Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Get up close and personal with these amazing mammals and learn about the ecosystem and their habitat.
Unlike many tours, these Captains will actually swim with you and your group to ensure that you have a memorable experience. While in the water, your captain/tour guide will take high-definition photos and videos of you and your group which you will be able to view and purchase at the end of your trip.
Your price includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) and complimentary coffee or hot cocoa.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Guests with limited mobility are welcome, but must call us to make prior arrangements
Single travelers may be required to change time or date of tour depending upon availability
Use of a ladder is required to get into/out of the water. Please give us a call if you have any health related questions.
What To Expect
Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits (included in price) and asked to watch a brief video from US Fish and Wildlife outlining their encounter with the manatees. The captain and guide will then take the group to the boat and embark all passengers and give a short safety brief. Once underway, the guide will further explain how to interact with the manatees once in the water and fit the guests with their masks and snorkels. While transiting to the swim areas, the captain and guide will present information about the area wildlife and what guests can expect to see during your tour. They will also answer questions and take pictures along the way. Once the vessel sights manatees, the captain will anchor the vessel and the group and guide will proceed into the water for your encounter. The guide will stay with the group the entire time, ensuring that the guests get the most out of their experience, all while taking photos and videos of your adventure!
Options
Tour
What‘s Included
Wetsuits
Professional guide
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Coffee and hot cocoa
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,385 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Andrea C,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The entire experience was great!!! The Captain and Guide were knowledgeable, patient and professional. We got to see a Manatee, turtles, fish and other water animals. In addition being educated on snorkeling and best techniques when near the manatee. It was a wonderful experience for multi-generational family (grandpa to 4 year old grandson). Would highly recommend!
Manatee guided tour to see up close.
markcI3049XI,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow what a fantastic experience for my grandkids. They were so excited to see the manatee. Great guided tour and very safe our guide helped us get close to see the tail and the face it was amazing!!!The captain took us to a nice spot and we had a blast.
Fun
Cecily S,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guides were very knowledgeable and the tour was great. Would definitely recommend. My son had so much fun seeing manatees aka river potatoes.
Great crew, upfront about...
Jessica L,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great crew, upfront about the conditions, but still found us a manatee. Also saw dolphins and an alligator! Overall great experience!
Our experience was...
Amanda M,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our experience was AMAZING! Our guide Sarah was very patient with my grandma and my little 10 year old brother. We were nervous at first but our guide and captains laid back personalities instantly made us feel comfortable. You can tell by the safety video that the company and its employees really care about the well being of the manatees while also giving us the best experience possible. Sarah took amazing photos of my family and the manatees! The whole experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we would totally do it again!
Great
marchC16ER,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time. Loved our in water guide, Sara.
Guide and captain were...
Zachary K,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide and captain were awesome. Got to swim with 2 manatees but saw several others. Absolutely would come back.
Awesome Mamatee Tour
Stephanie G,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time. Great time and great captain Ron & guide Sarah. We got to see manatees and the springs. We will definitely be back.
Excellent experience
Sarah B,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I’d highly recommend this trip, we had a perfect day. Although not in season, we still got very close to a mother and baby, so close we had to keep backing off to observe the no contact rules! The staff were fun and knowledgeable and the small group size made it easy to hear everything. We had some time to chill snorkelling in the clear water of the springs, and saw a couple of alligators on the boat ride back.
Great experience with manatee
Shea S,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The team was great. I went with a torn rotator cuff and they were so helpful to make sure I got on and off the boat and kept up with the group. And yes we saw manatee :) Great trip. No one was in a hurry or in a rush. Goin back !
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