We're in a historic building with a large porch. There is free parking onsite.
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.
In demand: 90 of the next 180 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Early Morning Tour 7:30 AM
This early morning tour is scheduled to get out ahead of the crowds. On this trip you can expect the best visibility, the fewest number of people, and most relaxed manatees of the day.
Mid-Morning Tour 10:30 AM
Afternoon Tour 1:30 PM
Our afternoon tour is a great choice for those who are traveling from outside the area or are just not into the whole morning thing while on vacation.
Itinerary
Fun 2 Dive
180 min
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.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
180 min
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.
Three Sisters Springs
180 min
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.
What's included
Included
Small Groups (No cattle boats)
Scenic boat ride to the springs.
Commitment to provide you with a 5 star exprience of a lifetime.
Free Parking
All snorkeling gear - Mask, snorkel, and wetsuit.
Professional licensed and drug tested captains and guides.
In-Water Guide
Not included
Bathing suit and towel.
Sweatshirt or Jacket (During winter months)
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
613 reviews
5
592
4
12
3
1
2
7
1
1
How it compares in Crystal River
No. 15 by number of reviews among 127 tours in Crystal River
Starting price $95 is 27% above the typical $75 for tours of similar length in Crystal River
Excurgo comparison of 127 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour take?
Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour cost?
Prices start at $95 per person for this Crystal River experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:00 PM.
Does Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour sell out?
It can: 90 of the next 180 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We're in a historic building with a large porch. There is free parking onsite. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller 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.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 613 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours.
Reviews(613)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
E
Extraordinary761266
September 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Swimming with the Manatees! Lifetime experience
An absolute lifetime highlight! This tour stands out because of its highly hands-on, educational, and immersive approach. Our guide Shanna and Captain Brody were expert, professional, and knowledgeable throughout the trip. We also greatly appreciated Lauren’s seamless booking assistance and Jacob’s careful guidance to and from the boat. The level of customer service across the entire team is exceptional. If you want the premier tour option in Crystal River, look no further. Highly recommended. 5 stars!
S
SamS462
September 7, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Peaceful tour with manatees
We reason enjoyed our tour.
We went with Kaitlyn and Brody and they both made it a great experience.
It was so peaceful to be in the water with the beautiful manatees.
Z
Z5846SUbryanb
July 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience. AWESOME CAPTAIN JOHN
I went with family out on the water. We were able to see two manatees and a dolphin. In addition to turtles in other words John was absolutely amazing. I would recommend him highly. I would recommend this company highly. Absolutely five star.
3
356mn
July 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Bucket List !!!
Amazing !!! Captain Derek and Shanna were the bomb ! We loved every minute of it ! Swam with a mama and her calf and didn’t want to leave the water. Would definitely recommend these guys. See you again soon !
L
L4557EYpatrickj
June 22, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A must do experience
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.
B
Brian C
June 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experiences
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
R
R4565UOandrewt
June 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing adventure!!!
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.
N
Nance78
June 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic manatee tour at Fun 2 Dive, an unforgettable experience!
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!
U
U4343RJlaurens
June 8, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Manatee Snorkle
Aubrey and Justin knew just the right spot and treated us to a fun trip!
V
V767CZmikeb
June 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Book here second time here great
What a life changing event. Staff was amazjng
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