manatee tours in crystal river

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Manatee Encounters in Crystal River, Florida

Providing 5 Star Manatee Snorkel Tours since 1995!

SWIM WITH MANATEES ON OUR MOST POPULAR WILDLIFE TOURS

Crystal River Florida is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with these amazing and gentle creatures right in their own natural habitat. Crystal River, FL boasts the largest concentration of manatees in the world and since 1995 Fun 2 Dive has been the leader in bringing visitors face to face with these gentle giants.

You can review available manatee tour options below to get more information on each tour that we offer. Online reservations are quick, easy, and secure, and booking confirmations are immediate via email. Take some time to browse around our website as there is a lot of information here. Be sure to visit our FAQ page for answers to the most commonly asked questions. Manatee Tours operate daily year round including most major holidays. Reservations in advance are required

• Most Popular!
• Users Maximum of 12 People
• Tag Private Tour $650

Classic Manatee Swim

Our classic manatee tour is an adventure that you and your family are sure to remember forever. Conducted daily, this approximately three-hour swim with manatees tour packs a whole lot of adventure, education, and excitement!

• Users Maximum of 6 People
• Tag Private Tour $425

Semi-Private Manatee Swim

Our small group manatee snorkel tours are limited to no more than 6 guests per boat. This is the tour that made us famous and is clearly the best deal going on the refuge.

CHOOSE YOUR WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

Crystal River, Florida boasts the largest concentration of Manatees in the world, so there is no question why we are known globally as the “Home of the Manatees”.

MANATEE ENCOUNTERS

Eco adventure airboat tour, kayak & sup rentals, scallop adventures, about fun 2 dive.

Welcome to Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours where we specialize in five-star small, semi-private, and private manatee snorkeling tours. We are open daily, year-round.

We conduct tours to swim with manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Tours are conducted from stable boats with heavy duty ladders, where we enter the water to encounter wild manatees in their natural habitat.

In 1983, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge was established in Kings Bay to specifically protect the Florida manatees that consider this area their home. King’s Bay is fed by 40 natural springs, which maintain a constant temperature of 72 °F (22 °C) — a temperature that the Manatees love and need.

OVER 3000 FIVE-STAR TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS!

Ryan and Jessica were great to tour with, extremely knowledgeable, and went out of their way to look for manatees further away from the crowds when possible. We saw several manatees and a few calves with their moms. Fun 2 Dive staff are very friendly and respectful to the environment and the animals which I hope we all learn from in the years to come. They also take excellent photographs, so you can leave your camera at home.

Just went on our first trip out to see the manatees. Captain Jason and guide Bree were amazing and so patient. The knowledge they both shared made the trip magical. If you come to see manatees I would definitely go with Fun 2 Dive. The entire staff was awesome and worked together to ensure we all had great tours and made memories to last a lifetime.

This was worth the money. We visited in the "off season" for manatees and were a little worried we might not find one. However, our guides knew all the best places and we were in the water for over 2 hours within a few feet of them. The equipment provided was like new and we were given helpful instructions on appropriate behavior when interacting with the manatees. We chose the 6 people or less in a group option and I would say the smaller the group had better the experience.

One of the absolute best experiences we’ve ever had. My dive partner Ryan, and our Captain Jason made this trip one of the best we’ve ever done. They are professional, knowledgeable, and absolutely delightful to be with. Even if you’re not swimming & you just stay on the boat to observe it's a fabulous way to spend a few hours. If you’re ever looking for an exceptional Florida adventure, look no further! We’ll be back!

I can honestly say this was my greatest experience to date. Dani was very knowledgeable and made us feel comfortable searching for manatees. She took great pictures and made sure our group was all accounted for. Captain Ryan, our boat driver, was very informative about the areas and waters. He knew key spots to dive into. Also had a couple laughs along the way. Top notch service!

Great staff, super friendly, great with our kids, very knowledgeable, answered all our questions and more! We had a great experience with them, and were able to be out with the manatees for quite a while. They seem to genuinely love their job. We really enjoyed our time with you! Thank you for giving us some great memories.

Our family of 5 had our own 6 person boat with Megan and Ryan. They found a mother and calf for us to dive with for almost 2 hours! Plus we hit a crystal clear spring. Awesome service and all their equipment was clean and in great condition. Highly recommend them and we will return with 3 kids aged 10, 8 and 5.

