Viator Rating : 5 (445 reviews)
Crystal River
Manatee Swim Tour: Crystal River's Gentle Giants
180
Overview
3 Hours Manatee Swim Tour in Florida: Experience the magic of swimming with gentle manatees in their natural habitat. This tour takes place in the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for these amazing creatures. With a focus on safety and education, it's a unique adventure for animal lovers of all ages.
Led by a USCG Captain and a licensed dive professional, the tour ensures both guest safety and manatee well-being. Participants will learn about manatee behavior and facts, enhancing their appreciation for these incredible animals. The tour departs from private docks with heated changing facilities and hot showers for added comfort.
This experience includes a full wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, allowing for a comfortable and immersive encounter. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea to warm up after your swim. Discover the wonders of Crystal River and create unforgettable memories with Florida's gentle giants. 
Highlights
Swim with Manatees: Get up close and personal with Florida's gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Expert Guides: Tours are led by certified captains and dive professionals for a safe and educational experience.
All Gear Provided: Wetsuit, mask, and snorkel are included, ensuring a comfortable swim.
Small Group Setting: Enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer people.
Sentiment Analysis
Friendly and knowledgeable guides make the experience enjoyable and informative.
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Guests appreciate the clear water and abundant manatee sightings.
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The provided wetsuits keep swimmers warm and comfortable in the water.
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The small group size allows for a more personal and intimate encounter with the manatees.
Some visitors found the water to be murky at times, affecting visibility.
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A few guests felt the tour was shorter than expected.
The Journey
Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the starting point for the manatee swim tour. It serves as a protected habitat for manatees and other wildlife, offering opportunities to observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Crystal River
Crystal River is known for its clear waters and is a popular destination for manatee encounters. The captains are knowledgeable about the Crystal River and Florida’s manatees.
Onsite Private Docks
The tour departs from private docks equipped with heated changing facilities and hot showers, providing convenience and comfort before and after the manatee swim experience.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes the use of a mask and snorkel, a 5mm full Henderson wetsuit, and complimentary coffee and tea. What is excluded is food and drinks other than what is provided. There is no pickup or drop off for this experience. The customer will need to meet at the designated location.
Hot Tip
Many past visitors recommend bringing an underwater camera to capture amazing photos and videos of your manatee encounter. Also, listen carefully to your guide's instructions on how to interact respectfully with the manatees.
Review Summary
People find this Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River highly enjoyable and educational, praising the professionalism, safety measures, and knowledgeable guides who lead the tours. Positive reviews frequently mention the small group sizes, personalized attention, and in-water photography as highlights. Some guests note occasional delays due to natural wildlife behavior and weather conditions, but overall satisfaction is very high, especially for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking close encounters with manatees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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