logo
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview
  • Activity preview

Swim with Manatees – Semi-Private Classic Tour

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Features

Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Wildlife
Small Group Sizes
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
$75 Semi-Private Participant
(possibly up to 8 per boat, groups large than 6 please call)

Description

Small-Group Snorkeling with Manatees - Crystal River, FL 

For those who want a comfortable experience without the crowds, this Semi-Private Swim with Manatees tour is the perfect balance. Limited to just 9 guests per boat, this 3-hour excursion includes all the gear and amenities you need—snorkeling equipment, hot showers with towels, snacks, and even admission to the SeaDaddys Nature Aquarium. From the moment you step on board, you’re already in the manatee refuge, making this one of the most convenient ways to explore Crystal River.
This tour is well-suited for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, offering plenty of personal space on the boat and in the water. While it does not automatically include an in-water guide, you can add a guide package during booking to have a crew member swim alongside you and capture photos of your adventure. With smaller group sizes, thoughtful extras, and the option to upgrade your experience, this semi-private tour is a favorite for those who want more comfort and flexibility.

Duration

Approximately 3 hours. The amount of time in the water depends on certain conditions, including how long it takes to find the manatees, weather, tides, etc.

Location / Where to Meet

Seadaddys Adventures
We are in the Kings Bay Shopping Center next door to the Seafood Seller Restaurant.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Open to most ages – a great experience for families. 
  2. All guests should be comfortable with following the manatee swim protection rules and comfortable on a boat or in the water.
  3. Wetsuits are required to be worn while swimming.
  4. Children 6 years and under must remain in a USCG Certified Life Jacket. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  5. Beginner snorkelers are encouraged to upgrade to add an in-water guide for extra safety and support.

What’s Included

  1. Manatee education and safety briefing
  2. Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
  3. Snacks, coffee, tea, and ice water
  4. Hot showers and towels
  5. Admission to SeaDaddys Nature Aquarium 
  6. Small group (max 9 guests)

Not Included

  1. In-Water Guide (unless reserved with the In-Water Guide Package at the time of booking).
    1. Standard In-Water Guide Package - Includes a shared In-Water Guide and up to 35 photos taken during your tour 
    2. Deluxe Guide Package - Includes everything from the standard package, plus a souvenir album with photos and videos from various manatee tours.
  2. Photo Package (available at checkout for an additional fee)
  3. Cell Phone Dry Bag (available at checkout for an additional fee)
  4. Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides and captain!
  5. Worry-Free Cancellation Plan - Add-on at checkout for more flexible cancellation terms. 

What to Bring / Wear

  1. Swimsuit (to wear under your wetsuit)
  2. Dry clothes to change into after the tour
  3. Jacket or warm layers (sweatshirt, hat) for colder days
  4. Reef-safe sunscreen
  5. Dry bag for personal items
  6. Snacks & water Note: Snacks and drinks are included — optional to bring extra)
  7. Reusable water bottle
  8. Seasickness medication (if prone; take 30–60 min before departure)
  9. Waterproof camera (optional) – No flash; standard handles only (no selfie sticks). The company is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
  10. Remove jewelry, watches, or valuables that could be lost or damaged in the water

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Seadaddys Adventures

FAQs

What’s the difference between SeaDaddys Swim with Manatees Tours?

Group Tours

  • Classic Tour – Our most affordable group option, joining up to 18 guests on the boat. An in-water guide is not included but can be added as an optional add-on at booking. This tour includes manatee education and snorkeling gear, but snacks, beverages, and Aquarium admission are not included.
  • Semi-Private Tour – Limited to 9 guests for a smaller, more intimate group experience. An in-water guide is not included but can be added as an optional add-on at booking. Includes manatee education, snorkeling gear, towels, and some beverages/snacks.
  • VIP Experience – Limited to 6 guests for a premium small-group experience. An in-water guide is not included but can be added as an optional add-on at booking. Includes manatee education, snorkeling gear, towels, snacks, beverages, and optional photo/video packages.

Private Tours

  • Private Classic 3hr Tour – Private boat for up to 6 guests. No in-water guide is included; you can add photos or video separately. This tour includes manatee education, snorkeling gear, showers, and drinking water (hot chocolate on colder days). Snacks, coffee/tea, and Aquarium admission are not included.
  • Private Deluxe 4hr Tour – Private boat for up to 6 guests. No in-water guide is included; optional photos/videos are available. This longer tour includes manatee education, snorkeling gear and noodles, showers, snacks, beverages, and Aquarium admission.

Are wetsuits required?

Wetsuits are required to go snorkeling on any of our manatee swimming exursions. While wetsuits are primarily used to help with warmth, we also use wetsuits to ensure our guests float effortlessly at the surface of the water.

Are we allowed to touch the manatees?

As per guidance from USFW, as a tour company we practice passive observation and do not allow our guests to touch manatees.

We encourage all of our guests to 'Freeze and Float' and keep their hands at the surface of the water. By doing this, it better ensures the safety and comfort of our manatees while we observe them in their natural habitat. SeaDaddys is all about eco-toursim, we want to provide our guests a fun and education experience without harming our manatees.

Manatees are naturally curious animals and on some occasions might come up and interact with our guests. They are wild animals, so all interactions happen on their terms and there is no guarentee that a manatee will be that interactive

Are we allowed to take photos/videos?

Yes! All of our guests are more than welcome to bring their own equipment to record/photograph their tour.

We do ask that there is no flash used during the tour and any handles are standard size (not expandable, or a selfie stick). We offer guide packages which include complimentary photos and can be purchased in advance to your tour.

Can we bring dogs?

Dogs are not permitted on our group tours.

What's the water temperature?

Our tours take place in Kings Bay, a 588 acre spring fed refuge. The water stays roughly 72°F or around 22°C so we consider it 'shockingly refreshing'! All of our snorkeling guests do wear wetsuits, which will help keep you warm in the water

Cancellation Policy

With Worry Free Cancellation Plan (Add-On):
  1. Cancellations: 24 hours in advance for a refund. Cancellations within 24 hours or no shows are not eligible for a refund.
  2. Late arrivals will be offered the next available trip time or a return trip gift voucher good for 3 months.
  3. Weather cancellations made by SeaDaddys will receive a refund.
Without Worry Free Cancellation Plan:
All bookings are non-refundable once completed. Bookings can be cancelled up to 5 days prior to receive a return voucher without an expiration date. Within 4 days prior, bookings are non-refundable, and last-minute cancellations will forfeit the cost of the booking with no return voucher supplied. A rebooking fee of $75 (for 1-6 guests) will be charged to reschedule. Late arrivals, no shows, and missing the boat incidents are all non-refundable.
Cancellations due to weather will result in a return voucher without an expiration date.
Read more
Read more

Availability

October 2025

Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa

Reviews

Location

Address

308 SE Hwy19

Crystal River, FL, 34429

US

ASK THE LOCAL EXPERT

Check Availability

✔️Best price guarantee - book direct with the outfitter

✔️Trusted local outfitters, vetted for quality

✔️Free cancellation on most adventures

adventure

Discover 5,000+ handpicked human powered adventures.

connect

Book directly with vetted local experts.

Average 4.8 ⭐️ across 185,000 reviews.

protect

Every booking contributes to conservation.

Proud member of The Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace.