easy
2–3 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; walking and sitting involved.
Discover the gentle giants of Florida with Bird’s Underwater's Public Manatee Tour in Williston. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through springs while spotting manatees and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature lovers seeking an interactive wildlife experience!
$65 | Great for the whole Family! | Departs Daily at 6am and 11am
Swim and Snorkel with Manatees! Join us on a guided tour around Kings Bay, in search of the Florida Manatees in their natural environment. Our expert captains and in water guides will escort you into Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in search of the Florida Manatee, one of Florida's most celebrated marine mammals! Kings Bay is located in Crystal River Florida, and is fed by over 30 fresh water springs, Three Sisters Springs being the most well known. Have an opportunity to see several species of birds, fish, and turtles! We occasionally see pods of Dolphins fishing in the shallow waters of the bay! Swimming with manatees is a unique opportunity to see them up close and personal in a passive respectful manner.
Spring/Summer: In previous years, when the weather warmed some specific populations of manatees would remain in the bay: mothers with calves, pregnant females, and older manatees not migrating. With the lack of vegetation in the bay, manatees have to go out to Gulf or into the river to feed. This means we are seeing MINIMAL SIGHTINGS of manatees in the bay at this time. As mentioned, we are in no control of the manatees behavior. In terms of partaking in manatees tours, we are welcome to go to the springs for exploring and checking out areas in the bay where they may be hanging about, but there are no guarantees. We may see some sightings of manatees passing by along the boat, or have encounters of one’s traveling through the springs.
$ 65.00
3 Hours
Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare on the water, making it easier to see underwater wildlife clearly.
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and hat for sun protection, and bring layers in cooler months.
Binoculars can enhance your chances of spotting manatees and birds at a distance.
Arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip ensures a smooth check-in process.
The springs in this region have been a vital part of Florida's ecology and Native American history for centuries, functioning as sacred sites and natural resources.
Bird’s Underwater actively participates in local manatee protection efforts and promotes eco-friendly tourism to preserve this pristine environment.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses help protect against sun exposure during the tour.
summer specific
Capture wildlife encounters with waterproof gear to avoid damage from spray or rain.
A lightweight rain jacket can keep you comfortable in wet conditions.
spring|fall|winter specific
Wear sturdy shoes in case of walking on uneven terrain or before/after the tour.