All-inclusive 6-person Manatee Swim Tour
Overview
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step aboard for an intimate adventure with Crystal River’s most beloved residents, the Florida manatee. This semi-private experience is limited to just six passengers, ensuring a relaxed and personalized journey on the water. Our company includes everything: Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and a photo package.
Your U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and in-water guide will take you to the best spots to encounter manatees in their natural habitat. With small group sizes, you’ll have more space, more time in the water, and more opportunities for one-on-one guidance and wildlife education. We also include photos and videos on all trips.
Snorkel alongside these peaceful creatures, learn about their behaviors, and capture unforgettable memories—all while enjoying the comfort and ease of a smaller group.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or looking to join a small group, this semi-private tour offers the perfect balance of privacy, adventure, and affordability.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a more personal encounter with Crystal River’s gentle giants, the Florida Manatee. With up to only six guests on board, you’ll get extra space, personalized attention, and unforgettable manatee encounters. Perfect for families or small groups who want a relaxed, up-close adventure! All snorkel gear, wetsuits, hot chocolate, and photo packages are included at this price.
What‘s Included
Hot Chocolate and Tea
Wetsuits are included
Bottled water
Cooler with Ice
Snorkel and Mask are included
Underwater Photography Package
Pete's Pier charges a $5 per person fee that we pay for you
Shaded Boat
Pete's Pier charges $10 for parking at the lot.
Options
Vip Manatee Tour
Snorkeling and Swimming : Semi-Private Manatee Swim Tour
Includes: snorkel, mask, wetsuit , water, and a photography and video package
Semi Private: This tour can have up to 6 people on each boat
Duration: 3 hours: Tour is 2 hours and 45 minutes from the start time
Water: Bottled water, ice, and space in the cooler are available for the guests.
Reviews
33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience
943natashaz,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was wonderful and the guides went out of their way to ensure we had a good time. Loved basic education about the animals too. We had a change to swim very close to manatees which was unforgettable experience.
Perfect Tour - 5 Stars
lucyhobbs,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely incredible time on our manatee snorkeling tour. The small group size made a huge difference, as it felt personal and respectful to the animals rather than crowded like some of the boats we saw. Captain Mac was friendly and so professional. Lauren who took us out was exceptionally knowledgeable, sharing fascinating facts and guiding us towards all the manatees. We were lucky enough to see loads of manatees, including some very curious ones. We were honoured to get some manatees kisses! If you want a professional, intimate, and magical encounter, this is the one to book. Free photos and hot chocolate too!
Amazing experience all around
kallip2026,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing. Have never been on anything like this and it did not disappoint. Both of the guides were awesome. Very friendly .. made the tour easy and fun. We did the 4 pm tour and it was perfect. When we arrived to the spot there were people there, but by the end it was just us. The manatees did not disappoint either. 10/10 recommended.
One of a kind experience 10/10
Matt C,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take the 4pm tour it’s the best time literally only 3 boats out and we saw 30-40 manatees . Captain Mac is amazing informational and down to earth and hilarious . Lauren the guide who gets in the water makes the whole experience fun and so kind and gentle . We had the best experience we will be back in the summer for the scallop dance tour !!
Truly fantastic experience with Captain Mac.
Samuel W,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an absolutely amazing experience. Max the skipper and Lauren the swim-guide were amazing and informative. Easy to leave a great review when we were lucky enough to see 12-15 Manatees up close but the crew went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. The hot chocolate was amazing. The restaurant recommendation was so good im actually getting emotional about the food 🤣 come to Seafood Seller!! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon.
Highly Recommend!
Suemboyer,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent Trip!! Included west suits, boat ride, chocolate, Pictures ( part of the price - no upcharge!) and MANATEES!! Highly recommend!
Definitely Recommend!
leehC4450LM,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very detailed and all about providing an amazing experience! They have an enclosure if it’s cold, changing room and they helped my daughter have the best time.
Manatees view people as pets!
K6754KFmargaretd,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the most amazing experience. Swimming with these gentle giant mammals was a special treat. We left the boat to swim across the canal into one of the three sisters springs. It was surprising to see so many people in the springs observing a mom and her baby. About 15 min later everyone but our 6 plus Lauren our guide was left. We had the whole area to ourselves and 4, then 5 manatees! We got to observe them for almost an hour on our own. I had to just float and not move for around 25 minutes because the manatees surrounded us! Snorkeling and floating with a noodle made it possible to just float and watch. Truly beautiful
A group of 10 of us tried...
Hui Y,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A group of 10 of us tried to find a manatee swimming tour after Christmas Day, but almost all the places had been fully booked. Luckily I found an open time slot at 4:00pm in this tour provider. The owner quickly arranged two boats for us and made sure all equipments including wetsuits were ready before departure. Sarah, our swimming tour guide, was very nice and explained everything very clearly during the whole tour. I can’t swim but I got to the springs by using floating and her help! It was such a fun and memorable experience! I would highly recommend their team.
10/10 highly recommended family fun!
E5771DHkellym,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an unforgettable experience with Seacow Safari! Captain Mac and our guide, Lauren, were incredible — so knowledgeable, kind, and attentive. We snorkeled with manatees and it truly felt magical. What really set this tour apart was how intimate and thoughtfully run it was. Every small detail was taken care of — from warm hot chocolate after the water to a changing room and plenty of time to get comfortable. They also took tons of amazing photos throughout the trip, and the pictures were included in the tour price, which was such a bonus. If you’re thinking about booking, do it! This is the perfect small, personal tour where you feel cared for from start to finish. Highly recommended!
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Operated by Seacow Safaris