What are you waiting for?

Swim with the manatees today.

Swim With Manatees

Manatee- Adventure provides Florida’s best customized manatee tours. We are located in Crystal River , which has the largest concentration of manatees worldwide. About 600 manatees visit the Crystal River springs each winter. During your tour, you’ll swim and snorkel with the manatees and experience their beauty up close. Our tours are perfect for people of all ages. We provide you with your wetsuit, mask, and snorkel. It’ll be a one-of-a-kind experience you’ll never forget.

Daily Guided Tours

You’ll not only get a wonderful encounter with the manatees, but also you’ll receive unsurpassed service. Our captains are extremely knowledgeable of the Crystal River and will ensure you the best manatee tour possible. Our tours are conducted daily, year round, and our tours include snacks and beverages.

Florida’s Nature Coast

Manatees are one of the most incredible, and elusive, creatures found on Florida’s Nature Coast. The first thing you need to know about manatees is that they like to stay warm. They spend most of the year lounging and hunting for seagrass in the Gulf of Mexico and flock to our crystal clear springs to stay toasty during the winter months.

Florida’s springs remain a constant 72 degrees year-round. This may seem cool to us, but it’s just right for manatees. And nobody knows how to locate these amazing creatures better than our expert guides.

Trip Details & Pricing

Daily Morning and Afternoon Trips 3 Hour Swim with Manatees Tour 7AM, 10:30AM, 2PM

Due to the time it takes to fit and don your wetsuits, we ask that you please arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time to ensure that our tour will be the first into the springs.

(Reservations of at least 48 Hours in advance required).

$75.00 per Guest Swim with Manatees - Wetsuit, Snorkel, Mask and Fins Included We provide all the equipment you will need for a swim tour that is 3 hours long. Wetsuit, Snorkel, Mask and Fins are Sterilized for your Protection. Free Pictures and Treasure Chest Hunt for Children! Book Now

$45 per Guest Dry Tour - We also provide a Dry tour which is $45.00 per person you stay on the boat without getting off into the water. You can enjoy looking at the manatees from the boat while still seeing everything the Bay and springs has to offer. Book Now

$350 Private Manatee Tour Swim/Dry - We also provide a Private Manatee Tour – This tour is 100% private – the vessel is limited to your party maximum of 6 guests. Your party can swim or stay dry in any combination. We ask that you provide everyone’s wetsuit size just in case a guest changes their mind. Wetsuit, Snorkel, Mask and Fins Included. Free Pictures and Treasure Chest Hunt for Children! Book Now

We provide all the equipment you will need for a swim tour that is 3 hours long. Wetsuit, Snorkel, Mask and Fins are Sterilized for your Protection.

We are located at Pete's Pier Boat Slip 106 1 SW 1st Pl Crystal River, Florida 34428

We Also Provide We provide bottled water. We also have blankets on the boats when the weather is cold to help keep everyone warm in the colder months and hot chocolate for everyone on the boat

The cost for each person on the boat is $85.00 per person which covers all the equipment you will need for a swim tour that is up to 3 hours long. Wetsuit, Snorkel, Mask and Fins are Sterilized for your Protection. However, we currently recommend that you supply your own snorkel gear due to the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

What to bring on Manatee Tour We recommend that you wear a bathing suit under your wetsuit and you bring your own towels to dry off after your swim.

C E L E B R A T E K I D S

We offer a TREASURE CHEST FIND FOR ALL KIDS ABOARD participating in swim with manatees and scalloping ( our exclusive offer )

WE PLACE SMALL TREASURE CHESTS IN WATER DECORATED WITH BRIGHT COLORED RIBBONS FOR KIDS TO FIND. THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. KID TESTED  KID APPROVED

We Convince Kids they have found PIRATE or Mermaid Treasure or a Gift from THE MANATEE KING HOWEVER, KIDS ARE NOT Easily fooled but we do are best to hold up the FANTASY.

Since your curious who or what is the manatee king? The MANATEE KING is a mythical creature of our own invention. A 1000-year-old Manatee that leaves Treasure for special Adventurers to find. ONLY CAPTAIN AL AND HIS CREW KNOW WHERE THE MANATEE KING LEAVES HIS TREASURE CHESTS.

