Kings Bay Manatee Watching Cruise
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Explore the heart of manatee country right here in Crystal River—all while staying warm, dry, and comfortable aboard our exceptional tour boat. This covered vessel offers a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
Enjoy up-close views of Florida’s diverse wildlife, with the chance to spot our world-famous manatees along with river otters, turtles, osprey, and more—all from the comfort of your seat.
Please note: This is a viewing tour only and does not include swimming.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River
Visit the home of the manatee here in Crystal River, while staying high and dry on our exceptional tour boat. This boat is covered, warm, and comfortable to ensure your comfort while you enjoy the views of the wildlife refuge. There is a chance to see our world-famous manatee and many other species of wildlife such as river otters, turtles, osprey, and so much more. This is not a swim tour.
What‘s Included
Parking Fees
Options
Kings Bay Manatee Watching Cruise
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Manatee tour with Captain Mark
Jean M,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mark was entertaining and also took time to point out every manatee. We really enjoyed it!! We also saw a school of dolphins Chasing mullet.
Captain Mark is the best!...
Melissa R,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Mark is the best! He is very knowledgeable about the manatees, springs, and history of the area. 10/10 highly recommend.
Good captain
ROBERT B,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dress warm it gets nippy out on the water. Great captain , very knowledgeable about the history and the manatee.
It was a great time....
smilieface731,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great time. Informational and relaxing. Saw lots of manatees. You can bring drinks and snacks.
Great low key way to see manatees
lorryp2021,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Philip gave us a great tour Great dock area for docking
love the cruise with Manatees, captain Philip
irenewQ7510ZV,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and friends had a great time with captain Philip!! He is a very knowledgeable about manatees and the King's bay history. He also gave good tips on great restaurants and other things to do in the area. We were very fortune to see >200 manatees. we absolutely love the tour and can't wait to come back for swim tour with Manatees next time.
It was a very fun boat...
Jenny R,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a very fun boat ride. Glenn our boat driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot about the manatees and the area.
What a pleasure!
Have a,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00First of all hats off to Captain Phillip! He was a polite,entertaining,professional. We so enjoyed our Manatee watching experience. He had some great stories and definitely knew where to find the manatee. I also want to give a thank you to the person who rescheduled our tour due to one person's illness. We were unable to do it the through viator, but when called the tour directly, they took care of it. Thank you for being so kind and so helpful.
Beautiful
Ryan Z,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing caption, very knowledgeable about the bay and everything in and around it. Manatees are awesome
Steve gave a great tour...
Debi H,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Steve gave a great tour of the area with a lot of interesting stories. We didn't see too many manatees, due to the weather had warming up. Nice staff & shop.
Related Experiences
Operated by Waterfront Adventures; Swimming with the Manatees