Private Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Crystal River Adventure
5.0
58 Ratings
Crystal River
Embark on a private 4-hour tour in Crystal River and experience the wonder of swimming with Florida Manatees. All-inclusive with photos and videos included!
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits 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
  • Private tour
  • Professional guide
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Light refreshments
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience the picturesque charm of Crystal River and the excitement of spotting our magnificent fauna on a private, 4 hour expedition. The extended duration of this tour allows our Captain to take you on a comprehensive exploration around King’s Bay. Here, our aquatic guide will facilitate an experience with our native Florida Manatees. The cost covers all required gear as well as a selection of hot and cold refreshments and snacks. Additionally, we provide you with a USB stick loaded with all the captured memories of your adventure!

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
406 NE 1st St
Northeast 1st Street
Gulf Coast Expeditions
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(58 Ratings)
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Pamhj1184im
Jan 20, 2024
Highly recommend! - Fabulous time with Captain Lauren and Matt. Saw loads of manatees and had a swim adventure with one that was amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lauralx5448xc
Jul 11, 2023
Matilda Recommends Gulf Coast Expeditions! - Bucket List. Check! Not only were Captain Ron and Lauren an absolute dream team when it came to ensuring we had the best experience, their unrefuted care for the gentle giants we visited and dedication to their conservation was top of the list. It's one thing to jump in the water, find a manatee, and swim around for a bit. It is a whole other level when a guest can see the care for these incredible animals shine through in the staff working the tour. Lauren knows the resident manatees in Crystal River. Captain Ron knows where they hang out. They work as a team along with other tour operations to make sure that the river provides what these animals need. It was awesome!!! There are plenty of tour operations on the river but I do not think one will find another who truly are committed to these gentle giants like Gulf Coast Expeditions. If spending time with manatees in the wild is on your bucket list, call Captain Ron and tell him "Matilda recommended him!"
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Srstarkie
Jul 8, 2023
Best manatee trip imaginable!! - Absolutely awesome. One of the best water experiences I have ever had. Ron and Lauren are the best!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary
Apr 12, 2023
Best trip ever - We had a great time! Highly recommend this tour ! Staff was wonderful explaining everything to my grand daughters, patient in answering their questions and knowledgeable.
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Utvols888657
Feb 27, 2023
This was GREAT! - personal tour with manatees, great guide and captain. saw two manatees! everything provided, wet suits, goggles, snorkel. bring dry votes, towels.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Magdalena
Feb 12, 2023
100% coming back! - Such a an amazing experience to swim with wild manatees made me cray! I was so happy! Crew was extremely nice and helpful! HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE! Unforgettable day to me and my friends! DEFINITELY WE ARE COMING BACK!!!!
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Sara
Feb 10, 2023
Plus size friendly - I booked a literal last minute tour! No one else had a spot but I’m glad because Lauren and Leah were amazing! I was by myself (hubby didn’t want to do it) and this was a bucket list item for me. They made sure we found great spots to see the manatees and we were lucky to find a mamma and baby. Baby was so playful and curious! I can not recommend this company enough!! The hot chocolate at the end hit the spot! If manatee sightings are what you want do not hesitate to book here! Also I’m a plus size person and had no issues w finding a wet suit or getting on and off this boat! Just do it!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
770christels
Jan 9, 2023
My family was more than happy with the tour and was so happy to have taken it. - It was a wonderful experience. My family greatly enjoyed it - a life time experience! The staff is wonderful and most accommodating to make it work with our schedule. When the weather wasn't perfect, there was no trouble to reschedule. Lauren is very knowledgeable and shared her wisdom freely with us. She loves her job and it shows. Her photographer is equally as caring and enthusiastic and makes sure you have a wonderful time. She took some fantastic photos and the are all yours for a reasonable price. They make a great team and you learn a lot! I can only recommend them highly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorisc7144zx
Dec 28, 2022
Awesome - Awesome! Rick and Mike were wonderful to help us have a great experience with the manatees even “towing” grandma. This tour should be on everyone’s bucket list! Small group ( our 4 plus 2 others) was perfect!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L3047xncraigl
Nov 26, 2022
Once in a lifetime experience! - What an amazing experience my family and sister had on our manatee adventure. We went first thing in the morning and we were able to see many manatees and a mama nurse her baby calf. Such a beautiful, serene, and once in a life time experience. Our captain Lauren and Guide, Audrey were so knowledgeable about the Bay Area, manatees and their habitat. We learned so much. Audrey took amazing photos/videos which were included in our package. Thank you! Highly recommend this adventure! Donuts, coffee and hot chocolate was a delicious added treat. Highly recommend the private tour! Thank you for an experience my family and sister will never forget.😉 FYI, below only option for family was either “family/young children” or “family/teens” and my kids are young adults.
Review provided by Tripadvisor