Book Your Manatee Adventure Tour Today!

Manatee tour cancellation policy.

We require seven (7) days notification prior to your scheduled date for all our tours. We make a commitment to you; we need the same commitment from you. We ask that you arrive and be on time (30 minutes before your scheduled departure time). This cancellation policy is to give us time to re-sell any seats left vacant and helps us keep our prices reasonable for you. If you must cancel your tour within that 7-day period, no refund will be given; however, we will give you a voucher for the tour value that will be good for 1 year after your ORIGINAL SCHEDULED TOUR DATE, so that you can reschedule your tour.

Cancellations Due to Weather for Manatee Tours We do not cancel MANATEE TOURS due to rain or fog, neither will affect your swim or interaction. During the height of the Manatee Season (November – March), the air temperature can drop below freezing, this is not an issue for swimming due to our warm waters maintaining a constant 72 degrees year round, and the protective wetsuit that we provide. We do not cancel for temperature variations either. We do, however, cancel if lighting is reported within the area, or if sustained winds exceed 30 mph. All our tours are performed in a protected bay where weather remains very consistent.

Scalloping & Fishing

We also offer scalloping and fishing charters. For more information, visit our sister-site: scallopadventures.com

Crystal River Manatee Adventures

Manatee Tours

Enchanting manatee tours in Crystal River, Florida, where our expert-guided excursions offer up-close encounters with these gentle giants.

What To Expect From Manatee Tours

Proudly Serving as 1 of 2 Certified Guardian Guides 

Manatee Snorkel Tours

Dry Eco- Tours

Private Sunset Cruises

"look no  further  for an experience with the manatees" -andrew, "a  magical  adventure  never  to  be  forgotten"   - stacy, "they care about the manatees" -carol, "experience of a lifetime" -tasha, "eco-tourism at its finest" -denise.

WELCOME TO: Manatees In Paradise

A new adventure awaits....

Join us in observation & conservation of the majestic manatee

        Come along with us! Captains Derek Schmidt & Jake Bauer...for a manatee tour aboard our comfortable pontoon boats on the beautiful Crystal River!

       At Manatees In Paradise we offer small, educational, and scenic tours 

 ...all right here in exquisite Kings Bay!

Our goal is simple: To provide our visitors a personalized, memorable tour at a reasonable rate. As a plus, our boats cater only up to 6 guests, so no crowding!

Private tours can begin between 8:00am - 3:00 pm.

Semi-private tours  at 9:00am, 12:00pm & 3:00pm daily

Each tour includes : 5mm wetsuit for added warmth & bouyancy, mask, snorkel, and Complimentary Photos   ($50 value) of your excursion!

We hope you will decide to join us here and see why we call

Crystal River....a Paradise!!

Florida's Premier Manatee Destination! Eco and Snorkeling Tours leaving Daily!

Nature's Discovery

Crystal river manatee snorkeling & eco-tours, manatee snorkeling & eco-tours, tours operating daily.

• Most Popular

Private/Semi-Private Manatee Snorkeling Tour

A guided snorkeling adventure for the whole family offered year-round! Swim with manatees in their natural habitat in spring-fed Kings Bay. These Crystal River tours seat up to six passengers to ensure an intimate experience for your party. All gear and snorkeling equipment included! Private tours available. Photos taken by the in-water guide during the tour are available for purchase after the experience.

• Users Ages 3+
• Clock Approximately 3 Hours
• Only Available from July 1st to September 24th!

Private Scalloping Adventure

Our favorite Summer Adventure is going scalloping!  Enjoy a cruise out to the Gulf followed by a hunt for delicious Bay Scallops! This is a seasonal snorkeling adventure and not one to miss!

• Users All Ages
• Clock Approximately 5 hours

Private Crystal River Eco Tours

Enjoy a private boat tour for the family and friends! We cater to private, intimate experiences. Up to six passengers are allowed on our small-passenger vessel as we cruise King’s Bay, the headwaters of the Crystal River, in search of wildlife.

• Clock 1.5 Hours

About Our Crystal River Manatee Tours

Welcome to paradise! Here at Nature’s Discovery , we take guests from all over the world on scenic boat eco-tours of the Kings Bay Manatee Refuge. Keep your eyes open as we search the headwaters — we may find a variety of wildlife, but the main event are the magnificent manatees!

