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Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Small Group Experience
5.0
1,398 Ratings
Crystal River
Experience a small group snorkeling tour with the West Indian Manatees in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Swim with the manatees, learn about their habitat, and take home high-definition photos and videos of your adventure.
Experience a small group snorkeling tour with the West Indian Manatees in Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Swim with the manatees, learn about their habitat, and take home high-definition photos and videos of your adventure.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 226 NE 5th St - Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits (included in price) and asked to watch a brief video from US Fish and Wildlife outlining their encounter with the manatees. The captain and guide will then take the group to the boat and embark all passengers and give a short safety brief. Once underway, the guide…
- 226 NE 5th St - Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits (included in price) and asked to watch a brief video from US Fish and Wildlife outlining their encounter with the manatees. The captain and guide will then take the group to the boat and embark all passengers and give a short safety brief. Once underway, the guide will further explain how to interact with the manatees once in the water and fit the guests with their masks and snorkels. While transiting to the swim areas, the captain and guide will present information about the area wildlife and what guests can expect to see during your tour. They will also answer questions and take pictures along the way. Once the vessel sights manatees, the captain will anchor the vessel and the group and guide will proceed into the water for your encounter. The guide will stay with the group the entire time, ensuring that the guests get the most out of their experience, all while taking photos and videos of your adventure!
What's Included
- Wetsuits
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Coffee and hot cocoa
- Wetsuits
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Coffee and hot cocoa
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information
Experience a snug, intimate interaction with the West Indian Manatee as you swim alongside them under the oversight of a U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain. Our intimate group expeditions (limited to six attendees) are offered daily in the breathtaking Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Familiarize yourself with these remarkable creatures and gain…
Experience a snug, intimate interaction with the West Indian Manatee as you swim alongside them under the oversight of a U.S. Coast Guard Certified Captain. Our intimate group expeditions (limited to six attendees) are offered daily in the breathtaking Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Familiarize yourself with these remarkable creatures and gain knowledge about their environment and residence.
Contrary to numerous tours, these Captains will personally join you and your team in the water to ascertain a memorable adventure. During your swim, your captain/tour guide will capture top-quality photographs and footage of your group, available for viewing and purchase post-trip.
The cost covers all necessary snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) as well as free coffee or hot cocoa.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Guests with limited mobility are welcome, but must call us to make prior arrangements
- Single travelers may be required to change time or date of tour depending upon availability
- Use of a ladder is required to get into/out of the water. Please give us a call if you have any health related questions.
Location
226 NE 5th St
Northeast 5th Street
Please arrive at your scheduled tour time. Our captains and guides will be busy with the previous tour and readying your boat and our shop for your trip. Please note: Our shop is in the residential area of Crystal river and looks as if it is a house, but it is, in fact, our shop so come on in!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1398 Ratings)
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160sallieg
Sep 19, 2026
An Awesome “Off Season” Manatee Snorkeling Experience - Sarah, Cailyn, and Captain Ron were incredible! We ended up being the only ones on the tour since it’s out of season (September), so it was like a private tour! It was such an incredible experience! We saw a mom nursing a baby and two large makes all around us. I never expected to be so immersed in the experience! The mother, calf, and two males stayed around us practically the whole time! Then we went to Three Sisters Springs which was beautiful! Saw mullet, sheepshead, and other fish. How breathtaking! Then on the way back we saw a small alligator, turtle, and cormorants. I would definitely recommend this tour! They took 255 photos and 17 videos which were fabulous! What a highlight to our trip! If you are wondering about going, JUST DO IT!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingridivette_g
Sep 11, 2026
Manatees are adorable ! - It is so hard to get good pictures in the water with the manatees but I loved the experience. Also very cold water. We did the best we could!
Review provided by Viator
N7433henataliau
Aug 15, 2026
Awesome experience for my mom and I! - It was so good! My mom and I came to Tampa for the first time and although we knew it wasn’t manatee season, we still got to see them! The tour team went above and beyond looking for them for us to see, and it was awesome. They are very respectful with the animals and very friendly to the group. Sarah was fantastic too! She was out tour guide, and was so passionate and caring; the ride was perfect because of her! If you’re thinking about going to the Crystal River this tour is fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_d
Aug 9, 2026
Capt. Ron and Andy were... - Capt. Ron and Andy were great! We found a single manatee and swam with it. Then all aboard and he took us to Three Sisters Spring which was amazing! My grandson was awestruck by the clarity of the spring. After swimming in the springs we loaded up and Capt. Ron took us on a little tour and we saw an alligator sunning himself. But we noticed his jaw was missing and Ron, knew the whole story. We had a fantastic time and recommend to everyone as it’s quite the experience. Thank you again Ron and Andy for sun h an enjoyable time.
Review provided by Viator
Katherine_k
Aug 4, 2026
Arkansas Loves This Manatee Tour - The team was professional and personable. We had bad weather, and they were accommodating to us to ensure our little manatee-loving girl got her tour. Love this place, and highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Alyssa_r
Jul 30, 2026
Highly highly recommend this amazing experience with this wonderful crew! - We had a wonderful experience. Although it was off season for the manatees, the crew made it thoroughly enjoyable, were knowledgeable regarding the manatees and area, and made sure we had a great time. They even recommended places for us to visit and eat as we were first timers there. As first time snorkelers, my wife and son really enjoyed the guidance set forth by our tour guide. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone and look forward to coming back with our family again.
Review provided by Viator
Ty_s
Jul 28, 2026
Very affordable and... - Very affordable and enjoyable tour! Ron was great at finding manatees even during the warm months and we had a blast!
Review provided by Viator
Valerie_f
Jul 23, 2026
Fun! - Lots of fun! Great knowledgeable guides! Lots of fun! Great knowledgeable guides! Lots of fun! Great knowledgeable guides! Lots of fun! Great knowledgeable guides!
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_s
Jul 21, 2026
Great trip snorkeling in the springs and with manatees - This was an incredible trip and we saw a manatee even in off season. The guides were knowledgeable kind and patient. They also take video and photos for you if you’d like to purchase at the end. They also take you to snorkel in three sisters spring. Such a majestic and beautiful experience of the Florida
Review provided by Viator
Heidiho6530cf
Jul 13, 2026
Fun Times - My husband and I specifically booked with this company because of the smaller group size, and the good reviews helped. The staff was knowledgeable, funny, and entertaining. Because we were out-of-season, seeing Manatees isn’t guaranteed and almost thought we wouldn’t. We’d see them on the drone, but they’d disappear by the time we got there. Then we ran into four and had an amazing time. We also got to visit the Three Sisters Springs! An amazing time. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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