Viator Rating : 5 (574 reviews)
Crystal River
Manatee Snorkel Tour: Swim with Gentle Giants!
180
Overview
Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour in Crystal River offers an unforgettable adventure to swim with manatees in their natural habitat. Just a short drive from Orlando, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the U.S. where you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. This small-group tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience, limited to a maximum of six participants.
Expect a scenic boat ride through the beautiful Crystal River, leading to the Three Sisters Springs, a haven for manatees. Participants will visit the Crystal River Tour Facility & Gift Shop where they will gather and be prepared for their tour. Then get ready to snorkel alongside these amazing creatures in their natural environment. Knowledgeable and licensed guides will be in the water with you, providing insights into manatee behavior and ensuring your safety.
This tour includes all necessary snorkeling gear, such as a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. Free parking is available at the tour facility. Note that participants should bring their own bathing suit and towel, and a sweatshirt or jacket is recommended during the winter months. This semi-private tour is perfect for those seeking a high-quality, memorable encounter with Florida's beloved manatees. With professional, drug-tested captains and guides, a five-star experience is guaranteed. 
Highlights
Swim with Manatees: Get up close and personal with gentle manatees in their natural habitat.
Small Group Setting: Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum of 6 participants.
Expert Guides: Learn about manatees from licensed and drug-tested captains and in-water guides.
All Gear Provided: Snorkeling equipment, including mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, is included.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests loved seeing lots of manatees up close.
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The guides were super nice and helpful, making everyone feel safe.
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People thought the small group size made the tour feel special.
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The boat ride was pretty and fun.
Some people felt a little cold in the water, even with wetsuits.
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A few wished for more time actually swimming with the manatees.
The Journey
Crystal River Tour Facility & Gift Shop
Begin your manatee adventure at our full-service tour facility, nestled in the heart of Crystal River's historic downtown. More than just a starting point, it's a gateway to an extraordinary encounter. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, our facility offers a variety of tour options to suit every preference and budget. Each 3-hour tour is fully equipped with snorkeling gear, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience as you swim alongside these gentle creatures. Our experienced guides will lead you into the water, not only ensuring your safety and enjoyment, but also capturing stunning underwater photos available for purchase after your tour, allowing you to relive the magic of your manatee encounter.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Discover the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a vital sanctuary for manatees year-round. Established in 1983, this refuge protects the warm-water springs that provide critical habitat for the endangered Florida manatee. Observe these magnificent creatures from the comfort of a boat, or venture into the clear waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Witnessing these gentle giants in their natural environment is a truly humbling experience, offering a unique connection to Florida's natural heritage.
Three Sisters Springs
Escape to the mesmerizing beauty of Three Sisters Springs, a haven for manatees seeking refuge from the Gulf of Mexico's winter chill. This natural spring system, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings, offers a rare opportunity to swim alongside manatees in their protected winter habitat. As long as temperatures allow, immerse yourself in the refreshing spring water and witness the graceful movements of these gentle giants. The pristine environment and abundant wildlife make Three Sisters Springs a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Know Before You Go
This Manatee Snorkel Small Group Tour includes a scenic boat ride to the springs, all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and wetsuit), and the expertise of professional, licensed, and drug-tested captains and guides. Free parking is provided at the Crystal River Tour Facility & Gift Shop. The tour does not include a bathing suit, towel, or sweatshirt/jacket (recommended during winter months). The meeting point is at the Crystal River Tour Facility & Gift Shop, where you will be outfitted and briefed before embarking on the boat ride to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and Three Sisters Springs. An In-Water Guide will be there during the swim to make sure of your safety and to enhance the manatee experience.
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest bringing an underwater camera to capture amazing photos of the manatees. Also, consider wearing an extra layer under your wetsuit if you tend to get cold easily, especially during the cooler months.
Review Summary
People find this tour to be an exceptional wildlife experience with knowledgeable and friendly captains and guides who go above and beyond to ensure guests have memorable manatee encounters. Travelers frequently praise the professionalism of the crew, the intimate small-group setting, and the quality of in-water photography. The main positive highlights include the respectful approach to manatee interaction, the stunning natural beauty of Crystal River, and the educational value about manatees and their ecosystem. A few guests note that manatee sightings can vary depending on season and weather conditions, though even those visiting outside peak season report positive experiences. Overall, the tour receives consistently high marks for exceeding expectations and delivering an unforgettable adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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