Crystal River Manatee Swim & Snorkel Tour-Small Group Local guide
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the serene waters of Florida’s Nature Coast while swimming with gentle manatees in their natural habitat. This 3-hour guided snorkeling adventure caters to all skill levels, making it perfect for both first-time snorkelers and seasoned adventurers. With small group sizes, enjoy a more intimate experience while learning about manatee conservation from expert local guides. All snorkeling gear is provided, and complimentary water and hot chocolate are included to keep you refreshed. Create unforgettable memories while promoting eco-friendly tourism and appreciating the delicate ecosystem that supports these beloved marine mammals.
- 3-hour guided snorkeling adventure in Crystal River
- Small group sizes for personalized encounters with manatees
- Includes all snorkeling gear and complimentary refreshments
- Eco-friendly approach promoting conservation and education
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Duration:3 hours
Operating Schedule:Departure times are 9am and 1pm, each tour is 3 hours in duration.
What‘s Included
complimentary bottled water and hot chocolate (seasonal)
Snorkel, mask and wetsuits bottled water, hot chocolate (seasonal)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Crystal River Manatee Swim & Snorkel Tour-Small Group Local guide
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing manatee tour with Captain Joe
kylee kay,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun and memorable experience. Captain Joe keeps the groups small, knows the area inside and out, and makes you feel completely comfortable in the water. We had incredible, respectful encounters with the manatees and learned so much along the way. Highly recommend supporting his small business — it’s truly worth it.
Great experience
rebeccasL2727XI,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience, came out to celebrate my birthday and captain Joe was such an amazing manatee guide. We were able to swim with a beautiful mother daughter manatee set and then we went for a gorgeous ride on crystal river enjoying scenery and looking for more manatees and spotting other wildlife on the way. He was extremely informative and great company. Would definitely recommend and will be back again.
Manatee Adventures
Robert H,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing time! The captain was very nice and informative about the manatees! We were able to see a few of them up close and they were very friendly! I would absolutely do it again!!!
Best Memories with the Manatees
Eeyore1964,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You will not find a more knowledgeable & gracious manatee Tourguide than Captain Joe. We went out to Crystal River last week and Captain Joe knew exactly where to take us to find the resident manatees AND dolphins! His boat is very well equipped and very comfortable. We spent over an hour swimming with two big manatees and it was thrilling. We made such wonderful memories.
Amazing day with Joe and Manatees
NorthStar29332433270,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day on the river with our guide Joe. He brought us all over the river to ensure we say Manatees (as it was off season). We were able to walk right up to them in waist deep water. Additional highlights were seeing dolphins and alligators. He was extremely knowledgeable and patient answering ALL my kids questions. Highly recommend this tour!!!!
Considerate Captain
154kaceyc,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We actually were not able to go because of the weather. However, the captain was very open with us and even rescheduled for the following day to try again. The weather was still cold, windy and wet so we had to cancel and were able to get a full refund. We appreciated the captain’s honesty and desire for us to have a great trip- not a cold, uneventful one!!
Pretty clean
Adalyn H,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We stayed 2 nights it was awesome, pretty clean, nice quiet neighborhood, and the neighborhood cat was a lovely addition!
Absolutely incredible manatee experience!
Cruiser64930465438,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an unforgettable time with Captain Joe. The small group size of max 6 people made it a very personal and intimate experience. Joe is an incredibly experienced guide who went above and beyond to make the trip unique and exceeded all our expectations. He took us straight to a manatee, and the snorkel itself was very relaxed. To top it off, we had a beautiful boat ride through the bay afterwards and even spotted two alligators! This was a great excursion and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Thank you Captain Joe! We had a blast!
Shawn F,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our first visit to the area and my wife had swimming with the Manatees on her bucket list. There are so many options here but we decided to go with a private tour. Captain Joe was so welcoming and full of information. We knew that coming later in the season would be a challenge, but that didn't prevent us from finding a few options. It was absolutely great. Captain Joe even went out of his way to show it some Florida Gators that made our 9 year old's day. Private is the way to go without the crowds. Thank you Joe! We will be back.
Captain Joe nature coast manatee adventures
Laura K,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Joe was amazing - very friendly and informative and took his time with us to make sure our adventure was a very memorable one - loved swimming and snorkeling with the manatees He made our trip the best it could be and we will book with him again next year
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Nature Coast Manatee Adventures