Swim With Manatees & Rainbow River Days | Crystal River Watersports
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate swimming ability and be comfortable spending extended time in water and on their feet.
Overview
Spend a full day swimming with gentle manatees and snorkeling or scuba diving in Florida’s pristine Rainbow River. Crystal River Watersports offers a guided, immersive adventure through the best of the Nature Coast's aquatic wildlife.
Swim With Gentle Manatees and Rainbows
8 Hours
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour adventure swimming with gentle manatees and exploring the stunning Rainbow River. Enjoy a scenic boat tour, observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat, and choose between snorkeling or scuba diving in crystal-clear waters. This unique experience showcases the beauty of Florida's Nature Coast.
Swim with the gentle manatees!
Duration
8 Hours
About
You will get to experience the two best attractions/tours in the area. You will start with a Deluxe Manatee tour break for lunch and then explore scenic Rainbow River. You will get to view some of the best of Florida's Nature Coast. You will have a boat tour of the area, swim with manatees and later snorkel or scuba down Rainbow river. Along the way you may see, deer, pigs, otters, dozens of birds, turtles, manatees, alligator gars, and more. Certified SCUBA divers can dive down Rainbow otherwise you may snorkel it.
Highlights
- Spend a day on the water
- Local tour guide
- Swim with manatees
- See wild animals in their natural habitat
What to Expect
Your full day of exploring the nature coast will begin with getting fitted with gear and proceed to your eco boat tour on your way to passively observe manatees. After completion of the manatee tour, you will have time to get lunch. Then you will board our van to go to Rainbow River. You'll take a boat up stream and then snorkel or scuba through the crystal clear waters back to the county park.
Important Information:
Departure Point Meet and Depart from Crystal River Watersports Marina located behind the Crystal River Days Inn.
Departure Time 7:00 AM
Inclusions
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Tour escort/host
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Adventure Tips
Book Early for Manatee Season
Manatees gather most reliably during colder months; reserve your spot well in advance to guarantee availability.
Bring Waterproof Sunscreen
Protect your skin while on the water without harming delicate wildlife habitats by using reef-safe sunscreen.
Snorkel or Scuba Options
Bring your scuba certification card if you plan to dive Rainbow River, or plan to snorkel if you prefer.
Physical Readiness
Prepare for 8 hours of moderate activity with swimming and light hiking; stay hydrated throughout the day.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- West Indian manatees
- River otters
History
Crystal River’s springs have long been sacred to indigenous people and remain protected ecological treasures today.
Conservation
Crystal River Watersports practices environmentally responsible tours that minimize human impact on sensitive wildlife habitats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects skin without harming aquatic ecosystems during sun-exposed parts of the trip.
summer specific
Wetsuit
Keeps swimmers warm in cooler water temperatures, especially during autumn and winter excursions.
winter specific
Waterproof Camera
Captures underwater and wildlife moments during snorkeling or diving sessions.
Water Shoes
Protects feet when wading or walking on uneven surfaces around launch and river shorelines.