Crystal River Manatee Swim: Unforgettable Wildlife Encounter
4.7
67 Ratings
Crystal River
Swim with the manatees in Crystal River and experience an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Get up close and personal with these gentle giants in their natural habitat during manatee season from November to March.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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469 NE 1st St - This is an AMAZING 2.5 hour guided tour to swim with manatees, which is THE coolest thing to do in Crystal River! You will get to paddle peacefully through the waterways and explore different areas, unlike the local dive companies that only drop you off to swim and get back on the boat. You get to experience all of the local nature that Crystal River has to offer visitors.
This package comes with everything you need including a single kayak, a wetsuit, snorkel gear, paddle, life vest, and a fantastic local tour guide. The tour group follows one of our local guides through the beautiful waterways and will learn about the eco-system, see many various birds, fish, and of course some amazing manatees! There is an optional photo package to purchase at the end of your tour with photos taken by your guide along the way. This really is a bucket list trip for many people so reserve today.
We require you arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time to watch a video from the FWC and sign waivers. There is a $5.00 City of Crystal River launch fee per vessel rented. This will be collected at our shop before departure and you will receive a wristband to wear while on the water.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Wetsuit
- Life Vest
- Kayak or Paddleboard
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- $5.00 Per Person City Kayak/Paddleboard Launch Fee
- Optional photo package for $34.99 at end of trip
Additional Information
Our premier activity, the ‘Swim With the Manatees’ tour, allows you an intimate look into the life of manatees, especially on chillier days. The manatee season spans from November 15th to March 31st every year. Our local guides are well-versed regarding our waters, enhancing your chances of spotting multiple manatees under favorable conditions. The colder the weather, the higher your chances of seeing more manatees. During warmer periods, there could be instances where no manatee sightings would occur since it’s their nature to be unpredictable. The manatees typically return to the Gulf of Mexico, their primary food source. You’ll be educated on the appropriate methods of observing these fascinating creatures along with gaining insight into the ecosystem of Crystal River.
- Moderate physical activity is required to kayak/paddleboard and swim with the manatees.
Location
469 NE 1st St
Northeast 1st Street
We are located a few hundred feet off of US 19 in Crystal River on NE 1st Street. We have free parking available and we shuttle you to our launch area which is 1/2 mile away.
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE DESIGNATED START TIME OF YOUR TOUR. NO REFUNDS IF YOU ARRIVE LATE FOR TOUR
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(67 Ratings)
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Christieb530
Mar 11, 2024
Great experience - Amazing experience swimming with a manatee! Our tour guide and boat captain made the experience even better! Can’t wait to try this again when the weather is colder to see even more manatees.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
449shainal
Mar 8, 2024
Amazing experience! - This was such an incredible experience! Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to get up close to a manatee in their natural habitat. This tour did not disappoint. Our tour guide Jon was very knowledgable and made the trip fun. He took a lot of great photos of us out on the water.
My only complaint...the tour wasn't nearly long enough! (which isn't even a bad thing, it just goes to show how much fun we had).
2.5 hours seems like a long time but I could have spent all day out on the water, kayaking and swimming through all the springs and channels. We had a great trip and can't wait to do it again :) Definitely a must see!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
631beccad
Feb 11, 2024
First time swimming with manatees - John was an amazing tour guide for our swim with the manatees today! He showed us around to all the best spots to scope out the manatees where we saw a bunch of calves with their mommas and got the most amazing pictures! Thanks for creating a core memory Paddles! We will definitely be back again soon!
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C1705spkeithm
Feb 3, 2024
Awesome experience! - Had the pleasure of being guided by Elizabeth and John today. Very knowledgeable about the area and of course the manatees. Saw numerous Manatees today from our Kayak and during our swim. John and Elizabeth made sure that all participants saw the Manatees up close while we were in the water. One of the best tours I have experienced. Many thanks!
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X840fddeannam
Jan 3, 2024
ABSOLUTELY MUST BOOK A TRIP WITH THIS COMPANY - My sister and I came from out of state to visit and we booked a kayak trip to swim with the manatees, it was an unforgettable experience we will treasure forever. Our guide Jess was so knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and a great photographer. I would highly recommend this company! All the staff was friendly, answered all our questions and made sure we were safe as well as keeping the manatees safe. Thank you for all you do keep up the great work!
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Traveller_oldie
Jan 3, 2024
Family fun for all ages, informative and unique experience that won’t quickly be forgotten. - Regardless of chilly and busy waters, I would do this experience over and over again. Our guide, Jon, shared his extensive knowledge with us about the uniquely beautiful (in my opinion) creatures in such a way that we walked away with a better understanding of and appreciation for manatees.
I highly recommend kayaking too, being splashed by and drifting over a manatee is certainly a memory I won’t quickly forget!
Certainly an experience for all ages.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suebh364jm
Dec 29, 2023
Fun tour! - The tour was fun! John our guide was professional and personable. Very helpful and made sure we were safe as well as keeping the manatees safe. Crowded in the snorkeling area so go early in the morning. Kayaking was great and fun way to see the manatees.
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Raystheman73
Dec 29, 2023
Great swim with the Manatees. - Tour was great, Jessica was an great guide and was mindful of the Manatees. She even reached out to those that were not following the guidelines to protect the sanctuary. Got to see a lot of Manatees and baby Manatees as well.
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Arilevf
Dec 28, 2023
Cold but so cool!!! - John was an amazing generous guide! He even got towels for my kids. Very efficient outfitters. The manatees are amazing. The water was warm but the air was chilly.
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P6769rtrubens
Feb 11, 2024
Wish we could have seen more manatees! - What you see on YouTube is not what you see in person. The water is so murky that your mask and snorkel is basically worthless. We saw a few manatees but not underwater. Three Sisters Spring is where most of the manatees congregate and where the water is clear. Unfortunately it is closed to the public to protect the manatees. I have no complaints with the tour company. They were friendly, organized, and knowledgeable.
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