We’re privileged to be able to lead daily expeditions to take guests (like you!) snorkeling with these gentle giants. Our manatee snorkel tours offer the rare opportunity to enjoy up-close interactions with one of the sweetest animals on the planet. Manatees are incredibly docile and impressively large! Our tours are perfect for all ages and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or first-timer, our manatee snorkeling tours cater to all ages and no prior experience is necessary. You can find everything you need to make your manatee dreams come true right here at Nature’s Discovery.

Not in the mood for a swim? No problem! Immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of Crystal River. Discover pristine waters, lush refuge land and diverse wildlife while enjoying an eco tour appropriate for all ages and led by one of our Coast Guard Certified Master Captains. Crystal River is truly a hidden gem on Florida’s Nature Coast; we are glad that you found us!

All surfaces and gear used are thoroughly sanitized to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Welcome to paradise! Here at Nature’s Discovery, we take guests from all over the world on scenic boat eco-tours of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge. Keep your eyes open as we search the headwaters — we may find a variety of wildlife, but the main event are the magnificent manatees!

We’re privileged to be able to lead daily expeditions to take guests (like you!) snorkeling with these gentle giants. Our manatee snorkel tours offer the rare opportunity to enjoy up-close interactions with one of the sweetest animals on the planet. You can find everything you need to make your manatee dreams come true right here at Nature’s Discovery.

Not in the mood for a swim? No problem! We offer sightseeing tours year-round and relish the opportunity to help you experience the highlight of your trip to Florida!

Why Choose Nature’s Discovery Eco Tours?

Unparalleled expertise.

With years of experience, our team of Master Captains and certified guides possess extensive knowledge about manatees and their behavior. You can trust us to provide an informative and enjoyable experience.

Equipment Provided

Forget about the logistics – we’ve got you covered! Our all-inclusive snorkeling packages include snorkeling gear, wetsuits, bottled water, and hot chocolate during the colder months. Focus on the adventure and leave the rest to us.

Small Group Sizes

We believe in providing personalized and intimate encounters with manatees. Our tours have limited group sizes, allowing you to truly connect with these incredible creatures. Avoid the Cattle Barges and enjoy cherished experiences one-on-one swimming with wild manatees!

Eco-Friendly Approach

As nature enthusiasts, we prioritize the conservation of manatees and their environment. Our eco-friendly practices ensure insure minimal impact, allowing future generations to enjoy these amazing encounters.

Book with Confidence

Jake and Evan were awesome. They were great with instructions and making everyone comfortable. They gave a flash drive at the end with amazing pictures for us to remember which they included. Most tours charge extra for this. The best part was the experience though. They definitely know where to go and the best time. We did the early morning but SO worth it. Slowly but surely we were surrounded by the gentle giants. All very safe and it is something we will never forget! Thank you guys! We will tell everyone!

Evan and his team personalized my trip and went out of their way to make my experience perfect. They provided pictures and other unsuspected amenities to make my day memorable- truly a customer-centric mindset. This set them apart from the other companies offering manatee excursions. Most importantly, I would now consider them friends and will visit them again soon.

We went out with Evan & Jake last week and had a FABULOUS experience! There were 5 in our group (age range 16 - 80) so we were able to rent the whole boat and have a private tour. We lucked out and hit the jackpot in terms of seeing lots of manatees. We were nervous because we weren't able to go out until the 10:15 tour (due to having to drive a distance first), but Evan knew right where to take us and we saw lots of manatees - even an adult and nursing youngster! Evan drove the boat and kept my mother-in-law company (who chose not to swim). Evan shared lots of interesting information with her while Jake hopped in the water with the rest of us. He gave us lots of tips and took pictures. At the end of the tour they gave us a thumb drive with the pictures - included in the price! Evan & Jake are very personable and made it a fun tour four all 5 of us. They are clearly knowledgeable about the area and the manatees and shared lots of interesting information. Their smaller tours are definitely the way to go!

An experience we will never forget! These guys were full of information and got us up close to many different manatees including a mother and calf. They were able to find them away from other groups which was great because it can get a little crowded in places. The guide in the water (and one watching from the boat) was tremendously helpful to spot the manatees and get us right to them. The benefit of having a photographer taking photos in the water is priceless! We have these awesome pictures to look back anytime we want! To top the trip off, we found some dolphins and followed them around and watched them feeding. Recommend these guys 100%! Fyi… they were with another top rated company and went out on their own. I called the other company, they were booked, and they recommended these guys and I’m so glad they did.

