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
For this Manatee Viewing Cruise, you will be meeting our Captain at Pete's Pier. There is an additional $10 parking fee per vehicle at Pete's Pier, that you are required to pay upon arrival.
Pete's Pier
1 SW 1st Place
Crystal River, FL 34429
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will meet your Captain by the Bait Shop at the end of the dock just past the boat ramp. Your Captain will be wearing a bright green Explorida Shirt.
Children Under The Age Of 3 & Pets/Service Animals 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
USCG Licensed Captain
Bottled Water
Gratuities
Parking Fees $10
What To Expect
Pete's Pier
Children Under The Age Of 3 & Pets/Service Animals Are Only Permitted On Private Tours Pete's Pier is the Marina where you will meet your Captain to board the boat.
Options
Manatee Viewing Cruises
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Boat
Reviews
1,055 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
Susan H,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Small tour boat. Able to walk around. Knowledgeable tour guide who cares about the environment and the manatees.
We had a great trip!
Sandra T,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time! Our guide Gavin was so kind and knowledgeable. The boat and dock facilities were clean and comfortable. We were able to see tons of manatees and had a great time. We would definitely return and highly recommend them to a everyone!
Not to be missed
marcomZ6627IX,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00beautiful experience, very good and very nice both the captain and the guide in the water. Comprehensive briefing with the video before departure. Great courtesy also from the girls in the store who in addition to being very pretty are also competent. Excellent professionalism of all the staff. Definitely not to be missed and to recommend. If we really want to find a small defect, the three millimeter wetsuits are insufficient for the water temperature. Manatees are really special, I've seen them in other places but never as friendly as here. To see at least once in a lifetime and maybe go back! Mara and Marco
Amazing experience!
NAgler4,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time! Our guide GQ was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to give us the best experience. We got to see dolphins and lots of manatees and it was such a great family experience!
Loved it! It was...
DAVID B,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved it! It was interesting to learn about the manatee amd the current project to rebuild the grasses flowing the hurricanes.
Manatee viewing
106kathiec,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very enjoyable trip. Saw many manatees. John was a good captain, very helpful and knowledgeable. Would recommend. Thanks!
Great tour
Gloria G,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun tour and John was very knowledgeable and entertaining.Saw lots of Manatee. Next time we would do a kayak tour
Manatee heaven!
AlSeattle73,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kelly was our Captain and tour guide and she was amazing. We asked a lot of questions and she had answers for all of them. In addition she was able to guide us to many viewings of Manatees and was so careful and respectful in making sure none were injured by our boat. We are also birding people and she was great in pointing out the amazing variety of birds in the area. We are marking our calendar to come back and we'll be sure to ask for Kelly.
A must do tour if you’d...
Courtney M,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A must do tour if you’d like to see manatees! Almost immediately after leaving the dock we were able to see manatees. We also loved traveling with Captain John. He was very knowledgeable of the area and super friendly from the time you meet him at the docks all throughout the tour. Something we would definitely do again!
We saw a lot of manatees....
diwentz,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00We saw a lot of manatees. Kelly, our captain, was knowledgeable and pleasant. It was aver enjoyable tour.
From $39.20
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