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About Us

Who We Are:

USCG Master Captain John C. Cookman, PS, FMNP

Born in 1954, he grew up on the Ohio and Scioto River’s where he began boating at the age of 8 years old. Along with being an avid USCG Master Captain, he is also a design engineer, professional surveyor, Florida Master Naturalist and Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger. John has been on the water the large majority of his life and he enjoys sharing his passion for southwest Florida, nature and stories of boating.

Kathy J. Cookman, BS, CSTR, CAISS, EMT-P, FMNP

Born in 1959, she grew up in central Ohio and has always enjoyed sailing and has a passion for manatees.  For several years, she was a Docent and “Manatee Coast” Region Leader at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. She is a Florida Master Naturalist and Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger along with being a volunteer of CROW (Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife).

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Both Kathy and John volunteer with Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, formerly Sea To Shore Alliance to help track released manatee as well as help Florida Fish & Wildlife with rescue and recovery of manatee in the Lee County area.

At KJ & JC Enterprises, LLC dba Manatee & Eco River Tours, we are focused on providing “more than just a boat ride”;  we do our best to share our passion about the environment, wildlife and nature in general.  We strive to provide education to our guests in a fun and informative fashion. With a variety of offerings to choose from. We’re sure you’ll be happy joining us for a great time on the water! Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.  Visit our FaceBook page and even Trip Advisor to see what other’s have said about their experience on board the River Queen II.  We look forward to meeting you!