Swim alongside gentle manatees in Crystal River’s spring-fed waters with Family Adventure Charters. Experience small-group tours led by expert captains who prioritize safety, wildlife respect, and personal connection.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills required
Wildlife
History
Crystal River’s springs have long been a refuge for manatees and have cultural significance to the native peoples of Florida.
Conservation
Strict guidelines limit boat group sizes and swimming behaviors to protect manatee populations and their spring habitats.
Family Adventure Charters
Swim alongside gentle manatees in Crystal River’s spring-fed waters with Family Adventure Charters. Experience small-group tours led by expert captains who prioritize safety, wildlife respect, and personal connection.
Family Adventure Charters is a tour operator based in Crystal River, Florida, offering wildlife-focused boat experiences. The company operates two primary trips: an Eco Sightseeing Tour and a Manatee Swim Tour. The Eco Sightseeing Tour is a dry boat adventure that allows visitors to observe manatees and diverse wildlife from the comfort of the vessel. Guests can glide through crystal-clear waters while spotting birds, dolphins, and shoreline mammals such as raccoons.
The Manatee Swim Tour offers guided swims with gentle manatees in Crystal River, Florida, described locally as the Manatee Capitol of the World. Crystal River hosts a resident manatee population and a seasonal influx of additional manatees; small group tours on the Manatee Swim Tour ensure more intimate interactions. Both experiences take place in the estuarine waters around Crystal River.
Tours emphasize close wildlife viewing and natural history interpretation appropriate to the trip format. The dry Eco Sightseeing Tour provides an option for visitors who prefer not to enter the water while still encountering manatees and other wildlife. The Manatee Swim Tour focuses on supervised water-based encounters that allow participants to swim near manatees.
Visitors booking with Family Adventure Charters can choose between a comfortable, observation-focused Eco Sightseeing Tour or a hands-on aquatic Manatee Swim Tour. Each trip showcases Crystal River’s wildlife and aquatic habitats and is designed to offer memorable, nature-centered experiences.
Tours are offered from Crystal River, Florida, and present opportunities to see local birds, dolphins, raccoons, and manatees in natural settings throughout the year when present.
Location
Crystal River, FL
Based in the Manatee Capitol
Tours Offered
2 Tours
Eco Sightseeing and Manatee Swim
Group Size
Small Groups
Intimate, closer interactions
Focus
Manatee Tours
Swims and dry wildlife viewing
Secure a spot on an Eco Sightseeing Tour or Manatee Swim Tour and experience Crystal River’s manatees up close
Book Early to Secure Your Spot
Tours are limited to six guests per trip to protect the manatees and ensure quality; plan ahead to guarantee availability.
Wear the Provided Wetsuit
Wetsuits are included and crucial for comfortable swimming in the cooler water temperatures, especially during winter months.
Listen Closely to Safety Briefings
Pay attention to instructions on how to safely interact with manatees to protect both yourself and the animals.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
While the captain takes photos, having your own underwater camera lets you capture personal memories of these encounters.
Wetsuit
Included and vital for maintaining warmth in cooler spring and winter waters.
fall|winter|spring
Waterproof Camera or GoPro
Capture underwater moments and wildlife encounters to take home lasting memories.
Sunscreen
Protect skin during boat rides and time spent on the water’s surface.
summer|spring|fall
Dry Bag
Keep valuables and electronics safe and dry while on the water.