Private Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River, Florida
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming skills recommended to comfortably enjoy in-water experiences.
Overview
Swim alongside Florida’s iconic manatees in a private boat tour designed for groups of up to 10. Discover Crystal River’s clear springs and enjoy a guided wildlife experience unlike any other.
Private Manatee Swim Tour - Group of 1-10 People
Group Size of 1-10 People • 3 Hours • Ages 3+
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Book this private manatee tour and enjoy the boat all to yourselves.
Price will fluctuate depending on the time of year.
Duration
3 Hours
About
Looking for a private, more intimate experience? Or do you have a large group and want to be the only ones on the boat? Book this private manatee tour and enjoy the boat all to yourselves.
On this tour, you and your group will join us to embark on one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. Get up close and personal with the Florida manatee on this 3 hour swim tour in the federally protected waters of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
Hop aboard our US Coast Guard certified vessel where you will join your Master Captain to embark on your journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. You will be paired with one of our expert in-water guides who will be with you every step of the way to assit in making your manatee enounter safe and memorable. Your in-water guide will also serve as your professional photographer to capture your memories on film, and those photos will be available for purchase upon arrival back to our facility. For this tour, all required gear is included at no additional charge.
What to Bring
- Bathing Suits
- Towels
- Flip Flops
- Water Shoes (Optional)
- If you wear glasses, they can not be worn with your mask. Contacts are suggested.
Please Note...
This is a wildlife tour. We are interacting with manatee in their natural habitat. While we do see manatee on every tour, we never use the word guarantee because Mother Nature reigns supreme. Conditions vary daily, tour by tour, and can never be predicted. Daily conditions vary seasonally with things like weather, tides, and crowds. You can always call us and ask us what conditions you can expect, and will do the best to set your expectations. At the end of the day, we are dedicated to your experience and ensure we do the best to provide a safe, fun, and memorable trip!!
Adventure Tips
Wear a biodegradable sunscreen
Protect the manatees and local ecosystem by choosing reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen before your swim.
Follow the guide's swim instructions
Respect the manatees’ space by listening closely to safety and interaction guidelines throughout the tour.
Bring a waterproof camera
Capture your close encounters with manatees without risking damage to your electronics.
Avoid sudden movements in water
Move slowly and calmly while swimming to avoid startling the manatees and ensure a peaceful experience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- West Indian manatee
- River otters
History
Crystal River has long been a refuge for native tribes and later conservationists focused on protecting Florida’s manatee population.
Conservation
Explorida promotes eco-friendly tours that follow strict no-touch policies and educate guests on protecting the manatees and their fragile spring habitats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin while safeguarding the manatees' habitat from harmful chemicals.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or GoPro
Ideal for capturing underwater encounters without equipment damage.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm during cooler months when water temperatures drop.
winter specific
Snorkel mask and fins
Enhances your swimming experience and ability to observe manatees clearly underwater.