Manatee Encounter: Intimate Snorkel Adventure

Explore Crystal River’s wildlife on a scenic boat tour to Shell Island. Spot dolphins, manatees, and more. Discover Florida’s hidden coastal gem.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - Experience an intimate interaction with the gentle giants of Crystal River, the Florida Manatees. With a maximum of six guests per tour, enjoy ample space, personalized service, and memorable encounters with these magnificent creatures. Ideal for families or small groups seeking a leisurely, close-up…
What's Included
  • Use of SCUBA equipment
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Underwater Photography Package
  • Entrance fees
  • Shaded Boat
  • Hot Chocolate and Tea
  • Bottled water
  • Cooler with Ice
What's Not Included
  • Parking fees
Additional Information

Embark on a personal journey with Crystal River’s cherished inhabitants, the Florida manatees. This semi-private tour accommodates only six guests, ensuring a serene and customized experience on the water. Our package includes snorkel gear, wetsuits, and a photo collection.
Your captain, licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, along with an in-water guide,…

Location
Pete's Pier Marina
Southwest 1st Place
Meet at the floating docks at Pete's Pier. These docks are easier for guests to access as they adjust with the tide.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(40 Ratings)
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Nathanmj9844lc
Jan 9, 2026
Awesome tour, awesome guide. - Awesome trip with the boys, came all the way from northern Ontario and it was well worth it. Spent the day cruising around, gorgeous weather, got to see and swim with plenty of manatees, cpt Mac was a spectacular guide and would go again, 11/10 recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
943natashaz
Jan 5, 2026
Wonderful experience - The tour was wonderful and the guides went out of their way to ensure we had a good time. Loved basic education about the animals too. We had a change to swim very close to manatees which was unforgettable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucyhobbs
Jan 4, 2026
Perfect Tour - 5 Stars - We had an absolutely incredible time on our manatee snorkeling tour. The small group size made a huge difference, as it felt personal and respectful to the animals rather than crowded like some of the boats we saw. Captain Mac was friendly and so professional. Lauren who took us out was exceptionally knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts and guiding us towards all the manatees. We were lucky enough to see loads of manatees, including some very curious ones. We were honoured to get some manatees kisses! If you want a professional, intimate, and magical encounter, this is the one to book. Free photos and hot chocolate too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kallip2026
Jan 4, 2026
Amazing experience all around - This tour was amazing. Have never been on anything like this and it did not disappoint. Both of the guides were awesome. Very friendly .. made the tour easy and fun. We did the 4 pm tour and it was perfect. When we arrived to the spot there were people there, but by the end it was just us. The manatees did not disappoint either. 10/10 recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Matt_c
Jan 2, 2026
One of a kind experience 10/10 - Take the 4pm tour it’s the best time literally only 3 boats out and we saw 30-40 manatees . Captain Mac is amazing informational and down to earth and hilarious . Lauren the guide who gets in the water makes the whole experience fun and so kind and gentle . We had the best experience we will be back in the summer for the scallop dance tour !!
Review provided by Viator
Samuel_w
Jan 1, 2026
Truly fantastic experience with Captain Mac. - What an absolutely amazing experience. Max the skipper and Lauren the swim-guide were amazing and informative. Easy to leave a great review when we were lucky enough to see 12-15 Manatees up close but the crew went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The hot chocolate was amazing. The restaurant recommendation was so good im actually getting emotional about the food 🤣 come to Seafood Seller!! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
Suemboyer
Jan 1, 2026
Highly Recommend! - Excellent Trip!! Included west suits, boat ride, chocolate, Pictures ( part of the price - no upcharge!) and MANATEES!! Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leehc4450lm
Dec 31, 2025
Definitely Recommend! - Very detailed and all about providing an amazing experience! They have an enclosure if it’s cold, changing room and they helped my daughter have the best time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K6754kfmargaretd
Dec 31, 2025
Manatees view people as pets! - This was the most amazing experience. Swimming with these gentle giant mammals was a special treat. We left the boat to swim across the canal into one of the three sisters springs. It was surprising to see so many people in the springs observing a mom and her baby. About 15 min later everyone but our 6 plus Lauren our guide was left. We had the whole area to ourselves and 4, then 5 manatees! We got to observe them for almost an hour on our own. I had to just float and not move for around 25 minutes because the manatees surrounded us! Snorkeling and floating with a noodle made it possible to just float and watch. Truly beautiful
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hui_y
Dec 30, 2025
A group of 10 of us tried... - A group of 10 of us tried to find a manatee swimming tour after Christmas Day, but almost all the places had been fully booked. Luckily I found an open time slot at 4:00pm in this tour provider. The owner quickly arranged two boats for us and made sure all equipments including wetsuits were ready before departure. Sarah, our swimming tour guide, was very nice and explained everything very clearly during the whole tour. I can’t swim but I got to the springs by using floating and her help! It was such a fun and memorable experience! I would highly recommend their team.
Review provided by Viator
From $80
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).