Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
We will let you in on a secret! You can get the high-end experience, with an affordable price tag! Our new heated (during winter), luxury pontoon aims to amp up the manatee sighting and deliver a more personal event! Observe the endangered West Indian Manatee in Crystal River’s idyllic Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your US Coast Guard licensed captains and guides will take you into the 600 acre spring fed refuge waters for viewing and snorkeling with these slow moving wild giants. All equipment, fees, snacks and beverages are included.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wetsuits are available in 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 a plastic bag to hold your belongings
Children Under 3 years old are not allowed on this tour. Please call for other options.
Post COVID-19 Policy- We are mindful to thoroughly clean water vehicles between visitors.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
River Ventures
Embark on your journey with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain who will be your in water chaperon, educator and photographer. Your tour will run four hours from start to finish and everything you will need is included for one price. You will begin at our full-service tour facility, where you will be educated about the animals in a classroom type setting and receive tips for your snorkel tour to make the most of your day. You will be taught the in’s and out’s of ‘passive interaction’ as this ensures that the animals enjoy the experience as much as we do! You will then be suited up and transported to the dock, where a Coast Guard certified covered pontoon will be waiting for you. This rich estuary will amaze…..birds, fish and wildlife abound! Submerge yourself in the manatee’s world! Finish your adventure by viewing your Captain’s photos back at our facility and be sure to visit our one-of-a-kind gift shop! Our well-informed staff will direct to other local attractions, restaurants and answer of your questions before you are on your way.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Use of equipment (mask, snorkel gear and wet suit)
Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish
Beverages (bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and adult)
Gratuities
Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
Photo DVD (available to purchase)
Towel and swimsuit
Options
VIP Swim w/ Manatee Tour
Crystal River Small Group VIP : VIP Swim with manatee tour. 3 hour, heated, small group swim with manatee tour!
Guaranteed VIP Manatee Swim
Including a Manatee Guarantee: VIP Swim with manatee tour. Eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
Reviews
1,032 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight of our trip! Loved the manatees, our Captain, and our guide.
M8507FJmichelleh,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This snorkeling with the manatees tour was the absolute highlight of our trip! What an incredible experience to be so close to those gentle giants. We were lucky enough to have a few swim right under us. And we saw many mommas and their babies. We even saw one baby nursing! Our Captain was Garrett and our guide was Anna. Top notch people!! Very pleasant, and knowledgeable about the area and the manatees (we even chatted with Garrett about dugongs). I highly recommend this tour, this business, and Garrett and Anna. One recommendation: take one of the earliest time slots. We took the second time slot (9:45 arrival time) and by the time we were getting onto the boat to head back it had gotten quite crowded. So our time slot was fine - not too crowded; next time we will take the earlier time for potentially even fewer people.
Indescribable..you have to do it..
M8155JWmarym,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Definitely a bucket list check off.. such amazing creatures.. staff, Crystal and Captain Rob were beyond fantastic and accommodating, can’t thank them enough
Breathtaking experience ! 👍
Jérôme R,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great experimence with really nice people ! Rob and Crystal were so kind to us and let us see so many manatees ! We highly recommend this place ! 👍👍
Winter Break from Georgia
zabeau2014,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I (69) shared the early time slot for Heated Boat VIP Manatee encounter with my daughter (41) and two grands (6 & 11) Highly recommend boat coats for apres swim for the kiddos. Getting on the water early, before the crowds, provided an up close, and clearer water glimpse at these amazing and docile creatures at Three Sisters Springs. Bryan & Gary were awesome captain and guide! Funny, entertaining, helpful, and very knowledgeable hosts! They're also dads of young children and clearly love their job!
Best day ever
Freedom63540986866,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing expiernce. My wife mom and I used this company to go see the manatees and I wish there were more than 5 stars I could give. Everyone was so friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. Our tour guide Nat and captian Melissa, turned what would of been a great expiernce and upgraded it in to just a perfect day for us. We saw some many manatees and the pictures they took looked like they were done by a professional photography company. I can't recommend this place enough. And if you go make sure to ask for Nat and Melissa, they will just upgrade your tour in the best way possible.
Swimming with the Manatees!
Scott H,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Gary and Melissa. Wonderful early morning visit with the manatees. First class operation with excellent friendly and knowledgeable staff. Wonderful time. We will be back. Highly Recommend!
Totally worth it!
DayTrip33072958271,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain mike and guide maleia were awesome! Had so much fun with them. Saw 2 different sets of mom and baby and a few singles.Definatly would gonagain
Went into the springs with clear water then pumped into a mom and twins in the flats
mikeeE6716OD,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jada wonderful time with Gary and Moe
Amazing experience
Resort46575504430,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Capt Chris and Guide Steven were amazing. Educated us on manatees and gave direction on the rules and how to safely observe the manatees without disturbing them or their habitats. Other groups we observed on our trip did not approach with the same care. Highly recommend!!!
Sea cows!!
Regina S,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an informative and entertaining excursion. Our guide,Gary, and captain,Brian,made our first,but not last, swimming with manatees,an enjoyable experience
From US$108.93
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by River Ventures