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 Information
We will be meeting at the address below, and please arrive twenty minuets prior to your scheduled tour time.
Explorida Adventure Center
545 North Citrus Ave
Crystal River, FL 34428
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will meet at our gift shop, where your tour driver will shuttle you to the Marina
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.
This activity is not accessible for guests with mobility limitations
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled Water
USCG Licensed Captain
Gratuities
Options
Manatee Viewing Cruises
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Boat
Reviews
1,216 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Cortney E,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Everyone was very friendly and informative. Was able to see a few manatee’s and alligators.
Great Experience
Luther S,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed this experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. We felt safe in dangerous waters. We highly recommend this.
Great manatee viewing
Daniel N,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience, lots of manatees. We even saw alligators and an otter. Captain had great eye finding wildlife and very knowledgeable
Excellent Fun Learning Experience
Laura H,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dom was our boat captain. We can’t say enough good! We learned so much about the Manatee habitat, their bodies, predators (or lack thereof), habits, babies, etc. we saw several and two with babies. It was so wonderful, the time flew by. We will be back and we will ask for Dom everytime! Loved this so much!
Great trip. Everyone was...
Susan A,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip. Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable. Megan and Grace in the office were lovely and kind. Captain Kelly was tremendously knowledgeable and made sure we saw multiple manatees on our tour.
Loved it
paularossi,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great with free parking and no extra fees. The guide GQ was very informative and even gave us some tips for things to do around the area- including how to get to the swimming area where we saw many of the manatees. You cannot touch the manatees so we thought this was the best way to see them. The kayaks had to go a long way and we didn’t want to do that much paddling- plus on the boat you can stand up and get a good photo.
Great Manatee Tour
Barb B,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful experience; however, there are no bathrooms on the boat. The excursion is an hour and a half.
Manatees - Here we come!
jimrC4974FK,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the 90 minutes cruise with Capt GQ and had a great time. He knew where to find the manatees and tell us about them. He also had some great stories to hear. It was nice that there only 4 of us on the boat (besides the Capt) instead of the possible 12. It is a beautiful area and fun to see from the water.
Wonderful Manatee Cruise with Capt GQ
J7597ZBhelent,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were wonderfully accommodated for a cruise at 7 am even though it was just my husband and I. Captain GQ was informative and friendly and knew just where to go to find the manatees and how to spot them. Saw many of them including a couple of calves. Highly recommend it.
Manatees!
Rhonda B,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Enjoyed the tour very much. Perfect weather too. Were able to see several moms with their babies. GQ was a great guide and captain. Gave us lots of information about the manatees. Took his suggestion about where to eat lunch. Turned out great too! Would love to bring the grandkids on the tour next time we are in the area.
From US$45.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Explorida