The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join River Venture’s 5-star crew and dive into the ‘OG’ swim with manatee experience with our HD photographer. Our full service, one-stop shop can guarantee manatees and more!
The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee:
Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!
Manatee Guarantee Optional Upgrade($):
No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.
Tour options for any budget:
Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.
Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats:
Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins
Over 5000 5-star reviews online!
Need we say more?
Your A-Team:
Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards
Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wetsuits are available in all sizes from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to 5X
It is advised that you have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
Please bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your tour.
Children under 3 years old are not allowed on this tour. Please call for other options.
What To Expect
Dive into the 'OG’ swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop. Join our 5-star crew load up on manatee facts while our photographer captures your adventure in HD. Meet and greet the most experienced Crew in town at River Ventures Tour Center. Learn about USFWS Manatee Encounter Rules and get fitted for a wetsuit in a classroom setting. Board coast guard boat with full isinglass enclosure during winter. Cruise Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs and more while searching for manatees. Swim with Manatee while Guide captures your experience with top-of-the-line HD action camera. Return to Tour Center, sip on coffee and hot cocoa while shopping for souvenirs /photos. Expectations & Conditions We prioritize both the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of the Crystal River manatees. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations when engaging in encounters with wild manatees since we cannot control their behavior or migration patterns. Each trip is distinct, offering a unique experience for every individual. For detailed information on current conditions, we encourage you to contact us directly.
Options
Manatee Swim Tour
3 hour Group tour: Dive into the 'OG’ swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop.
Guaranteed Manatee Swim Tour
Including a Manatee Guarantee: Upgrade now to eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
What‘s Included
Bottled water
In-water Guide & Photographer
Hot Cocoa
USCG Master Captain
Mask, Snorkel & Full-length Wetsuit
Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish
Gratuities
Photo Package
Towel and swimsuit
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,623 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Adventure
allisonaF9811XE,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crystal was excellent and captain Mike knew just where to go! We were looking for a perfect end to our trip to Florida, and this was it!
Bucket list, checked! IN THE BEST WAY!
jamiewW3675DU,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I never write reviews, but this company is WORTH IT! I took my aunt, sister and niece on this tour - swimming with manatees was a bucket list item for me. Our tour guide was Nat and our boat driver was Emerson. Nat was insanely talented at finding manatees, knowing how they would be moving around, and guiding us on how to move/swim. She was very clear in her instructions and not kicking our feet, not splashing, and being calm was necessary and as a result, we were able to float near a GIANT female manatee for over an hour. I got to watch her eat sea grass, I was SO CLOSE to her! Emerson also had great knowledge and was a sweet guy. I am SO HAPPY we did this. Also, there are two really sweet dogs who like pets at River Venture's office, all of their employees were really sweet, their wetsuits and snorkel masks were REALLY nice quality.
Family Friendly & Educational
medicallabladyg,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AMAZING experience!!!!! We saw and swam with several manatees (mainly mom and baby pairs 💗). There was an algae bloom so it was a little harder to see but the snorkel gear helped tremendously. Natalie (guide & photographer), Emerson (captain), James (driver), and the owner were kind, helpful, and passionate about their work. We were lucky to have a private experience even though we did not book one. Would suggest a smaller group booking to anyone who wants the most out of their time with the gentle giants. If you want a calm, family friendly/centric, conservation/ecologic focused, and funny/joking experience book today!!!! Not for adrenaline junkies (go to an amusement park).
You Have to do this!
Getaway58200181949,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome time! This was on the bucket list for my wife and she could not have been happier! They got to spend an hour just hanging with a manatee. Our trip team, Guide Anna and Captain Mike were super professional, full of great information and funny too. Thanks!
Not the time of year for this.
Q1094KYjosec,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This time of year water was very murky. There were also a shortage of Manatees. Only a few were in the area. So a couple of noses poking out of the water. Did not get to see them up close at all. Went on the water twice, one with nothing at least to cool down and the other time some of the group got to see one for a minute and gone. Not a good time to go. Our guide and captain were great, but the whole point of the experience was to swim with manatees.
Excellent!
Thelionx,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A magnificent morning, accompanied by Steven and Bryan! We were able to swim with the manatees and see other animal species, fish, turtles, and birds. All the staff are very friendly and welcoming; thank you for these wonderful memories!
Fettiest swimming trip ever
W1580ZIwilliams,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super fat experience with capt Bryan and guide Steven
5 Stars Isn’t Enough for This Experience!
kentyak2026,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the BEST experience swimming with the manatees and honestly could not have asked for a better crew! Huge shoutout to Captain Mike and Captain Laci for making the boat rides so fun and chill. They were hanging out with us, joking around during lunch breaks, and made the whole trip feel super relaxed and enjoyable. Also, a HUGE thank you to our tour guides Crystal and Gary! They were absolutely amazing in the water with us. They helped us every step of the way, taught me how to swim better, helped us feel comfortable around the manatees, recorded videos for us, and made sure we were having fun the entire time. You can really tell they care about making the experience special for everyone. The whole team went above and beyond, and we seriously had such a great time. We would do this again 100 more times and would LOVE to come back someday. Thank you all for such an unforgettable experience!
Fun Manatee Trip
toxict636,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michael, Crystal, Gary, and Lacy made it 2x more fun with the photography and conversations
Manatee snorkel experience
randomp689,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laci, Crystal, Michael, and Gary were all super chill and awesome people and made the whole experience enjoyable, memorable, and funny. I’d love to book with them again.
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