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
1,331 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Really Unique Experience!
Chelsea K,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My husband and I had a great time this past weekend on the manatee snorkel tour! Our tour guide, Crystal, and Captain Mike were incredible. The gulf was warm when we went, so there weren't too many manatees, but Crystal was determined to find one for us and she did! It was so much fun and the hot chocolate on the way back was much appreciated. I recommend booking right through the company directly as they often have discounts. Gulf Coast Expeditions: (352) 220-6038 www.GCExpeditions.com [email protected]
Best experience seeing manatees
Deborah L,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great experience! Although our group was a bit larger than it should’ve been due to staffing issues, our guide Crystal, managed it all amazingly. She lead us to pockets of areas to see the list manatees and away from the crowds as much as possible. We saw so many beautiful floaty potatoes up close and personal. Highly recommend this tour and definitely ask for Crystal!
Great operators! Really...
Jeffery S,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great operators! Really wanted to give a superb experience! They gave lots of details and took very good photos
Manatees Galore!!!
Deblynch23,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience! Our group was a bit larger than it should’ve been due to staffing issues, but Crystal handled the group extraordinarily well. Once we got in the water, wow! Manatees everywhere! They swam under us and beside us and even popped up a few times to breathe and look at us. Love the floaty potatoes! As mentioned earlier, Crystal had the patience of a saint dealing with some very needy members (adults and children) that were in our group. It was a wonderful experience and we plan to return with other guests visiting us.
What a great experience!
Paula M,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We got to see numerous manatees up close and personal. We had a fantastic time.
Excellent experience!!!!!!!!!
Julie C,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was excellent!! The staff was so helpful and friendly. I would recommend them 100%. The staff was knowledgeable. They took the time to make sure that we had a wonderful experience. I would definitely book again
Great day with manatees
Christine S,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing day on the water in a bay. Saw lots of manatees. The water was kinda murky but could still see the manatees. Was fun watching above water as well. Captain and guide were great!
Great small group
Samantha B,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My aunt and I decided to do the manatee swim unknowingly on Manatee festival weekend so the crowds were at their peak. It made booking with a small group all the more better as we had so many more opportunities to see the manatees with less water disturbance from a big group and making it easy to move from area to area. Our guides gave us plenty of time and when we were ready to get out we didn’t have to sit on the water and wait in the cold. We were ready to head back to the dock with our park and warm drinks.
Very good...
Erik S,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good company/experience. Explained everything and the guide Celeste was great. Saw a ton of manatees
Manatees!
sharona608,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic small group tour snorkeling with the manatees. Both the Captain and guide ensured everyone was safe (including the manatees)m well informed, and toasty warm after our experience. Book this tour if you want to see the manatees right there in the water with you!
From US$79.00
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Operated by Gulf Coast Expeditions