Manatee Snorkel Tour in Crystal River, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic swimming skills recommended.
Overview
Swim alongside the gentle Florida Manatees on a private snorkel tour in Crystal River. Perfect for all ages, this unforgettable eco-adventure offers expert guidance and all the gear you need for a 3-hour wildlife experience.
Details
Experience a truly unique adventure with the Manatee Snorkel Tour in Crystal River, Florida. This guided eco tour is designed to bring you face-to-face with the gentle Florida Manatee in their natural habitat within Kings Bay. Led by expert captains and in-water guides, you'll embark on a respectful snorkeling journey to observe these endangered marine mammals up close. The 3-hour tour includes all necessary gear such as masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. Group pontoon boats accommodate up to 12 passengers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate setting. Beyond just snorkeling, the knowledgeable team at Manatee Tour and Dive is dedicated to creating memorable experiences, offering photo packages and expert support throughout your trip. Whether you're passionate about wildlife or simply seeking a serene water escape, this tour offers a peaceful yet thrilling glimpse into Florida’s aquatic wilderness, following all USFWS guidelines to protect the manatees.
Adventure Tips
Book Early
Ensure your spot by booking your tour in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Check Weather Conditions
Weather can affect manatee activity; plan your trip on calm, clear days for the best experience.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and the manatees’ habitat by using eco-friendly sunscreen.
Respect Wildlife Guidelines
Follow all instructions by guides to ensure a safe and respectful encounter with manatees.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- Three Sisters Springs – a serene, crystal-clear spring ideal for kayaking nearby.
- Crystal River Archaeological State Park – offers insight into indigenous history.
Wildlife
- Florida Manatee
- River Otter
History
Crystal River has long been a haven for native peoples and early settlers who relied on its rich waterways for food and transport.
Conservation
Tours follow strict USFWS manatee viewing guidelines to minimize disturbance and protect this endangered species’ habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Onboard pontoon boat for wide-angle water shots
- Near Three Sisters Springs for clear blue waters
- Along the mangrove-lined edges of Kings Bay
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Snorkel Mask and Tube
Allows clear underwater vision and easy breathing during snorkeling.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in cool water, especially important during winter months.
winter specific
Waterproof Camera
Capture your incredible manatee encounters and underwater scenes.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and preserve aquatic ecosystems with eco-friendly sunscreen.
summer specific
Reviews
Nicole Czuhajewski
2 months ago
A group of 5 of us did the 11am tour on a Wednesday. We were provided wet suits and a fuzzy jacket to help stay warm. We had Captain Gary and guided by Luke. Both were super great at making us feel welcome, informing us about safety and facts about manatees. I really appreciated how much they focused on the respecting the manatees and their habitat. We got to see 5 or so which was incredible. The water was still a bit chilly but we were greeted with hot chocolate on the boat to finish. I would definitely recommend it. Also a huge shoutout to the school kids field trip who were with us. Everyone did great!
Marcel Hürst
2 weeks ago
It was a amazing Tour with our guide Andrew and our Captain Sandy. We were snorkeling with the manatees and could watch them eating grass and swim. It was a great experience. The manatees are so cute, you can also hear them making crunchy sounds while eating grass.
MJ
a month ago
This was one of the best days of my life!! I cried when we left and got to look at pics of our dive! John our guide was AMAZING!! Our captain was so informative!! The entire team at Manatee tour and dive were incredible. This company takes care of their customers! We had an amazing time and got to swim with some beautiful potatoes 🥔🥔 so grateful for this opportunity and so glad we went with this company. Thanks guys!!
Erin Heiser
2 months ago
I am so happy we chose Manatee Tour and Dive for our trip this morning! I researched all the companies and they far exceeded my expectations. Our guide John was incredible and our Captain Gary was great! They both were so knowledgeable and fun! It was clear that they are both very passionate about what they do and they strive to make it a great experience for all! We saw so many manatees including several sets of moms with their calves! On our way back from our last snorkel stop Captain Gary even took the time to stop for more fun and flew his drone over a section that was blocked off to people so the manatees are protected amd he showed our boys as he was taking video...there were at least a hundred manatees! So cool! They went above and beyond in so many ways and even had warm water to pour into our wetsuits when our boys were chilly as well as hot chocolate on board. Upon our return they had warm showers and the option to buy all the photos and videos for only $40, which we felt was incredibly reasonable compared to so many other places. Thanks for a wonderful morning with the manatees!
Megan Wickes
3 months ago
Gary and John were amazing! They did all they could to find the manatees including flying a drone and traveling all over the bay. John took so many wonderful pictures and videos documenting our time in the water. I highly recommend this tour group!!