This was probably one of my favorite life experiences! We got really lucky with the weather and due to a last minute cancellation, it was just 3 of us with Hina as our guide and Carlos as our captain. We were able to see around 6 manatees, including two pairs of moms with babies. Hina is really knowledgeable and told us lots of great info such as how we could tell that one of the babies was adopted by another momma manatee. She also got great photos for us! I recommend getting an early morning tour, it’s rough waking up but worth the sunrise and the experience! Hina and Carlos did a great job of making it a fantastic morning!

We had a great time on our swim with the Manatees! We liked that the Nature Discovery boats take out smaller groups. Once we got to the springs, there were quite a few other boat and people, but being on a smaller tour gave us more individual attention from our guide and boat Caption. We got to see and swim along side many Manatees. They are super big, and being next to them is an amazing experience. We were provided with wet suits, masks, and snorkels. The equipment was in Excellent condition. The store front where we changed was clean, and they have a cute gift shop. I love that the guide took photos of the experience. I would definitely recommend Nature’s Discovery Manatee Tours!!

For over 20 years, I've wanted to swim with the Manatees. When you've built something up for that long, it has the potential to not live up to expectations. Thankfully for me, it was amazing. The staff made sure it was everything I'd hoped for. They were super friendly. Explained clearly both expectations and what was included. Ample pictures were taken, and a real effort was made to take multiple "$ shots". They were also dog friendly which was huge for us. I loved my experience and will definitely use them again if we ever come back to Crystal River. I really loved Hina, our guide.

Experience Explorida Swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida

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5 STAR rated on Google & Trip Advisor with thousands of reviews and counting!

Most Popular Tours

Group manatee swim tours.

Tours daily

Starting at $55

Max capacity of 10

Private Manatee Tours

Starting at $420

Small to large group options

• Manatee Viewing Eco Cruise

Tours Daily

Starting at $35

Max capacity of 13

The adventure starts here!

Step into an authentic florida adventure with explorida as your guide.

There is no experience more authentic to Florida than meeting the Florida manatee! At Explorida, our manatee boat tours in Crystal River, FL, offer exactly that. Whether it is swimming with manatees, or manatee sightseeing, we will get you up close and personal with the Florida manatee for a truly unforgettable experience! There are plenty of reasons to trust us with your tour, but here’s a quick few that make us stand out above the others:

• Permitted w/ the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• Safe, Reliable, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Boats
• Dedicated to Sustainable Eco-Tourism Operations
• Five star rated on Google and Trip Advisor
• Top Notch Facility, Equipment, and Service
• Hassle Free Bookings and Cancellations

An experience worthy of your bucket list

on TripAdvisor

Explorida Ranks Top 10 Bucket list Experience in the Globe!

Amongst the Camel Safari in Dubai (No. 1), the Machu Picchu Trail Trek in Peru (No. 2), and Norway’s Northern Lights Adventure (No.9), our all inclusive manatee swim tour ranked Top 10! Not only did our manatee swim tour at Explorida make it into Trip Advisors top ten bucket list experiences in the entire world, but swimming with manatees at Explorida was the ONLY United States based experience that made that list! We are honored to have earned this designation, but more so honored to share this experience with our guests. Don’t hesitate, and let's cross swimming with manatees of your bucket list today!

What to expect for each season

It's Manatee Season! Manatee seek winter refuge in our springs, so this is when we have the chance to see most manatees. Manatees, though, follow weather patterns, and not the calendar!

Spring brings warmer weather and manatee migration begins as weather warms up. Coupled with flocks of spring travelers, spring offers safari like conditions. Be sure to read our traveler tips to maximize your experience during this time.

Early summer marks the settling of our resident manatee population, and the rebound of our grassbeds from its winter shed. This can create great conditions! Midsummer, however, is when locals and visitors enjoy our refreshing spring waters as much as our manatees!

This is our favorite time of year to swim with manatees. Although we swim with our smaller resident population, the vegetation is in full bloom and the waters are usually quieter making for a better experience overall.

