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Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Small Group Experience
5.0
1,150 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.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- 406 NE 1st 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
- Professional guide
- Wetsuits
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Coffee and hot cocoa
What's Not Included
- 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 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 no earlier than your scheduled tour time. Our captains and guides are busy between trips with the previous tour and readying your boat and our shop for your trip. If you arrive early, you are likely to be waiting for our other guests to get changed and review their photos.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1150 Ratings)
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R9372gzkristinc
May 29, 2024
Awesome Experience - We had a great time. Saw 3 manatees, water was pretty clear, and captain and guidecwere super nice, friendly, and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenna
May 18, 2024
A different kind of magic - This was a magical experience. We were able to swim and see a Mama and her Baby. It is off season for manatees but this was fantastic. Lauren and Jade were so kind and personable. Will absolutely be looking to do another tour with them in the colder months.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria_t
May 16, 2024
Looked after and hangout with Manatee - We were well looked after and wonderful to hangout aged with a Manatee even in the rain. The manatee was so chill and friendly munching seagrasses from the seabed and swam underneath me a few times.
Review provided by Viator
Nichole_j
Apr 20, 2024
Excellent - The girls were so good with my 5 year old son, and they were very knowledgeable about everything. It was our first time and it was just great all around
Review provided by Viator
Airrica_u
Apr 10, 2024
Awesome! - It won’t upload my photos to share on here for some reason. Anyway, this was an amazing experience, and Captain Ron and Jade were totally amazing ❤️
Review provided by Viator
Kristen_q
Apr 10, 2024
Knowledgable and friendly - Knowledable, very freindly guides, small group which was awesome! Definitely recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions for the swimming with the manatees adventure!
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_w
Apr 9, 2024
Amazing first time!!! - Had a wonderful time. I had never snorkeled before so it was a great first time experience and our guide and Capra was both very informative and nd knowledgeable on the manatee and the surrounding environment.
Review provided by Viator
Margie
Apr 9, 2024
Best part of our vacation! - Amazing experience! Capt Ron and Jade were wonderful on the small group manatee tour and we can't wait to visit the area again this summer to try the scallop trip that they offer!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore36716015634
Apr 9, 2024
A must try - It was a great experience. Although we visited a little after the season and the manatee and people crowds had thinned out, we were rewarded with great weather, less people, and the remaining manatees in a relaxed atmosphere. Our guide, Jade was very informative and skilled at helping our beginner group have the best experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rachel
Apr 5, 2024
Fabulous local company for manatee snorkeling! - Captain Ron and Oriah were excellent guides! So glad we did a small group experience! Straightforward-informative - careful- great sense of humor- skilled boat driver! Great local recommendations too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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