Board a small boat behind the Days Inn and head into Kings Bay for a guided, conservation-focused swim with wild manatees. Guides provide wetsuits, snorkel gear and in-water direction so you can observe these gentle giants the right way.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips away from the pink-and-yellow marina, and the warm spring-fed water of Kings Bay pulls like an invitation. Surface ripples part to reveal pale backs and whiskered faces—manatees moving with deliberate curiosity, as if the bay itself were breathing slowly around you.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable floating and swimming in shallow, calm water.
Wildlife
History
Kings Bay’s springs and seagrass supported Native American communities and later became a fishing hub; modern conservation grew as manatee declines led to protective laws and guided-encounter programs.
Conservation
Operators in Crystal River follow Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide guidelines; keep distance, avoid touching, and use reef-safe products to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Swim with Manatees: Eco-Educational Tour in Crystal River today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Marina check-in is 30 minutes prior; the shop is directly behind the Days Inn in a pink-and-yellow building with gravel parking.
Follow in-water protocols
Guides are trained to protect manatees—stay passive, avoid chasing or touching, and listen to their positioning and timing instructions.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Bring biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen to protect local seagrass and water quality, applied before boarding.
Bring layers to change into
Pack a towel and dry clothes for the return boat ride—wetsuits are provided but you’ll want something warm and dry afterward.
Swimsuit
Wear under the provided wetsuit for comfort and quick changing.
Towel and quick-change clothes
You’ll want dry layers for the return boat ride and drive home.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and the local seagrass and marine environment.
summer
Water shoes
Useful for walking on marina docks and protecting feet during entry and exit.