PARK, PLAY, STAY FOR THE DAY!

Located in historic downtown Crystal River, not only are we easy to find but our central location offers the best way to park and play! With plenty of free parking at our front door, our location serves the unique opportunity to swim with manatees and then discover the town's many delights. Wander our downtown district lined with quaint boutiques, gift shops and local eateries, soak in the natural beauty of our springs at your choice of waterfront parks, and cap off your day with a delightful dinner and/or a breathtaking sunset over Kings Bay.

We're people people

Feel like more than just a ticket, trust us with your trip, the dedication is in the details.

The details matter when choosing the right tour company for you, and at Explorida we have perfected them all. Our commitment to being the best is showcased in our top notch crew, equipment, gear, and wetsuits. Our passion for the manatees and their habitat is showcased in our sustainable eco tourism practices, being THE ONLY manatee tour company with grassbed-friendly anchors AND manatee-safe prop guards on every boat. We pour our hearts into perfecting your experience, so booking a tour with us is easy, all inclusive, free of secret upcharges, and cancellations are hassle free. Its clear that we love what we do… book with us, and you will love us too!

Memories are made here

545 N. Citrus Ave. Crystal River, FL 34428

Monday - Sunday, 6 a.m. - 5 p.m.

[email protected]

1-352-423-3798

Copyright © 2024 Explorida. All Rights Reserved.

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Adventure Awaits...  

Come enjoy the ultimate ecotourism experiences on florida's nature coast.

If you're looking for a unique experience that will inspire, educate and entertain, look no further than the pristine waters of Florida's Nature Coast and allow us the privilege of making memories with you and your family and friends that will last a lifetime.

Whether its snorkeling with our resident gentle giants in their local fresh water habitat, harvesting your own delectable bay scallops in the Gulf of Mexico, or sight fishing for a wide variety of inshore table fare such as redfish, trout, snook, pompano, snapper and more, Salty Siren Tours and Charters has you covered! 

Why choose Salty Siren Tours?

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PASSION.  We are passionate about this beautiful area we live and work in, and our goal is to educate our customers about our fragile ecosystem and its inhabitants while helping you make memories that will last a lifetime. Giving back to our local  community, preserving our environment and protecting wildlife is our goal. 

SPACE  You won't find us running tours with more than 6 passengers per boat. And we try our best to avoid large crowds on the bay.  This is to ensure that you and our gentle giants have the utmost respect, comfort and space required for a comfortable and safe interaction.  

​EXPERIENCE  Our USCG certified captains and crew have a combined 57+ years experience navigating the local waterways in and around Crystal River.  Our guides follow the strictest of guidelines and laws to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience whilst respecting our local eco-system, manatees and fisheries. 

PERSONAL TOUCH All swim tours include an in-water guide and professional photographer who is certified in first aid and lifesaving techniques to ensure your safety in and out of the water. All vessels and equipment are completely sanitized before and after each tour for your comfort and peace of mind. 

SALTY SIREN TOURS AND CHARTERS

[email protected]

439 NE 1st Terrace

Crystal River, FL 34429

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Manatee Tours in Crystal River Swimming With Manatees

Manatee tours and snorkling.

• Swimming With Manatees
• Crystal River Manatees
• Manatee Report
• Scallop Report

Manatee Tours

   Do you want to swim with manatees or take a manatee tour? Maybe you just want to take pictures of Manatees. You can choose from several different Manatee Tours in Crystal River. Welcome to the world of Crystal River Manatee Tours & Dives! We have the package for you to choose from to make your West Indian Manatee tour a unique, exciting, and memorable one! Our Captains are well experienced and knowledgeable in the Manatee’s activities and how they interact with humans. An experience with the West Indian Manatee is an experience that you will always remember! Since manatees prefer the absence of scuba bubbles, snorkeling is the way for “kids” of all ages to have a wonderful experience. Underwater video of your experience is also available by reservation and produced on DVD.

If swimming or snorkeling is your favorite way to enjoy the 72 degree flowing springs, Crystal River Manatee Tour & Dive also offers a variety of trips for the beginner to the most seasoned swimmer. And, we can help you arrange Rainbow River tours, deep sea, inshore, and bay fishing trips or experience an airboat ride.

Crystal River Manatee Tour & Dive is here for your enjoyment!

