Viator Rating : 5 (2485 reviews)
Crystal River
Crystal River: 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour & Photos!
180
Overview
The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour in Crystal River offers an unforgettable adventure to swim with gentle giants in their natural habitat. This tour, run by the most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa since 2004, is perfect for nature lovers and families seeking a unique wildlife encounter.
The adventure begins at River Ventures Tour Center, where guests learn about manatee behavior and encounter rules from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After getting fitted for wetsuits, participants board a comfortable coast guard boat and cruise Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs, and other prime manatee spotting locations. An in-water guide and photographer will lead the snorkel, capturing stunning HD photos and videos of the experience.
This experience offers an up-close look at Florida's beloved manatees in Crystal River and provides memories that will last a lifetime. 
Highlights
Swim with Manatees: Get up close and personal with gentle manatees in their natural habitat.
HD Photos Included: A professional photographer captures your underwater adventure in high definition.
Expert Guides: Learn about manatee behavior and conservation from experienced guides.
All Gear Provided: Mask, snorkel, and wetsuit are included for a comfortable swim.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers love seeing many manatees up close.
-
They enjoy the friendly and helpful guides.
-
The included photos are a big hit.
-
The tour is educational and fun for all ages.
Some customers felt crowded during peak season.
-
A few wished for more time in the water.
The Journey
River Ventures Tour Center
The starting point of the 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour, where guests meet the crew, learn about manatee interaction guidelines, and get fitted for wetsuits. It also serves as the return point for refreshments and souvenir shopping.
Kings Bay
A large bay known for its clear waters and abundant wildlife, including manatees. It's a key location for spotting manatees during the tour.
Three Sisters Springs
A pristine natural spring renowned for its clear, turquoise waters and as a vital warm-water refuge for manatees, especially during the colder months. It's a highlight of the tour for viewing and swimming with manatees.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a mask, snorkel, full-length wetsuit, bottled water, coffee, and tea. An in-water guide and photographer will accompany the group. Gratuities, photo packages, and personal items like towels and swimsuits are not included. You will meet the tour at the River Ventures Tour Center to begin your experience.
Hot Tip
Check the weather forecast before booking and bring a waterproof camera if you want to take your own photos in addition to the professional ones. Also, consider bringing a change of clothes for after the tour.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour highly rewarding for its knowledgeable guides, personalized small-group experience, and well-organized logistics. Most praise the quality of the in-water guides and the professional photography, highlighting memorable close encounters with manatees and friendly crew members. The Manatee Guarantee is appreciated as reassuring. A few travelers note the water can be chilly even with wetsuits and recommend bringing extra warm clothing. No significant negative issues regarding organization or safety were reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
(5763 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
(2271 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
(5583 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
(805 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
St Petersburg
$80.25
St. Pete Sunset & Skyway Light Show Boat Cruise
4.9
(1828 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.
Crystal River
$79
Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Swim with Gentle Giants!
5.0
(1320 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
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.
Nearby Events
Van Wezel Performing Arts Center
Mar 23
7:00 PMBook Tickets: The Temptations & The Four Tops at Van Wezel Sarasota
The Temptations & The Four Tops bring legendary Motown soul to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota, a venue renowned for showcasing world-class musical talents. This concert event celebrates two iconic groups whose timeless hits continue to captivate audiences and influence music worldwide.
The Temptations and The Four Tops, both pioneers of Motown, have shaped the sound of soul music with unforgettable classics that span decades. Performing at the architecturally stunning Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, known for its seashell-inspired design and exceptional acoustics, attendees can expect an unforgettable evening of classic hits and vibrant performances in a cultural landmark embraced by Southwest Florida.
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.
George Steinbrenner Field
Feb 26
1:05 PMYankees vs Braves Pinstripe Pass at Steinbrenner Field
New York Yankees v. Atlanta Braves Pinstripe Pass* brings MLB excitement to George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. This general admission outfield standing room ticket includes your first drink, offering a lively spring training showdown between two powerhouse teams known for intense rivalries and storied histories.
Iconic franchises like the Yankees, with legends such as Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, face off against the Atlanta Braves in a premium matchup that highlights their championship pedigrees. George Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training home, provides an intimate setting for fans to soak in the action.
Kia Center
Mar 23
7:00 PMOrlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers: NBA Showdown at Kia Center
Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers bring their NBA rivalry to life at Kia Center in Orlando, delivering a high-energy basketball experience for fans of all ages. The matchup promises fast-paced action, passionate crowds, and a showcase of some of the league’s most dynamic talent as both teams battle for supremacy on the hardwood.
Orlando Magic, known for their rising stars and exciting playstyle, face off against the Indiana Pacers, a team with a rich history and a reputation for grit and teamwork. Kia Center, Orlando’s premier sports and entertainment venue, offers state-of-the-art amenities and an electric atmosphere, making it the perfect setting for this must-see NBA showdown.
Raymond James Stadium
Nov 07
5:30 PMEd Sheeran LOOP Tour Live at Raymond James Stadium
Ed Sheeran brings his highly-anticipated LOOP Tour to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, delivering an unforgettable pop music experience. This coast-to-coast 2026 stadium tour supports Sheeran’s latest work, featuring his signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and innovative looping techniques that captivate fans worldwide.
Joining Ed Sheeran on this remarkable tour are special guests Macklemore, Lukas Graham, and BIIRD, adding diverse musical flavors to the event. Raymond James Stadium, renowned for hosting major concerts and sporting events, offers a dynamic venue that enhances every live performance with its state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant atmosphere.
Kia Center
Apr 29
8:00 PMRomeo Santos & Prince Royce — Kia Center Tickets
Romeo Santos & Prince Royce bring the Mejor Tarde Que Nunca Tour to Kia Center for a high-energy Latin music event headlined by two of bachata's biggest stars. The co-headlining show promises classic Santos and Royce hits, collaborative moments onstage, and a concert experience built for fans of modern bachata and Latin pop.[6][4]
Romeo Santos, famed as the former lead of Aventura and a chart-topping solo artist, and Prince Royce, a multi-platinum singer-songwriter, are touring together after releasing collaborative material and high-profile singles that have reenergized bachata for new audiences; their joint tour packages stadium-level production and fan-favorite setlists.[5][1] Kia Center is a large-capacity indoor arena known for hosting major concerts and touring Latin acts, offering standard arena amenities and accessible seating options for large events.[3][6]
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