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
Steinmetz Hall
Oct 30
7:00 PMDaniel Sloss: BITTER at Steinmetz Hall Orlando
Daniel Sloss: BITTER brings the Scottish comedian's brand new tour to Steinmetz Hall in Orlando, Florida. Sloss, an internationally acclaimed stand-up performer known for his dark humor and provocative take on contemporary issues, continues his global domination of the comedy circuit with this fresh material. The comedian has become one of the biggest touring names in stand-up comedy, breaking box office records and selling out venues worldwide with his intelligent, incisive commentary on religion, politics, disability, and society at large.
With six Netflix specials to his name—including the critically acclaimed DARK and Jigsaw—Sloss has proven his ability to captivate audiences across 55 countries and 13 solo shows. His comedy combines self-deprecating charm with genuinely sharp observations, earning praise from critics who describe his work as "brilliant" and "a master craftsman." Steinmetz Hall, located in the heart of Orlando, serves as the venue for this highly anticipated performance, offering audiences an intimate setting to experience one of comedy's most innovative voices.
Kia Center
May 30
8:00 PMRoberto Carlos Tickets: Orlando, FL
Roberto Carlos, the King of Latin Music, is set to grace the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. This promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with his greatest hits and romantic ballads. Expect to hear timeless classics that have defined a generation, showcasing his signature smooth vocals and passionate delivery.
Roberto Carlos is one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time, known for his romantic style. The Kia Center, a modern venue in the heart of Orlando, offers a state-of-the-art experience with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, ensuring fans can fully enjoy the performance.
Kia Center
Jun 08
8:30 PMBuy ROSALÍA Tickets: LUX TOUR 2026 in Orlando
ROSALÍA brings her highly anticipated LUX TOUR 2026 to the Kia Center in Orlando, FL, delivering a vibrant live music experience that showcases her innovative blend of Latin pop, flamenco, and urban influences. As a global music sensation, ROSALÍA captivates audiences with her powerful voice and genre-defying style, making this concert a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
Known as one of Orlando’s premier entertainment venues, the Kia Center offers cutting-edge technology and seating for up to 20,000 guests, hosting some of the biggest names in music and sport. The arena’s modern atmosphere complements ROSALÍA’s dynamic performance, ensuring an unforgettable night in the heart of downtown Orlando.
Kia Center
Mar 21
7:00 PMOrlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers at Kia Center
The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers face off in a high-stakes NBA showdown at the Kia Center, bringing together two of the league’s most dynamic teams. Fans can expect fast-paced action, star power, and a vibrant atmosphere as these franchises battle for supremacy on the hardwood.
The Orlando Magic, led by rising stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, continue to build momentum as a young, exciting team. The Lakers, anchored by legends and a storied legacy, remain a fan favorite wherever they play. The Kia Center, known for its modern amenities and electric crowd energy, sets the perfect stage for this marquee matchup.
Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Apr 23
7:30 PMTheresa Caputo Live: The Experience in St Petersburg
Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings America's most recognized medium to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St Petersburg on April 23, 2026. Known worldwide for her acclaimed TLC series, Theresa Caputo has captivated audiences for over a decade with her extraordinary ability to connect with spirits and deliver profound messages from the other side. This live event promises an awe-inspiring evening where attendees will witness firsthand the powerful readings and emotional connections that have made Caputo a household name.
Theresa Caputo's journey as a spiritual medium has transformed countless lives, offering closure, healing, and validation to those seeking connections with departed loved ones. Her dynamic stage presence and authentic approach create an intimate atmosphere despite performing in larger venues. The Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater, located in downtown St Petersburg, provides an elegant setting for this unforgettable evening of spiritual insight and personal transformation.
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Apr 19
8:00 PMUB40 feat. Ali, Astro & Mickey at Ruth Eckerd Hall
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro, and Mickey brings their iconic reggae-rock sound to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL, delivering hits like '(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You' and 'Red Red Wine' in a high-energy live show. This lineup, featuring original members Ali Campbell and Astro alongside Mickey Virtue, promises an authentic UB40 experience with timeless anthems that have defined decades of music.
Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, UK, UB40 rose to global fame with over 70 million albums sold, blending reggae, pop, and ska in chart-topping releases. Ruth Eckerd Hall, a premier concert venue in Clearwater known for hosting top acts, offers excellent acoustics and seating for an immersive performance.
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