Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour
Description
An experience of a lifetime awaits you on this exciting 3 hour snorkeling tour to Swim with Manatees in their natural habitat. Located just 1.5 hours from the attractions area of Orlando, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the U.S. where you can experience the manatees up close and face to face. On this Semi-Private Manatee Snorkel Tour, you will enjoy the benefits of a small group. This tour is our most popular as it is limited to a maximum of only 6 participants.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Arrive to our full service tour facility and gift shop located in the historical district of beautiful downtown Crystal River, Florida. All manatee tours are conducted daily, year round, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Choose the best tour option to fit your group's size, budget, and departure time. All manatee tours are 3 hours in duration and include all snorkeling gear (Mask, Snorkel, and Wetsuit) at no additional cost. Guides accompany guests into the water on all manatee tours to ensure the best possible experience for both man and manatee. The guide also takes pictures of your manatee encounter which are available for purchase at the conclusion of your tour. You will have an opportunity to view the up to 100 images captured during your experience.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for manatees both in summer and winter. You will enjoy observing them from both the boat and in the waters of the refuge.
In the winter Three Sisters Springs provides a safe haven for manatees escaping the cold temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico. As long as the temperatures are not too cold, guests may swim into Three Sisters Springs to observe the manatees.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Pricing is the same for children and adults, all persons going on tour must have a ticket regrdless of age.
- Children 3 years old and up are welcome with paid ticket.
- Children under the age of 3 are welcome on private trips (call for private trip pricing)
- Wetsuits available in sizes from 2 toddler to adult 4X.
- All manatee tours are 3 hours in duration.
- Photo packages of your manatee experience available for purchase after your tour.
- Service animals are allowed if booking a private tour.
Reviews(609)
This was an amazing experience. Eli was a great in-water guide and captain Ryan was friendly and super knowledgeable. It was an unforgettable experience and they both made the trip for our group worth every penny.
Chaz and Caitlyn did an amazing job of taking care of the family and everyone’s needs . They were able to get us to the spot so we could have this amazing experience and both were super personable. As we were taken to different locations they gave us an awesome history lesson on the local area. We will be booking this again
We had an amazing tour with Shanna and Captain Alex. She was so sweet to our young son. The tour was relaxing and informative. We got to see two manatee and it was the best day we had on vacation in years.
We did a private tour at 07:30 in early June. We had some questions beforehand, to which the organization responded quickly and kindly. That immediately gave a good feeling. Upon arrival you will see a short explanation video via a QR code. Wetsuit, snorkel and goggles are provided by the organization if you need them. You will then be taken to the boat by van and sail to Kings Bay. Our guide Eli told us a lot about manatees and their habitat. He clearly explained that spotting wildlife is never guaranteed. We were lucky and saw a mother with her young. A truly magical moment! In the water we were guided excellently, so everyone could see the manatees well. Afterwards we got hot tea or chocolate. Eli also took pictures during the tour. You can buy them afterwards and after payment you will receive a link to download them. A unique and super cool experience and absolutely one of the highlights of our trip. This organization is definitely recommended!
Aubrey and Justin knew just the right spot and treated us to a fun trip!
What a life changing event. Staff was amazjng
Wonderful experience. They were knowledgeable and very encouraging when we had good manatee manners. They were good at guiding us on what to do when in certain situations with the manatee’s. I loved the experience and 100% recommend doing it.
We had an absolute incredible experience with Shana and Capt Justin!! The fee is totally worth it! We did the small group tour and would recommend having the smaller group. We were blessed to see 3 manatees on our outing! The springs are beautiful. Shana was so informative about the manatees and the springs themselves. We chose the 3 hour trip, and you need that much time to get the whole experience. It went by quickly! Shana took a ton of awesome photos, and we so appreciate it!! Highly recommend this activity. They are incredible gentle giants!
An experience to remember!! We had the privilege of going out on tour with Shanna and Brody and from start to end our day was one filled with education and delights. We shared our experience with several manatees and their grace and beauty left us in awe. The crew ensured we were safe, well informed and above all respectful of the manatees, their needs and their habitats. Was such a unique and unforgettable opportunity and we couldn’t be happier!
Captain Brody and our guide Kaitlyn were absolutely phenomenal!! 🩵 We had the best Mother’s Day morning. Beautiful peaceful setting, super easy check-in, incredible energy from the whole team — and they found us manatees within like 5 minutes 😭✨ Then took us to a gorgeous spring after and even gave us hot chocolate to warm up. Such a special experience. Highly highly recommend and we’ll definitely be back during peak season :)
