5 (2418)
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.
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They enjoy the friendly and helpful guides.
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The included photos are a big hit.
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The tour is educational and fun for all ages.
Some customers felt crowded during peak season.
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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
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Crystal River
$90
Swim with Manatees: Crystal River Photo Tour
5.0
(1423 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The 3-Hour Small Group All-Inclusive Manatee Swim with Photo Package offers a magical chance to swim with gentle manatees in Crystal River, Florida. This tour, led by Go Local Manatee Tours, takes guests into the heart of Kings Bay, where manatees gather in their natural habitat. With a small group size of just 6 people, everyone gets personal attention and a better chance to connect with these amazing creatures.
Go Local Manatee Tours stands out because it's owned and run by locals who grew up in Crystal River. They know the area best and care deeply about protecting the manatees and their home. They are also the only tour company that gives guests free photos and videos of their swim. This means visitors can keep memories of their manatee encounter without paying extra. The tour guides help guests in the water while taking photos and videos.
This experience is a true wildlife adventure, and conditions can vary. Manatees are often found in clearer spring waters during the colder months. In warmer months, they may be in grass flats where the water visibility is between 1 to 6 feet. No matter the time of year, there's a chance to see these gentle giants in their natural environment.
Crystal River
$79
Manatee Snorkeling Tour: Swim with Gentle Giants!
5.0
(1285 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.
Crystal River
$76
Manatee Swim Tour: 3-Hour Crystal River Adventure
4.9
(2640 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide! Located in Crystal River, Florida, this tour offers a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel with gentle manatees in their natural habitat. Since 1995, Fun 2 Dive has been a leading guide, introducing countless visitors to this special experience.
Guests will enjoy a 3-hour adventure where all necessary gear is provided, including a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. The wetsuit helps with buoyancy, and a foam swim noodle offers extra flotation. The focus is on calmly floating with the manatees, allowing them to feel comfortable and unthreatened. An in-water guide accompanies the group, taking photographs throughout the tour, which are available for purchase afterward.
Fun 2 Dive operates from a full-service tour center with a unique manatee gift shop, offering an unmatched selection of manatee-themed merchandise. With U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captains and drug-tested staff, visitors can be assured of a safe and unforgettable 5-star experience. This tour commits to providing an up close animal encounter.
Crystal River
$89.99
Manatee Snorkel Tour: Swim with Gentle Giants!
5.0
(526 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photographer in Crystal River lets people swim with manatees. Crystal River is called the manatee capital of the world. It's the only place where people can swim with these animals in their home.
This adventure starts at Salty Siren Tours. People will get fitted with wetsuits. Then, they will meet the guide and photographer. The guide will talk about how to swim with manatees safely. They will teach how to watch them without bothering them. After, everyone will ride in a van to the boat. The boat will take them to see the manatees. The guide will help people watch these big, gentle animals. Someone will take pictures underwater of the trip. People can buy these pictures to share later.
The tour includes a warm boat ride and snorkeling gear. It also has drinks like coffee and tea to keep everyone warm. This tour helps teach people about manatees and how to protect them. The tour guides make sure everyone is safe and respects the manatees.
Crystal River
$89
Crystal River Manatee Encounter: A Safe & Intimate Snorkeling Adventure
5.0
(210 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Semi Private Manatee Swim Tour offers an ethical, guided snorkel experience in Crystal River. Swim alongside gentle manatees with trained professionals ensuring safety and respect for the animals. Enjoy the perks of a heated smaller boat, wetsuit, and refreshments for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Crystal River
$74.99
Manatee Swim Tour: Crystal River Adventure!
5.0
(330 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Semi-Private Manatee Swim Tour With In-Water Guide/Photographer in Crystal River offers an unforgettable encounter with gentle giants. This experience provides a chance to swim and snorkel alongside manatees in their natural habitat, the beautiful Crystal River springs. With Crystal River Manatee Adventures, guests will learn fun facts about manatees while observing them up close.
Escorted to and from the dock on heated boats, the tours ensure comfort even on cooler days. The tour limits the group size to six guests, providing a personalized and intimate experience. Wetsuits, snorkels, and masks are provided for the in-water excursion, making it easy for everyone to participate.
This 3-hour adventure focuses on creating a memorable and educational experience for all. Crystal River Manatee Adventures aims to combine fun with nature, ensuring that every guest leaves with a newfound appreciation for these amazing creatures.
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