Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour is the perfect way to stay dry and view the wild manatees of the Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Hop aboard our US Coast Guard certified vessel where you will join your Master Captain to embark on a journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. On this tour, you and the group will join us for one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!
During this trip we will search for our world famous wild manatees that give Crystal River the title of "The Manatee Capital of the World." There is also a chance to see many other species of birds, turtles, and even a dolphin every now and then so be on the lookout for the impressive variety of wildlife that calls the refuge "home".
What to Bring
Polarized Sunglasses
Important Information
We will be meeting at the address below, and please arrive twenty minuets prior to your scheduled tour time.
Explorida Adventure Center
545 North Citrus Ave
Crystal River, FL 34428
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will meet at our gift shop, where your tour driver will shuttle you to the Marina
Children Under The Age Of 3 Are Only Permitted On Private Tours
This is a wildlife encounter, and due to the unpredictability of Mother Nature, conditions vary daily. If you have any questions, feel free to call
In order to maintain operational efficiency, we require a minimum of three guests per boat to operate. Guests may purchase additional tickets if the capacity is not met, which will be reimbursed if another group joins.
Trip Advisor is a third party booking system designed to reserve tours with Explorida Adventure Center. Visit our website for more information and to connect with Explorida directly.
This activity is not accessible for guests with mobility limitations
To ensure safety compliance with the Coast Guard we require advanced notice for service animals
What To Expect
Not suitable for children under the age of three unless booked on a private tour. To ensure safety compliance with the Coast Guard we require advanced notice for any service animals.
Options
Manatee Viewing Cruises
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Boat
What‘s Included
Bottled Water
USCG Licensed Captain
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,222 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour-fun
Anna S,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great experience. We saw plenty of manatees. It turned out to be a great day! Got some great pictures
Great Experience
G9290LSdan,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Gavin, our tour guide was great, very informative & personable. Saw a manatee & dolphin up close. Everyone involved was friendly & helpful.
Relaxing cruise!
Kevin G,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This cruise was very scenic in the beautiful Crystal River. We only saw 4 manatees, however, we were able to watch them in their natural environment for over an hour. The captain was very knowledgeable and friendly! We enjoyed the relaxing cruise and saw many beautiful sights!
Cruise around Crystal River.
Pam U,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a gentle cruise around the river showing lots of wildlife. We saw manatees, birds, alligators and a dolphin. If you get Captain Gavin even better. Local man with lots of knowledge. No bad view from him other side of the boat. You can sit or stand.
Fun, informative pontoon cruise on the river
vfine2021,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I really enjoyed the pontoon river cruise with Explorida. Our captain, Chris was knowledgeable and knew where to go to find wildlife on the river. He found a manatee mom and baby in a cove, and we enjoyed watching them. We also saw lots of biirds, we especially enjoyed the cormorant and anhinga moms and babies. If we get back to the Crystal River area, we will definitely do the viewing tour again.
Boat tour with Chris
Rachel J,May 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide Chris was very knowledgeable. A very nice day on the boat with so much wildlife to see. Plenty of manatees, dolphins, alligators, and beautiful birds. Chris taught us so much about the manatees and area. The ladies in the shop were very friendly and helpful.
Loved the Manatees
Nancy G,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My grandson and I went on this tour. We were so happy with the amount of manatees that we saw. Our tour guide was amazing. We were lucky because we were. We had a group of only five people. Had so much fun and learned a lot too. Highly recommend it.
Great Cruise!
155ralphf,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great cruise. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Chris, our Captain, was terrific. Very knowledgeable plus he made the cruise so pleasant! Highly recommend this cruise.
Manatees
kathymoriarty,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good boat captain. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. The boat was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the manatees.
70 year old recommends this tour!
Mark T,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yes we did see manatees. Not a lot but enough. Boat captain was the best part of our trip. Very informative of the area, fishing, and of course Manatees. Also enjoy able!
Related Experiences
Operated by Explorida