Manatee Tours

Swim With Manatees in Crystal River

Manatee tours are approximately 3.5 hours long. We will embark on a scenic river tour, to an area of fresh-water springs, where we will swim with the manatees.

When we arrive, you are encouraged to swim in the water for an up-close experience with the manatees. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on board and view the manatees from our tour boat.

Manatees are gentle mammals. They do not pose a threat or danger. Small children can even swim with manatees as long as they are safe being in water.

Manatee Adventure Tours Are Available All Year!

Manatee Tour Rates

· ALL tours are private, you’ll have the boat to yourselves.

1-3 People – $375.00
4 People – $500.00
5 People – $625.00
6 People – $750.00
7 People – $875.00
8 People – $1000.00
9 People – $1125.00
10 People – $1250.00
11 People – $1375.00
12 People – $1500.00

* Deposits are non-refundable but remain valid for 2 years from date of booking.

Snorkeling gear & wetsuits are
included with your tour.

Bring along an underwater
camera if you can.

Bring an underwater
video camera if you can.

Online Booking

Pay a deposit only, to book your tour.

Check Availability:

You’ll be taken to Paypal, to pay a deposit only
Paypal payments are safe and secure
You don’t need a Paypal, only credit card
We confirm by email, within 1-24 hours
If you have questions, call 352-364-4799

Book By Phone

CALL: 352-364-4799

Manatee Tours for Large Groups

Manatee tours for large groups is also our specialty. Please call and we will make arrangements for your large group to swim with manatees.

Manatee Etiquette

During your tour, you will feel the urge to swim towards or after the manatees, but we ask that you resist the urge to do so. Chasing manatees is considered harassment and is actually against the law.

Manatees are usually very curious by nature and it is common for them to swim near you. So be patient and you should get plenty of close-up views of the manatees. If they come right up close to you, it is fine to hold out your hand and gently touch them.

We all cherish the time we get to swim with manatees. They are so friendly, curious and gentle. They are downright adorable. We all hope that they continue to flourish for generations to come!

Respecting them by respecting the rules will help them with their struggle for existence.

For your information, manatees are an endangered species, protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Manatees are also protected under the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Both of these laws make it illegal to “take” (i.e., harm, harass, injure, kill, etc.) manatees.

Manatees are also protected under the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act. A state policy in 1989 further identified 13 “key counties”, paticularly Citrus County, which needed to develop manatee protection plans.

We also offer Eco Tours and Scalloping Charters.

Manatee FAQ's

Can anyone swim with manatees?

Yes, thousands of people come to Crystal River every year and swim with the manatees. It is fun and exciting to swim with these magnificant creatures. People come from all over the world to swim with the Crystal River manatees. If you are comfortable floating in calm water, then you can swim with manatees.

Is it safe?

Yes, it is quite safe to swim with manatees. They are very gentle by nature and move slowly in the water, when not resting or sleeping on the bottom. Young manatees are interestingly curious and playful at heart.

When is the best time to go on a Manatee Tour?

The best time is during winter months, because there are several hundred more manatees in the area. However, manatee tours are available year-round. So anytime of year is great for a manatee tour. The best time of the day is during daylight. Mid-morning through mid-afternoon provides the best visibility.

Where is the best place to go?

The best place to swim with manatees is here in Crystal River. We are home to several hundred manatees. Most tours occur in Kings Bay and around our fresh-water springs, such as Three Sisters Springs. You will need a boat or kayak to reach the area by water. Wearing a mask and snorkel makes the experience much easier and more enjoyable.

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