Episode #188: Mike Engiles

Guest Bio

Mike Engiles serves as the Executive Manager of Crystal River Watersports, a family-run business since 2014 dedicated to offering sustainable nature experiences along Florida’s Nature Coast. Under Mike’s leadership, Crystal River Watersports specializes in guided manatee swim tours, scuba diving, scalloping excursions, and river cruises, all focused on observing and preserving the local aquatic environment.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mike holds multiple degrees in business from Pennsylvania State University and spent years in information technology consulting near Washington, D.C. His move to Citrus County, Florida, was driven by a desire to work more closely with people in the hospitality industry while sharing his love for the outdoors, particularly scuba diving. Beyond his business role, Mike has contributed extensively to local environmental and tourism efforts, including serving on advisory boards and participating in statewide initiatives like the Florida Adventure Tourism Network. His family remains deeply involved in the business, with his children certified as scuba instructors and licensed boat captains.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Mike Engiles about his journey from a career in IT consulting to managing Crystal River Watersports, a unique operation centered on connecting visitors with Florida’s manatees and natural waterways. Mike shares insights into the delicate balance of offering immersive wildlife experiences while protecting these gentle giants under federal guidelines.

The conversation explores the biology and behavior of manatees, the importance of conservation, and the challenges of responsible tourism. Mike also discusses how Crystal River Watersports has adapted over the years, including shifts to private tours post-COVID and expanding into scuba trips and scalloping excursions during Florida’s warmer months. Listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics of running a seasonal water-based business with a focus on ecological preservation.

Key Takeaways

• ✓ Crystal River Watersports offers ecologically responsible manatee swim tours, emphasizing minimal disturbance to wildlife.
• ✓ Manatees are gentle, large marine mammals with distinctive paddle tails, closely related to elephants, and require warm water habitats in winter.
• ✓ Swimming calmly and moving slowly in manatee habitats enhances the experience and respects animal behavior.
• ✓ The business operates year-round with a bimodal season: manatee tours in cooler months and scalloping adventures in summer.
• ✓ Safety and education are priorities, including briefing guests on appropriate behavior and minimizing impacts on with the environment.
• ✓ Mike’s background in business analysis and IT helped him implement inventory controls and digital booking systems in the company.
• ✓ The local economy and ecosystem benefit from ongoing conservation efforts and community engagement to protect manatees.
• ✓ The company also offers dive training and organizes scuba trips to destinations such as Fiji and Florida wreck sites.
• ✓ Family involvement is also important to Mike. His son John manages operations, and his daughter Alyssa occasionally fills the role of dive instructor or boat captain.

What You’ll Find on Crystal River Watersports

• ✓ Guided manatee swim tours designed to provide close encounters while preserving natural behavior.
• ✓ Seasonal scalloping charters in the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico with private boats.
• ✓ Scuba diving excursions and dive training in nearby springs and coastal areas.
• ✓ Private tours tailored to guests’ interests, allowing flexibility to explore beyond manatees.
• ✓ Educational briefings focused on wildlife protection, safety, and responsible interaction.
• ✓ Organized dive travel to international and domestic locations, accommodating divers and snorkelers alike.