Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Get up close and personal with these amazing mammals and learn about the ecosystem and their habitat.
Unlike many tours, these Captains will actually swim with you and your group to ensure that you have a memorable experience. While in the water, your captain/tour guide will take high-definition photos and videos of you and your group which you will be able to view and purchase at the end of your trip.
Your price includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) and complimentary coffee or hot cocoa.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Guests with limited mobility are welcome, but must call us to make prior arrangements
Single travelers may be required to change time or date of tour depending upon availability
Use of a ladder is required to get into/out of the water. Please give us a call if you have any health related questions.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits (included in price) and asked to watch a brief video from US Fish and Wildlife outlining their encounter with the manatees. The captain and guide will then take the group to the boat and embark all passengers and give a short safety brief. Once underway, the guide will further explain how to interact with the manatees once in the water and fit the guests with their masks and snorkels. While transiting to the swim areas, the captain and guide will present information about the area wildlife and what guests can expect to see during your tour. They will also answer questions and take pictures along the way. Once the vessel sights manatees, the captain will anchor the vessel and the group and guide will proceed into the water for your encounter. The guide will stay with the group the entire time, ensuring that the guests get the most out of their experience, all while taking photos and videos of your adventure!
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Wetsuits
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Coffee and hot cocoa
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Tour
Reviews
1,356 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect exploration
yanqingm2026,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very responsible guide and good picture! They provide coat, snorkeling mask, wet suit and hot cocoa so everything is perfect. Highly recommend!
Great adventure! Book today!
Patricia R,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sara, Joe, Capt.Mike were awesome! We were nervous because the weather was a bit chilly... wetsuits, jackets, were provided. The trip was great. Only 6 guests and the individual attention was amazing.
Honeymoon snorkeling with Manatees
Wanderer11395887338,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unforgetable expirience on our honeymoon from Czech Republic. :-)
First timmer
Helen D,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Unfortunately it was warm week, so there were very few manatees in relation to how many tour boats there were. We did get to see some and had a nice swim in the beautiful spring.
Not as Advertised
Carrie A,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00This tour is not like the picture shown. It was not clear water with face to face interaction. The water in the channel was so dark and murky you couldn’t see manatees. Only discolored patches in the water below you. You have to be a moderately good swimmer, too.
Fun day for all
Angel H,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Prepare for fun and knowledgeable guides. Sara and Captain Mike were fantastic! They were fun and helpful with the kiddos.
Great Experience!
Terrie F,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sarah and Ron were great! We saw a manatee a couple of times and learned a lot about the crystal river area. Sarah knew all of the ways to get great pictures, kept us informed and safe with other boats. Ron (our captain) taught us more about the water, land, water temperatures. Both of them were so kind they offered great restaurant recommendations after and Ron even waited with me while my car came.
Excellent Experience
Sidonia P,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this adventure! Took our three kids 20, 10, and 6 and had a great time snorkeling with manatees and the springs! Captain Ron and Miss Kayla were top notch!
Fully Recommended
gustavo r,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was perfect. Kaila and The Captan were incredible. Thank you for the amazing time I spent with you guys
Absolutely Incredible Experience
TheSnarkyPixie,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I’ve done manatee tours before, but this was by far the BEST experience ever. Sarah was absolutely amazing—knowledgeable, fun, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. She made the entire expedition feel personal and unforgettable. We had a crazy good tour from start to finish. Got up close (respectfully!) with the manatees, learned so much, and felt completely safe and cared for the whole time. Highly recommend this tour and especially Sarah. If you’re thinking about it… just book it. You won’t regret it.
From US$79.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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