Viator Rating : 5 (2280 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.6/10 (Verified Excellent)
Crystal River
Swim with Manatees: Crystal River Adventure & Photos!
180
Overview
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. 
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 (8 - 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 Gentle Giants: Get up close and personal with manatees in their natural habitat.
Expert Guidance: Learn about manatee behavior and conservation from a knowledgeable in-water guide.
Professional Photos: Capture your amazing experience with the help of an in-water photographer.
All Gear Included: Wetsuit, snorkel gear, and float noodles are provided for your comfort and safety.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing many manatees up close.
-
They appreciated the guide's knowledge and enthusiasm.
-
The tour was a great experience for all ages.
-
Many mention that the photo package is worth buying
Some found the water a bit chilly, even with wetsuits.
-
A few wished for more time in the water.
The Journey
Kings Bay, Crystal River, Florida
Discover the enchanting Kings Bay in Crystal River, Florida, a haven for the beloved Florida manatee. Glide through the clear waters aboard a US Coast Guard-certified vessel, led by experienced captains who know the secrets of this aquatic refuge. With expert in-water guides by your side, safely swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Capture these precious moments with professional photographers, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime. Kings Bay offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and witness the magic of manatees up close, making it an unmissable destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Citrus County, Florida
Immerse yourself in the world-famous 'Manatee Capital of the World'—Citrus County, Florida. Here, you have the extraordinary privilege of legally swimming with manatees in their natural environment, a truly unique experience found nowhere else on the planet. Let Explorida guide you through this unforgettable adventure, as you witness the serene beauty of these magnificent creatures and learn about their fragile ecosystem. Citrus County offers a chance to create lasting memories and support the conservation of these gentle giants, making it a top destination for anyone seeking an authentic and impactful wildlife encounter.
Know Before You Go
This Manatee Swim Tour includes everything needed for a comfortable and memorable experience: safe USCG Certified Boats, bottled water, wetsuit, float noodles, snorkel gear, and the guidance of an experienced in-water guide/photographer. Please note that photos and videos from your tour are available for purchase separately. Food and drinks are not included. Meet at the Explorida Adventure Center to begin the tour.
Hot Tip
Many people suggest buying the photo package to remember the experience forever! Also, even though wetsuits are provided, consider wearing layers underneath to stay extra warm in the water.
Review Summary
People find this manatee swim tour to be an exceptional bucket-list experience, with 97% of reviewers giving it a 4-star rating or higher and the tour being voted Trip Advisor's 2022 Top Ten Bucket List Experience in the World.[8] Travelers consistently praise the spacious, well-maintained facility with climate-controlled amenities, professional and knowledgeable guides, US Coast Guard-certified vessels, and the personalized in-water photography service that captures memories of swimming with these gentle giants.[1][2][5] The main considerations travelers mention are that this is a wildlife encounter with conditions that vary daily, there is a three-person minimum per boat, and the experience is not suitable for those with mobility challenges.[6][7]
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.
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.
Orlando
$46.85
Orlando Escape Game: 60-Minute Adventure on I-Drive!
5.0
(713 reviews)
Duration: 75
minutes
The Escape Game Orlando: Epic 60-Minute Adventures on I-Drive is an exciting adventure for families and thrill-seekers. Located on International Drive, near ICON Park and many restaurants like Yard House and Chuy's, it’s the perfect spot for fun in Orlando.
In this experience, teams work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete a mission within 60 minutes. Communication, teamwork, and a sense of adventure are key to escaping! A game guide will assist as needed, ensuring an immersive experience. Choose from seven unique games: discover underwater secrets in The Depths, hunt for gold in Gold Rush, or attempt a daring Prison Break. There's also Special Ops: Mysterious Market, The Heist, Playground, and Mission: Mars. Each game is designed to challenge and entertain.
Admission includes entry to one adventure. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. The Escape Game Orlando offers a premium escape room experience, perfect for small groups seeking a memorable and engaging activity.
Nearby Events
Tampa Theatre
Nov 01
7:00 PMDaniel Sloss: BITTER Tour at Tampa Theatre
Daniel Sloss: BITTER brings the Scottish comedy powerhouse to Tampa Theatre for his brand new tour packed with dark, incisive humor. Known for Netflix specials DARK and Jigsaw that garnered critical acclaim, Sloss delivers provocative stand-up on topics like religion, politics, and relationships, blending sharp wit with self-deprecating charm.
Sloss started performing at 16, became the youngest comedian for a solo West End season at 19, and has toured globally with 13 solo shows, breaking records at Edinburgh Fringe. Tampa Theatre, an iconic 1926 movie palace, offers a historic, intimate setting perfect for live comedy.
Kia Center
Nov 14
7:30 PMDoja Cat Tour Ma Vie World Tour Tickets Orlando
Doja Cat's Tour Ma Vie World Tour comes to the Kia Center in Orlando, promising a vibrant live experience featuring the global Grammy-winning artist’s newest hits from her fifth studio album, Vie. Known for her dynamic stage presence and eclectic blend of hip-hop and pop, Doja Cat continues to evolve as a powerhouse in contemporary music.
Tour Ma Vie is Doja Cat’s largest tour to date, spanning multiple continents and showcasing tracks that highlight her unique blending of French rap influences and hip-hop rhythms. The Kia Center, a premier Orlando venue acclaimed for its modern amenities and energetic concert atmosphere, provides an ideal setting for fans to immerse themselves in this highly anticipated event.
Raymond James Stadium
Sep 12
7:00 PMBruno Mars Romantic Tour Tampa Tickets 2026
Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour at Raymond James Stadium brings the multi-GRAMMY-winning superstar to Tampa for his first full headlining stadium tour in nearly a decade, celebrating his new album The Romantic* with a high-energy pop, funk, and R&B spectacular.[1][2][3] Fans can expect his trademark live showmanship, complete with The Hooligans band, intricate choreography, and a setlist that blends new material with globally loved hits like “Uptown Funk,” “24K Magic,” and “That’s What I Like.”[3][6]
Bruno Mars is joined on The Romantic Tour by acclaimed British singer-songwriter RAYE and close collaborator Anderson .Paak performing as DJ Pee .Wee on select dates, creating a powerhouse pop and soul lineup for fans.[2][3] Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and known for major concerts and large-scale events, transforms into an open-air stage built for stadium-sized sound, lights, and a truly immersive live music experience.[4]
Kia Center
Oct 09
8:00 PMArcángel - La 8va Maravilla World Tour
Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Oct 24
8:00 PMBook Tickets: Garrison Keillor & Erica Rhodes at Bilheimer Capitol
Garrison Keillor and Erica Rhodes bring their unique blend of storytelling and music to the historic Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, Florida. This special event offers an intimate evening showcasing Keillor’s celebrated narrative style combined with Rhodes’ engaging performances, ideal for enthusiasts of literary and musical arts.
Garrison Keillor, famous for his long-running radio show "A Prairie Home Companion," alongside Erica Rhodes, known for her captivating storytelling and musical talent, create a memorable experience that highlights their distinct talents. The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, one of Florida’s oldest operating theaters since 1921, enhances the ambiance with its classic architecture and modern upgrades including private loge boxes and rooftop terraces, making it a cherished venue in Clearwater’s cultural scene.
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.
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