If you want to do it yourself, we rent kayaks, and canoes.

Come swim with the West Indian Manatee at Crystal River Manatee Tour & Dive! Our captains’ knowledge, experience and enthusiasm is so infectious that our clients return several times each year and year after year, bringing other family members and friends to meet the endangered West Indian Manatee!

Crystal River Manatee Tour & Dive is looking forward to hearing from you. We await your visit for the “Experience Of A Lifetime”!

Please give a big thank you to Captain Jessie from "Jessie's Girls" from the Villages.  He made sure that everybody was comfortable and that every one of us had a great experience - which wasn't easy with our group!  It was a super fun adventure and we'll be sure to recommend your company to others. Peggy

Scalloping in Crystal River is Great this Season! Very Large Scallops and Big Numbers! Come get your limit on Scallop! No License Needed, Free Ice, Water and Scallop Cleaning   Manatee Tour & Dive conducts snorkeling tours year around at 7:30am,10:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.   Senior & Group discounts available!

 Cancellation Policy We require 48 hours notification for parties of  if you wish to cancel a tour.  This is consistent with airline, car rental agency and hotel policies.  If you have reserved a tour for a group of 10 or more, we require a 3-week cancellation notice.  We will not refund short-notice cancellations.  We pre-charge all credit card reservations for the cost of the tour.  We have always required a credit card to hold a reservation.  Unfortunately, we have had a lot of people reserve spots on a tour and then not show up.  We make a commitment to you, who often travel long distances to get here, that you will have a seat on one of our boats.  We need the same commitment from you that you will arrive and be on time.  Otherwise, we needlessly disappoint someone else who would have liked your space(s) on the tour and / or we pay a Captain that we did not need.  This cancellation policy is to give us time to re-sell any seats left vacant and helps us keep our prices reasonable for you.  Thank you for understanding.

TOUR CANCELLATION In order to ensure all of our customer's satisfaction and to be fair, our cancellation policy for our tours/activities is within 7 days after booking is made. If you need to cancel, and it is more than 7 days after the booking date, you will receive a rain check, which has no expiration date. If Manatee Tour and Dive needs to  cancel due to weather, you will also receive a rain check, with has no expiration date.

Local 1-352-445-2755

Majestic Manatee Tours

• Manatee Tours
• Family Fishing
• Springs Snorkel Tour

Swimming with Majestic Manatees, Crystal River Florida

Check snorkeling with manatees off your bucket list

Swimming with Manatees is Fun and a Unique Expereince!

We are family owned and operated, priding ourselves on our extensive manatee education program and Eco-Walkthrough provided by our Sister Company SeaDaddys Adventures and Dive Center. Our crew are certified professionals with USCG Certified Captains and soon all of our in water guides will be PADI Professional Snorkel Guides. 

We will be s

We will be sure to show you a good time, whether that’s on our Full Day Manatee Tour, Family Fishing Trips, or our Springs Snorkel Tour

Our sister company, SeaDaddys Adventures and Dive Center is a PADI Green Fins Member

Enjoy the majestic manatee excursion tours offered daily all year and check swimming with manatees off your bucket list.

Springs Snorkeling

Check out 2+ Florida Springs on this tour and see the wildlife Kings Bay has to offer. 

Sign up to hear about upcoming sessions, cancelations, and swimming tips.

Dive into the Reviews

Swimming with manatees- majestic manatee.

308 SE US Highway 19, Crystal River, Florida 34429, United States

+1-352-794-6787

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm

Saturday: 8am - 6pm

Sunday: 10am - 3:30pm

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Swim With The Manatees

An Experience of a Lifetime

Enjoy a Unique Experience by Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is a wild animal experience like no other , and you can only do so here in Citrus County, Florida. Swim with Manatees Tours allows you to quietly snorkel alongside these animals in their habitat of 72 degrees spring-fed waters of the Crystal River. It’s a remarkable e and unforgettable experience. Join us today so you and your whole family can swim with the manatees !

Birds Underwater Manatee

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Why Swim with Us?

Swim with Manatees Tours is owned and operated by Bird’s Underwater Dive Shop and is located directly on King’s Bay. You will not have to spend time transporting to a marina when you choose our tours for swimming with manatees in Crystal River! Since 1989, Bill “Bird” and Diane Oestreich have been operating in Crystal River and consistently provide clients with an unforgettable experience. Don’t take our word for it; check out over 500 Reviews on TripAdvisor for Swim with Manatees Tours.

