Crystal River Manatee Snorkel Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Swim with gentle manatees in their natural habitat
- Explore the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River
- Learn about manatee conservation efforts
- Enjoy a small group experience for personalized attention
- Capture memorable photos of your underwater adventure
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided snorkeling session with manatees
- All necessary snorkeling equipment
- Professional and experienced guides
- Transportation to and from the tour location
Itinerary
Arrive to our full service tour facility and gift shop located in the historical district of beautiful downtown Crystal River, Florida. All manatee tours are conducted daily, year round, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Choose the best tour option to fit your group's size, budget, and departure time. All manatee tours are 3 hours in duration and include all snorkeling gear (Mask, Snorkel, and Wetsuit) at no additional cost. Guides accompany guests into the water on all manatee tours to ensure the best possible experience for both man and manatee. The guide also takes pictures of your manatee encounter which are available for purchase at the conclusion of your tour. You will have an opportunity to view the up to 100 images captured during your experience.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for manatees both in summer and winter. You will enjoy observing them from both the boat and in the waters of the refuge.
In the winter Three Sisters Springs provides a safe haven for manatees escaping the cold temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico. As long as the temperatures are not too cold, guests may swim into Three Sisters Springs to observe the manatees.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately
- Participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim short distances
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a towel
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure
- Parking is available on-site; arrive early to secure a spot
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- Pricing is the same for children and adults, all persons going on tour must have a ticket regrdless of age.
- Children 3 years old and up are welcome with paid ticket.
- Children under the age of 3 are welcome on private trips (call for private trip pricing)
- Wetsuits available in sizes from 2 toddler to adult 4X.
- All manatee tours are 3 hours in duration.
- Photo packages of your manatee experience available for purchase after your tour.
- Service animals are allowed if booking a private tour.
Traveler reviews
Great Time! 🤿💗
Wonderful experience. They were knowledgeable and very encouraging when we had good manatee manners. They were good at guiding us on what to do when in certain situations with the manatee’s. I loved the experience and 100% recommend doing it.
Love the manatees!! Do this!
We had an absolute incredible experience with Shana and Capt Justin!! The fee is totally worth it! We did the small group tour and would recommend having the smaller group. We were blessed to see 3 manatees on our outing! The springs are beautiful. Shana was so informative about the manatees and the springs themselves. We chose the 3 hour trip, and you need that much time to get the whole experience. It went by quickly! Shana took a ton of awesome photos, and we so appreciate it!! Highly recommend this activity. They are incredible gentle giants!
An experience to remember!
An experience to remember!! We had the privilege of going out on tour with Shanna and Brody and from start to end our day was one filled with education and delights. We shared our experience with several manatees and their grace and beauty left us in awe. The crew ensured we were safe, well informed and above all respectful of the manatees, their needs and their habitats. Was such a unique and unforgettable opportunity and we couldn’t be happier!
Mother’s Day manatee swim
Captain Brody and our guide Kaitlyn were absolutely phenomenal!! 🩵 We had the best Mother’s Day morning. Beautiful peaceful setting, super easy check-in, incredible energy from the whole team — and they found us manatees within like 5 minutes 😭✨ Then took us to a gorgeous spring after and even gave us hot chocolate to warm up. Such a special experience. Highly highly recommend and we’ll definitely be back during peak season :)
John Tour!
amazing! we saw the great trifecta!! dolphins, manatees (so many), and gators!! John was amazing would highly recommend him!