Crystal River Small Group Manatee Snorkel

Experience the unique opportunity to snorkel with manatees in the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitats! With our experienced crew and personal in-water guide by your side, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the manatees as they meander along the clear waters of the Crystal River and Kings Bay!

Our boats are designed to hold up to 14 people, but to guarantee an intimate and exciting adventure, we limit each tour to a maximum of 6 guests! For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, we also offer private tours for up to 6 guests!

Although the ideal time to see manatees is from November till March when they migrate to the warm waters of Crystal River and Kings Bay, there is a resident herd that remains in the bay year round, providing summer encounters as well! Crystal River boasts the largest concentration of manatees in the world and with our experience going back decades in guiding manatee tours, we’ll bring you to the areas of the most common manatee activity!

Duration of Adventure

3 hours total
Expect around 1 hour of water time
Amount of water time and boat time depends on multiple factors including how long it takes to find the manatees, weather, tides, etc.
Tours are offered daily and year round with the first trip out in the morning at 7:00 am and the last trip meeting at 1:30 pm
Ideal time to see manatees is November to March, though it is possible to have summer encounters

Location / Where to Meet

Address: 135 NE 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34429
You will meet at the shop where you will be fitted with wetsuits and then shuttled to the pier, about a 2 to 3 minute drive.
Crystal River is located on the west coast of Florida approximately 1 hour North of Tampa and 1.5 hours North-West of Orlando.

Ages & Requirements

Allow children 3 years old and up on group tours as long as they are comfortable in the water, well-behaved, and can follow basic instructions given by the guide
Children under 3 are welcome to join on private trips with just your family onboard
Adults must accompany minors

Maximum of 6 guests or less
Private options are available
Must be able to swim and are comfortable in the water
Wetsuits are sized from 3 year old toddler and up to an adult 4XL
There is a 3 to 4 step ladder to climb back into the boat

What’s Included

Professional in water guides
Experienced captain
Boat ride to the manatee locations
Quality snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuit)
Floatation devices
Small group sizes or fully private option
Winter months: the boats are enclosed to keep you comfortable, warm, and out of the elements
Bottled water and hot water for hot chocolate and tea will be provided

Not Included

Gratuity - Never expected but if you have a great experience, please consider gifting 10-25% to your guides and captain!
We have inexpensive snorkels available for purchase if you would like to purchase your own.
Prescription masks must be rented from another shop ahead of your snorkel time.
In-water guide will take photos of the group and back at the shop you’ll be able to view and decide if you want to purchase any!

What to Bring / Wear

Swimsuit
Towel
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Extra layers of clothing - sweatshirts and warm hats
Dry bag
Snacks & Water
Required paperwork - Signed medical form if required, waivers, etc.
Waterproof Camera - The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items.
Seasickness medications - If you are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to take sea sickness medication at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled boat time. It is too late to take the medication if you are already seasick on the boat.
Please remove any jewelry, watches, or anything that can get damaged by water or you don’t want to lose.
Our guests are always welcome to bring their own gear, especially children who have gotten used to specific mask or snorkel sets

Wildlife Guidelines

As per guidance from USFW, please practice passive observation and do not 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.

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 guarantee that a manatee will be that interactive.

FAQs

Can I bring a camera?

You are welcome to bring a camera but it is your responsibility to ensure it is in a waterproof case. The company is not responsible for any damaged or lost items! We ask there is no flash used during the tour and any handles used are standard size (not expandable, or a selfie stick).

Do I have to know how to swim?

Yes, we do require that you are able to swim and that you are comfortable in the water. The majority of the time we are just floating with the manatees and not exerting a lot of energy. The wetsuits that we give to you will provide some buoyancy and we also give each person a foam swim/pool noodle so that we all have a little additional floatation. It’s good if possible to get children and those with lesser swimming experience some time in the water prior to your trip so that they can work on floating skills and just being comfortable. If you have a mask and snorkel, have them practice with those if you can as it will help them to have a better experience come tour day.

How long are the tours?

Our tours are all 3 hours in length from the time you arrive at our shop until you return from the boat. You can expect to be on the boat for approximately 2.5 hours with anywhere from 1-2 hours of that time being in the water. The amount of in water time is dependent on conditions and the receptiveness of the manatees. The manatees we swim with are wild and in their own natural habitat so there are many factors beyond our control that will affect how much time we spend in the water. Things like how long it takes to locate the manatees, the weather and tides at the time of your tour, the time of year, and even our own behavior while in the water around the manatees can have an impact on how much time the manatees will be tolerant of us and not swim away. As a rule of thumb expect 1 hour of water time and chances are you won't be disappointed with what we get.

Do you provide wetsuits and snorkeling gear? Can I bring my own?

Yes, all of the equipment that you need for the tour is provided at no additional cost. That includes the mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not want us using swim fins in the refuge around the manatees so those are not allowed on our tours. You may bring your own mask, snorkel, and wetsuit if you desire. Those with children who are accustomed to their own mask and snorkel may want to consider bringing them along as it may be better for them to use what they are comfortable with already.

Are we guaranteed to see manatees?

Manatees are wild animals and the tours take place in their natural habitats. The tours cannot control where the manatees go, weather conditions, water clarity and therefore it is not guaranteed you will be able to see the manatees.

Can I touch the manatees? Will they hurt me?

Manatees are harmless to humans, they don't even have teeth to bite. They are very large animals but are normally quite calm unless startled where they will swim away. As a precaution, these are still wild animals and it is best to enjoy watching them from a distance!

As per guidance from USFW, please practice passive observation and do not 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.

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 guarantee that a manatee will be that interactive

When is the best time of year and day to see manatees?

The ideal time to see them is November to March when Manatees migrate in large numbers into Crystal Rivers 72 degree spring fed waters. A resident herd of manatees that remain in our bay year round provide summer encounters even on the warmest days. This is the home of the manatees.

There really isn’t a “best” time to get out on the refuge, the best time would be the best that fits your schedule. That being said, the earlier you get out, the less number of people that will be out on the water. If you want to avoid large groups of people think about coming on a weekday and/or taking an early morning tour.

Can I bring my pet or service animal?

Pets: We don’t allow pets on our group tours however, we will allow your well behaved and house trained pet on a private tour. Please inform us in advance if you intend to bring a pet on a private tour.

Service Dogs: Service dogs are welcome on all of our tours with advanced notice. Please note that per ADA regulations the handler is required to remain with the service dog at all times during the tour and the service dog must remain leashed and under control of the handler at all times throughout the tour. Service dogs will be required to be well behaved and potty trained per ADA regulations.

Emotional Support Animals: ESA’a are not recognized by the ADA and therefore fall under the pet category. Please see the above requirements pertaining to bringing a pet on a tour.

What other wildlife will we encounter?

You may see small schools of snappers, spotted bass, and other small fish that make Kings Bay their home. You may even see large tarpon fish or stingrays and skates that settle along the quiet bottom of the river.

Are there alligators?

There is the possibility of alligators in any body of water in Florida. Often, they prefer the swampier areas of the rivers rather than the springs where the manatees stay. If you happen to see one, even though it is unlikely, just calmly swim away from them and alert your boat guide.

Crystal River Snorkeling Adventures