Viator Rating : 5 (1323 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.7/10 (Verified Excellent)
Crystal River
Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Swim with Gentle Giants!
180
Overview
Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer, takes place in Crystal River, Florida. This unforgettable adventure allows guests to get up close and personal with gentle West Indian manatees in their natural habitat.
Led by a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain who also acts as an in-water guide, this small group tour (limited to six guests) ensures a personal and memorable experience in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will learn about the manatees, their ecosystem, and how to interact with them respectfully. The Captain swims along, ensuring guest safety and capturing high-definition photos and videos that are available for purchase after the tour.
The tour includes all necessary snorkeling equipment, such as a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, as well as complimentary coffee or hot cocoa to keep guests warm and comfortable. This experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Florida's amazing wildlife. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (9 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
Swim with Manatees: Get close to gentle manatees in their natural home.
Small Group Tour: Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group of six or fewer.
In-Water Photographer: The captain takes photos and videos of your tour.
Gear Included: Wetsuit, mask, and snorkel are all provided.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love how close they get to the manatees.
-
They enjoy the small group size, making the experience more personal.
-
Many appreciate that the captain takes photos and videos during the tour.
-
Guests find the provided wetsuits and hot drinks to be a nice touch.
Some customers mention additional costs for photos.
-
A few wish for more time in the water with the manatees.
The Journey
Dive Shop
The starting point of the tour where guests are fitted for wetsuits and receive essential briefing before embarking on the snorkeling adventure.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
A protected area and natural habitat of the West Indian Manatee, offering a unique opportunity to snorkel and observe these gentle creatures in their environment.
Swim Areas
Designated spots within the Crystal River where manatees are frequently sighted, allowing for up-close and personal encounters while snorkeling.
Boat
Transport used to reach manatee habitats, providing a short safety briefing and educational information about the area, enhancing the snorkeling experience.
Know Before You Go
This guided manatee snorkeling tour includes a professional guide, wetsuits, use of snorkeling equipment, coffee, and hot cocoa. Gratuities and souvenir photos are not included but are available for purchase. Guests will meet at the dive shop to get fitted for wetsuits and watch a short video before heading out on the boat.
Hot Tip
Real reviews say be ready for an early start to increase your chances of seeing more manatees. Bring an underwater camera if you don't want to purchase the tour photos, and be sure to listen to the guide for the best experience.
Review Summary
People finds this tour to be a memorable and educational experience, praising the small group size, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to swim closely with manatees. Many highlight the professionalism of the staff and the quality of the underwater photos. Some mention that the water can be chilly, and a few note that sightings are not guaranteed, but overall, the tour is highly recommended for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
St Petersburg
$79
Shell Key Clear Kayak Tour: See Dolphins & More!
5.0
(5771 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area lets visitors adventure through Shell Key Preserve in a 100% clear kayak! Guests can see crystal-clear water, lots of sea life, and the underwater world below. This is a kayaking adventure tour great for people who love nature and want to see wildlife.
The tour includes paddling along mangroves, enjoying white sand beaches and sandbars, and exploring a secluded beach. If the water is high, the guide will lead the group through a hidden mangrove tunnel in Shell Key Preserve near St. Pete Beach. Shell Key Preserve offers views of dolphins, manatees, pelicans, crabs, and more while enjoying the pretty mangroves and beaches. Look for manatees or pink Roseate Spoonbills in the summer. White Pelicans live on the sandbars in the winter. Dolphins swim in the clear water all year, and cormorants like to swim by the kayaks. There are chances to see wildlife, but it's not a sure thing.
This tour gives people a close look at nature and a fun time on the water. This clear kayak tour is an unforgettable way to see Shell Key Preserve's beauty. The tour includes kayaks, paddles, seats, dry bags, lifejackets, and whistles, but does not include tips or bottled water.
Crystal River
$74
Swim with Manatees: Crystal River Adventure & Photos!
5.0
(2280 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer, located in Kings Bay, Crystal River, Florida, Citrus County, Florida, offers an unforgettable adventure to swim with gentle giants in their natural habitat. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and anyone seeking a unique and ethical wildlife encounter.
What to Expect: Guests will glide through the crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay, a natural warm-water refuge for manatees. With an experienced in-water guide and photographer, participants will have the opportunity to observe and interact with these amazing creatures up close. The adventure ensures a safe and respectful environment for both humans and manatees.
The tour includes the use of safe USCG Certified Boats, bottled water, wetsuit, float noodles, snorkel gear, and an in-water guide/photographer. Note that photos and videos are available for purchase after the tour. With Explorida's commitment to customer experience, this tour promises to be a highlight of any visit to Crystal River.
Clearwater
$37
Clearwater Beach: Little Toot Dolphin Adventure!
4.9
(5584 reviews)
Duration: 75
minutes
The Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach offers an exciting way to see dolphins in their natural habitat. This tour takes place aboard the Little Toot, a tug boat known for creating a wake that dolphins love to play in.
The tour provides a narrated sightseeing experience of Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Because the boat sits lower to the water, guests can enjoy closer dolphin sightings. Passengers are welcome to move around the boat freely, with options for seating in the sun or shade.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to witness dolphins playing in the wake of the Little Toot. It includes a guided tour of the harbor and gulf, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Crystal River
$89.95
Dive into Wonder: Small Group Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River!
5.0
(808 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Experience a Small Group Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River with a knowledgeable in-water guide. Enjoy a family-friendly, intimate excursion limited to 6 people. Observe and swim alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat. All gear provided for an unforgettable adventure. Involves Animals, Swimming, On the Water, Snorkeling, Excellent Quality
Tampa
$94
Conquer Tampa Bay: Thrilling Zip Line Adventure Awaits!
5.0
(769 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
Zip Line Adventure over Tampa Bay offers 2 hours of excitement at Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve. Experience 5 zip lines (400-650 ft), a suspension bridge, high ropes course, and auto belay jump. All gear is provided, making it accessible for various skill levels. Purchase photos to capture the memory!
St Petersburg
$80.25
St. Pete Sunset & Skyway Light Show Boat Cruise
4.9
(1831 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete offers an unforgettable evening on the water. This scenic boat tour, perfect for families and sightseers, explores the beautiful St. Pete Waterfront Estates, Gulf Port, and Pinellas Bayway Bridge.
What to Expect: The adventure begins with a relaxing cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway and Shell Key Preserve, known for dolphin sightings. The boat will stop at Sand Dollar Island (Outback Key), for shelling and sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. As night falls, experience the Skyway Bridge's spectacular $15 million light show.
The cruise includes access to an on-board bar and restroom. Outside alcohol and coolers are not permitted. This catamaran cruise provides a unique perspective of St. Pete's beauty.
Nearby Events
Hard Rock Live Orlando
Oct 02
7:00 PMJohn Crist Live at Hard Rock Live Orlando
John Crist Live! brings the chart-topping comedian to Hard Rock Live Orlando for an evening of side-splitting humor. Known for his viral sketches and relatable takes on everyday life, Crist delivers clean, observational comedy that has garnered millions of views online and sold-out tours worldwide.
John Crist has risen as a comedy powerhouse with hits like 'Church People' and 'Adulting,' blending faith-inspired wit with universal truths that resonate across audiences. His special storytelling and high-energy delivery make every show a fan favorite. Hard Rock Live Orlando offers an intimate, rock 'n' roll vibe perfect for comedy nights.
Van Wezel
Dec 10
7:30 PMJohn Mulaney Tickets at Van Wezel
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever at Van Wezel brings one of stand-up comedy’s sharpest voices to Sarasota for a night built around quick turns, polished storytelling, and fresh material from his newest tour. Mulaney is currently on the road with Mister Whatever across North America, making this a timely chance to catch his latest set in an intimate theater setting.
John Mulaney has earned a reputation for precise writing, clean delivery, and tightly structured jokes that move from personal observations to big, memorable punchlines. Van Wezel is one of Sarasota’s best-known performing arts venues, offering a classic waterfront setting that suits a premium live comedy experience.
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
Nov 19
8:00 PMJonathan Van Ness Tampa Comedy Tickets 2026
Jonathan Van Ness: Hot & Healed Comedy Tour 2026 lights up the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center with the Queer Eye star's signature wit and resilience. Following personal triumphs and a celebrated return to the spotlight, Van Ness delivers a fresh stand-up show blending hilarious storytelling, self-care anthems, and unfiltered glamour that has fans raving.
Jonathan Van Ness captivates as a podcaster, author, and comedy powerhouse, known for empowering messages from 'Getting Curious' and bestsellers like 'Over the Top.' The Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center offers an intimate, high-energy space perfect for live comedy.
Kia Center
Aug 28
8:00 PMRicardo Montaner Live: Orlando's Latin Music Night
Ricardo Montaner concert: Ricardo Montaner, the legendary Latin music icon, will grace the stage at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, offering an unparalleled live performance. This is a rare chance to experience a celebrated artist renowned for his emotionally resonant romantic ballads and captivating charisma. Audiences will be transported through a musical journey spanning decades, with ample opportunities to passionately sing along to his timeless and beloved hits.
The Kia Center, a premier entertainment destination, provides an exceptional concert environment. Its modern and expansive design is complemented by cutting-edge acoustics, ensuring pristine sound quality throughout the venue. Comfortable seating and meticulously planned sightlines create an immersive and intimate atmosphere, allowing fans to feel closer to the performance. Moreover, the Kia Center offers a variety of amenities and services, prioritizing convenience and accessibility for all attendees. Prepare for an evening of musical brilliance and unforgettable memories.
Kia Center
Sep 30
7:30 PMGet Tickets: LE SSERAFIM Live at Kia Center Orlando
LE SSERAFIM brings their electrifying 'PUREFLOW' 2026 World Tour to the Kia Center in Orlando, delivering a high-energy K-Pop concert experience to fans. As the group embarks on their second major global tour spanning 23 cities across Asia, North America, Europe, and more, they showcase their latest musical evolution and captivating stage production. The band is currently celebrating the release of their new album 'PUREFLOW pt. 1,' which will be available on all streaming platforms starting May 22, 2026, making this Orlando show a pivotal moment for fans to experience their newest hits live.
LE SSERAFIM has quickly risen as one of the most prominent K-Pop groups, known for their powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and emotionally resonant storytelling that connects deeply with global audiences. Their 'PUREFLOW' tour features intense performance schedules, with the group performing almost weekly while managing other events in between, demonstrating their dedication and professionalism. The Kia Center, Orlando’s premier indoor arena, is renowned for hosting top-tier concerts and sporting events, offering excellent seating and a vibrant atmosphere for music fans.
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
Mar 04
8:00 PMMatt Mathews: Not What I Ordered World Tour
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Tampa
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Tampa From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Private Drivers & Sports in Tampa. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Tampa Activities