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This half-day tour offers a chance to swim with manatees in the tranquil waters of Crystal River. You’ll begin at the Explorida Adventure Center, which features climate-controlled indoor changing rooms for your comfort and privacy. The boats used for the tour are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and designed to accommodate more than six passengers, ensuring you have ample space to enjoy the experience.
In addition to swimming with these gentle creatures, in-water photography is available to capture the moments underwater. Be prepared for an unforgettable swim and bring along any essentials you may need, as weather conditions can vary. Be mindful that manatee encounters are regulated, so following guides' instructions is essential for both your safety and that of the wildlife.
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Reviews
Our private tour on April 13th to see manatees was quite disappointing. We were a group of six, yet only four of us could dive, and the visibility was so poor that we barely spotted any manatees. The promotional images had set our expectations high, but the water was murky, severely impacting our experience. We recognized that conditions can vary, but considering the steep price of over $500, it felt unfair that we received no partial refund for such a lackluster experience. Interestingly, we ended up seeing better manatees at a nature park later.
This was an outstanding tour with a fantastic boat, great facilities, and an exceptional crew. They located a group of seven manatees, and we enjoyed over an hour and a half with them. It was a wonderful day.
Ben and Gavin provided an excellent experience. It turned out to be quite different from what we anticipated, but we had a great time overall.
The trip was incredible. We encountered numerous manatees, and the guides were very friendly and attentive. We would love to return.
This was an incredible experience. The staff, from the counter attendants to the guide and captain, were exceptional. They really went above and beyond to ensure our tour was unforgettable. I will certainly do this again. Thank you.
Captain Walter and our guide Madeliene were fantastic. Although manatees are scarce this season, they expertly took us to a few, allowing us to snorkel right alongside them. The Explorida team was also very friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant, uncrowded experience.
We had an unforgettable experience and highly recommend this tour for anyone in Florida interested in swimming with manatees. Our day started at 6:30, and we arrived at 6:10 to view educational videos about approaching manatees. The team provided clean wetsuits and anti-fogged snorkels, along with transportation to the river, making access to the boat hassle-free. Though it was slightly wet in the morning, our wetsuits kept us comfortable. They also offered water and life jackets on board. Captain Kelly and Topher were fantastic, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the area. Topher was entertaining and informative, discussing the impact of recent hurricanes on the ecosystem and the efforts underway to restore it. He introduced us to several manatees, some of which he knew by name, and explained how to passively observe them. Captain Kelly was equally engaging, sharing insights and stories. We quickly spotted a manatee and spent plenty of time observing her in her natural environment. The early morning tour meant fewer disturbances from boats, enhancing our experience. We definitely recommend the morning slot for a peaceful encounter with the manatees, as it provided us with intimate moments and tranquility in Crystal River. We also saw various fish during our swim. Next, we visited Three Sisters Springs, usually bustling with kayaks but completely serene during our visit. We enjoyed interacting with turtles in the clear water, which is a rarity. Topher guided us through the springs, explaining their impressive depths. As an in-water guide, Topher was remarkable, answering all our questions and even capturing great photos and videos of our adventure. He offered impressive recommendations for local dining and activities. The staff acted respectfully towards other tours, showcasing Explorida's reputation for excellent service. The gear we used was almost new, keeping us warm with the cool water, and the anti-fog treatment ensured clear visibility. Bringing personal fins can enhance your experience at Three Sisters Springs. The photo package was affordable at $33 for the whole album, and we received the link promptly after purchase. Overall, this was a perfect experience, even during off-peak season when many manatees have migrated. I highly recommend this tour and am grateful we discovered it through GetYourGuide. We booked last minute and were ready for an incredible adventure just hours later. This experience was remarkable, and I will treasure these memories. I look forward to bringing family and friends back for more manatee encounters.
The crew was fantastic and the boat was lovely. However, I'm wondering about the photos taken during our trip. Were they available for purchase or offered for free? They weren't mentioned during the event but were taken at the gift shop.
This was a fantastic experience. The staff were professional, knowledgeable, and respectful, making sure to comfort those with any concerns. I will definitely use this service again in the future and highly recommend it.
The team at Explorida is professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. The captain and tour guide really made us feel at ease. If I decide to swim with manatees again, I would definitely choose this company.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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