Choose Date
Swim with Manatees on a Semi-Private Tour in Crystal River, Florida
When you book a manatee snorkel tour in Crystal River, Florida, you’ll be led by industry-leading professionals-a USCG Captain and a licensed, insured dive professional-so you can focus on the experience while we handle safety and stewardship. Your in-water guides are trained first responders with First Aid, CPR, AED administration and in-water rescue training, and all crew complete manatee manners instruction through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. That combination of credentialed leadership and specialized training lets you enjoy one of the safest, most responsibly run tours on the water, designed to protect both guests and manatees alike.
About this activity in Crystal River
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Experience professionally guided manatee snorkel tours led by a USCG-licensed captain and a licensed, insured dive professional right in Crystal River, Florida.
- Swim responsibly with manatees under the supervision of in-water team members trained in first aid, CPR, AED and in-water rescue for your safety.
- Guides follow Manatee Eco Tourism Association and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service manatee-manners training to protect wildlife while you enjoy close-up viewing.
- Small-boat departures and experienced crews create a comfortable, low-impact wildlife experience ideal for nature lovers visiting the area.
Important Information
- You’ll be escorted by certified professionals - the crew combines maritime and dive qualifications to run some of the safest manatee snorkel tours in the region.
- Snorkeling equipment and 5 mm wetsuits are provided; light refreshments such as coffee or tea are available on board for your comfort.
- Tours operate from a smaller, heated boat to maximize comfort in cooler water; the experience is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
- Infants and small children may remain in a pram or stroller on shore, and service animals are permitted; follow crew instructions at all times to ensure a safe interaction with wildlife.
Meeting Point
• Check your booking confirmation for the exact marina dock in Crystal River, Florida.• Plan to arrive at the designated marina check-in 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to complete check-in and gear-up.• Look for the company’s vessel and crew; they will verify your reservation and fit your wetsuit and snorkel gear.• If you have accessibility needs or questions about meeting arrangements, contact the operator in advance so the crew can assist.
Includes
- You’ll have snorkelling equipment provided for exploring Crystal River’s clear springs and coastal waters, so you can jump straight into the experience without packing extra gear.
- Enjoy complimentary coffee and/or tea on board to keep you refreshed during your time on the water in the region.
- Small, heated boat available for a cozier, more intimate outing - ideal for calm, comfortable sightseeing here.
- A 5 mm Henderson wetsuit is supplied to help you stay warm during snorkel sessions in the local springs and coastal spots.
Other
- Infants and small children are welcome to ride in a pram or stroller, making this activity family-friendly for those traveling with little ones.
- Service animals are allowed, ensuring accessibility for guests who rely on trained companions in the area.
- This activity is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; please consider your condition before booking.
- The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels, allowing a wide range of guests to participate and enjoy the outing here.
Customer Reviews
10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Full of Knowledge about the area and Wildlife. It was a Great experience for us.
Thank u man 👌
Greetings from the german guys
Read More
Summary:
Wow!!! What an amazing adventure!
From the booking the excursion to buying souvenirs, this whole process was a wonderful experience.
When we walked in the door, we were greeted warmly, given a consent to sign and we were instructed on what the next steps were.
We met our fabulous guide, Captain Morgan - yes, that's her name - Morgan!, and she walked us upstairs to show us the restrooms, lockers and chose the appropriate wetsuit for us. Told us the best way to put on the suit and then led us across the hall for a quick video of do's and don'ts. We then proceeded back downstairs and we're left out to the boat when the knowledgeable Captain Glenn greeted us, gave us more instructions (laced with a lot of humor!) and we were on our merry way. Both Captain Morgan and Captain Glenn are full of history and knowledge of the area and the critters in the water.
We didn't have to boat very far until we were able to exit the boat and swim with the first manatee - a slumbering male! How fascinating! We stayed with him for quite a while, even following him as he moved. We were then fortunate enough to see a very large cow! She was spectacular!
Once we were done swimming with the creatures, we boarded the boat again and headed out to Three Sisters. What a view!!! The water is so clean and there are so many fish just swimming around peacefully...it was quite relaxing!
Once we were all done looking and exploring, we headed back to the boat to go back to the office. We were fortunate enough to see another manatee - this one had a tracking device attached - how interesting!!
My only tips would be to take water shoes (or buy them in their shop) and to take your own waterproof GoPro so that you can get pictures of you and your friends. Captain Morgan takes a lot of pictures of the manatees, but we were hoping to get pictures of us while floating in the water near the manatees. We know for the next time!
We can't say enough kind words to describe both Captain Morgan and Captain Glenn. We truly appreciated their kindness and patience for us first time snorkelers! 💚
Read More
Summary:
Amazing experience!!! Glenn and Krista made our trip so much fun. We went during pre-season and they worked so hard to find some manatees for us to swim with. We found 7+ manatees, and got to swim with them close to Three Sisters. You can tell they really care about their jobs and love what they do. They also made us feel really comfortable with the manatees, while still looking out for the manatee’s best interest. Which I really valued. Great time! 10/10!!!!
Read More
Other Popular Activities in Crystal River
Explore top attractions and memorable experiences, including iconic observation decks and family-friendly activities.
196 activities found
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $76Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $76Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $74Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $119Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $85Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $79Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $125Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $89Per Person
5-Star Rating Recommendation
From
US $98Per Person
Explore Crystal River, Florida for your Water-Based tours here
Explore Crystal River, Florida for top Water-Based and Nature & Wildlife experiences-think guided manatee viewing, scenic boat and sightseeing tours, and hands-on kayaking and snorkeling that connect you with the area's coastal ecosystems. In this destination you'll find family-friendly and adventure-focused Events, Wellness & Relaxation options on the water, and Food & Drink pairings that complement your outdoor itinerary, making it easy to book multi-day and single-day activities through Varoom. Plan here to enjoy Group-Friendly and romantic options alike, with tours and workshops that showcase the region’s wildlife, waterways, and local flavors.
5 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Family Friendly
Cabin
- Fireplace/Heating
- Balcony/Terrace
- Pet Friendly
US $196/Night
For 7 Nights US $1,372
2497.23 ft²
12 Guests
4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
House
- Balcony/Terrace
- View
- Parking
US $513/Night
For 7 Nights US $3,591
6 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Family Friendly
Cottage
- Fireplace/Heating
- Balcony/Terrace
- Pet Friendly
US $232/Night
For 7 Nights US $1,624
1400 ft²
8 Guests
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Ocean View
Cottage
- Fireplace/Heating
- Ocean View
- Balcony/Terrace
US $281/Night
For 7 Nights US $1,967
Know more about Crystal River
Yes. Our manatee snorkel tours in Crystal River are guided by a USCG Captain and a licensed, insured dive professional. Your in-water guides are trained first responders with First Aid, CPR, AED administration and in-water rescue skills, so you can feel confident on the water.
Your tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, a 5 mm Henderson wetsuit, coffee and/or tea, and a smaller heated boat to keep you comfortable before and after entering the water.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Please plan accordingly to avoid charges.
Guides are trained in manatee manners through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and they also hold emergency response certifications. This combination lets us operate some of the safest manatee snorkel tours around while protecting wildlife and guests alike.
Yes. Tours are family-friendly and suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed. Note that tours are not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
Because tours are led by a USCG Captain and a licensed dive professional trained in manatee manners and emergency response, you get expert wildlife interpretation, safer in-water interactions, and a professionally run experience that prioritizes both guest safety and manatee protection.
