Get started
Why list with usHow it worksEarnings calculatorManagement
Airbnb managementProperty managementVacation rental managementShort-term rental managementServiced apartment managementHoliday home managementAirbnb co-hostingChannels & tools
Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketing
Three hours in the water — snorkel with manatees, all gear provided, and guided by a certified Dive-master for safety.
This guided tour in Crystal River lasts about three hours and allows both swimmers and non-swimmers to interact with manatees in their natural habitat. All necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins, is provided, allowing you to comfortably join these gentle giants in the water.
An experienced Dive-master leads the group to ensure safety while offering tips for a good experience with the manatees. The tour operates year-round, and the boats are covered to protect against elements, with hot chocolate available on colder days. After the tour, video footage of your adventure is available for purchase on a flash drive.
Places you'll visit
FAQ
Reviews
It was an excellent experience. Our captain and guide were very informative and interactive. My children thoroughly enjoyed it. We were able to see two manatees resting up close.
I never imagined I would see such a large, gentle manatee! Our captain was attentive and amusing. Steven, our guide, was incredibly informative and taught us a lot about these creatures. I had a fantastic time!
Our group enjoyed a wonderful experience. The captain and tour guide were both informative and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this tour.
We had a great time on the boat swimming with the manatees. Our trip started at 10am last Saturday with Laura as our host and Jake as the Captain. Laura was lively and ensured everyone spotted and got photos with the manatees. She also captured some great videos and was well-informed about the area and the guidelines for interacting with the manatees. I would definitely love to do this again.
I had an amazing experience with Bree the Tour Guide and Ryan the Boat Captain. I highly recommend them both. It was thrilling to be so near the manatees as they surfaced for air. They were close enough to reach out to, but touching them is not permitted, which is understandable.
Bri, our guide, was knowledgeable, friendly, and patient about the manatees' habitat and the associated rules. She and Captain Mike made sure we moved safely through the manatee area to observe them at a respectful distance. Despite the water being somewhat murky, Bri spotted several manatees. My highlight was seeing a huge pregnant mama near King Spring along with the vibrant fish. I suggest buying the Go-Pro photos that Bri took. It's best to leave phones and cameras behind to fully enjoy the experience.
I really enjoyed the tour and it exceeded my expectations. We were able to see two manatees; the water was murky, making visibility tough, but in shallow areas, we could clearly see their faces as they fed and surfaced for air. Additionally, we witnessed ospreys chasing a bald eagle, some dolphins that approached the boat, alligators, a snapping turtle, and fish. I felt we had a good amount of time with the manatees, plus it was great not to have to pay for parking, despite the listing stating it would be a paid option.
After being fitted for our wet suits, which accommodate very large sizes, our group watched a presentation on manatee conservation. We then boarded the boat, equipped with snorkels and goggles. With guides Jess and Captain John keeping watch, we spotted a lone manatee, followed by a mother and baby! We enjoyed floating nearby while they surfaced for air. Be sure to bring a GoPro or underwater camera for photos, and you'll have the option to purchase pictures from the trip afterward.
We had the chance to float and swim with the manatees, including one adult, a few teenagers, and two calves. Our guide was excellent in ensuring we kept a respectful distance while still getting close. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and all equipment like wetsuits, face masks, snorkels, and noodles were provided.
Laura, our guide, and John, the captain, transformed this experience into something truly remarkable. Their extensive knowledge was impressive. I would certainly participate again.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
Visiting Crystal River?
Hand-picked, verified serviced apartments — concierge always included.