Even More Reasons to Choose Our Tours

• All Captains are insured and are a minimum of Open Water Rescue Certified.
• All tours include snacks and hot and cold drinks.
• Small six-person excursions include fresh fruit and a brunch tray.
• We offer scuba diving lessons in Florida for those who have never gone underwater before.
• We are considered local Manatee authorities – Bird’s Underwater has been featured on over 25 television programs, including Small Planet, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, Lonely Planet, and The 700 Club.
• Read our 500+ TripAdvisor reviews to learn more about why we offer the best manatee tours in Florida.

Manatee Tours

Scalloping Tours

What Our Clients Are Saying

Awesome Had an amazing time on this tour! Our group was very small, with only 5 people. Steve was super knowledgeable and friendly. We weren’t sure if we would get lucky bc of all the recent rain in the area and the murky water. However, I think it only took 10 minutes for us to be October 3, 2015

Great Operation If you want knowledgable and experience quides for your manatee snorkel experience, I cannot recommend anyone better. Attention to the customer, the good of the manatees, and overall helpfulness was fantastic. Visited March 2015 psincl5611 October 3, 2015

Manatees! Early morning snorkel with the manatees was a success!! Mike was an experienced and knowledgeable guide. This stop was worth it! Visited September 2015 Zoes_Travel_Notes October 3, 2015

Anniversary Trip Captain Steve Browning was amazing he got us right on a mother and baby we got to go snorkeling and the baby was so playful and loves his belly rubbed would recommend this captain anytime we had so much fun the crystal Clearwater will definitely come back to swim with the manatees again thank you October 3, 2015

Definitely a do again trip These guys are so great! Our captain, Mike, is excellent. We saw 6 manatees (great for the summer time), and we were able to get to the springs, and on the way back, we saw a spoonbill. So much fun! I’ll definitely be doing this again with these guys. I highly recommend it. Visited September October 3, 2015

MANATEE RESOURCES

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Crystal River Florida

Connect with Swim With Manatees Tours

Private Manatee Adventure

The best private boat tour and swim with manatees in crystal river, duration & pricing.

$450 for 1-6 guests.  $750 for 7-10 guests. Tours are approximately 3 hours departing at 7:30AM and 11:30AM. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. 

About This Experience

Have you ever wanted to swim with manatees in Crystal River? Then this is the perfect tour for you and your guests. Book your private manatee tour and have the opportunity to go out on one of our boats with your very own tour guide and captain and experience the incredible Flordia Nature Coast firsthand! With the entire boat to yourself, you’ll have a completely immersive experience, learning about more than just the manatees that inhabit our region.

Our location provides the opportunity for a scenic nature cruise down the Indian River to the Crystal River. You can see a lot of wildlife which may include dolphins, river otters, bald eagles and many other birds. Once non-resting manatees are found, you enter the water to snorkel with them. Time permitting you may have the chance to also snorkel in one of our nearby beautiful springs – a beautiful natural area with crystal clear water.

As the only place in the world where you can legally swim with manatees, Crystal River Watersports also takes great care to observe & preserve these incredible creatures and all of our natural wildlife. You’ll learn the proper way to be in the water around the manatees, never approaching them and passively observing while allowing them the exciting opportunity to come to you! 

We limit the number of guests to 10 per boat so that everyone has a wonderful, personal experience with our knowlegeable Captains/Guides and with the manatees. We also provide all of your in-water gear (masks, snorkels, snorkeling vest and wetsuit).

• This is a private experience limited to 10 of your guests per boat.
• Crystal River Watersports is a proud member of the Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide Program , promoting responsible ecotourism.
• There will be no more than 10 guests on the boat with the staff to ensure your private expereince. We can accommodate parties larger than 10 by booking additional boats for your tour.
• The three hour tour includes use of our masks, snorkels, wetsuits and snorkel vests.
• Our trips include an in-water guide that will document your trip using our underwater camera. Photographs are available for purchase after the tour on a manatee-shaped 4GB thumb drive so that you can bring your experience home with you!
• What to bring: bathing suit, towel, dry clothes.