy 19. Take a left on Citrus Ave (495) to 4 NE 5th Street the corner on the left is where Manatee Tour and Dive is located.

FROM ORLANDO

Estimated travel time 1 & ½ hours depending on traffic

Travel northwest on the Florida Turnpike until it ends on I-75. Stay in the right lane and go north a very short distance to Wildwood (State Road 44). Take a left going west on 44 through the city of Inverness until it ends on US Hwy 19 in Crystal River. Turn right at traffic light heading north on US Hwy 19. Take a left on Take a left on Citrus Ave (495) to 4 NE 5th Street the corner on the left is where Manatee Tour and Dive is located.

FROM TAMPA

Estimated travel time 1 & ½ hours depending on traffic

Travel north on Florida Toll Road 589 to where it ends at Hwy 98. Continue on Hwy 98 until et ends at US Hwy 19. Travel north on US Hwy 19. Take a left on Citrus Ave (495) to 4 NE 5th Street the corner on the left is where Manatee Tour and Dive is located.

Or

Travel north on I-275 until it turns into north I-75 and get off at the Brooksville/Orlando (Hwy50/98). Turn left and go through Brooksville. Continue on Hwy 98 until at ends at US Hwy 19. Travel north on US Hwy 19. Take a left on Citrus Ave (495) to 4 NE 5th Street the corner on the left is where Manatee Tour and Dive is located.