Private Tour
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
This private manatee snorkle tour may only be 3 hours, but the memories for your group will last a lifetime! Your very own USCG certified captain will embark with your private group to explore the refuge and get you up close with our ‘gentle giants’!
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Price reflects 1 to 10 people
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Post COVID-19 Policy- We are mindful to thoroughly clean water vehicles between visitors.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
River Ventures
After checking in at the tour center you will watch a brief video about the manatees, go over the rules of swimming and how to interact in a manner that is fun for both you and the manatees. You are then fitted for a wetsuit to prepare you for your snorkeling adventure. Your guides will photograph the highlights of your entire manatee swim tour from start to finish, both above and below the water. Upon returning to the tour center, a high-resolution picture CD containing images from your manatee tour will be available for you to purchase if desired.
Professional guide
Private tour
Bottled Water provided
All gear included
Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
DVD (available to purchase)
Including a Manatee Guarantee: Private tour - up to 10 ppl. Eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
Private Swim w/ Manatee 10ppl: Private Swim with the Manatees tour. Valid for up to ten (10) passengers.
593 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jet40105866312,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experience, great guide and captain and everyone else was friendly and amazing. Got to see lots of manatees and we definitely be back soon!



jenniferwP4804RI,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Extraordinary customer service! Captain Melissa and tour guide Piper were two of the most passionate knowledgeable people we have ever met! The care and education provided will benefit the ecosystem for now and in the future! Your company is far superior to any others due to the quality of these impressive ladies! Thank you for making life long memories with us! If I could give unlimited amount of stars for this review, I totally would!!


jessicakL4929VJ,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thank you to our guide Piper (The manatee whisperer) & Captain Melissa for an incredible and unforgettable experience this morning. Oh, and the hot Manatee Latte (coffee with hot chocolate) was amazing in the 30 degree weather!
H6684DOjessican,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nat and Mike were absolutely amazing guides , they were so sweet and funny and I would recommend them time and time again ! Can’t wait to do this again :)
G9225ISvanessar,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Moe and Crystal were AMAZING! This was a once in a lifetime experience and they were the best guide and captain! We saw so many manatees and they were so kind and personable!
christinefQ8005KW,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Best day ever!! From meeting Molly and Macho at the headquarters and getting kissed on the face by a manatee this was just an incredible experience. The staff was so personable and knowledgeable and fun! We really loved it. Worth every penny.. I would recommend to all my friends and family River Venture. Moe and Gary were the best!!!
N5810EHlisat,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Maleah and Garrett were great! I had the best time, and saw so many manatees. Will definitely be doing it again.




880drewe,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Maleah and Melissa showed us a great time. We saw a few small groups of Manatees and your hosts made the trip very interesting. Their knowledge of the animals and area was excellent.
544st,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The manatees were majestic. Melissa, Crystal, and Shawn were fantastic. We went with a school group (which we know can be a pain) and they were so helpful and accommodating. The wind and temp was freezing, but we made the most of it and they were ready with hot chocolate and smiles. 10/10 would see all of the manatees again.
Jmalette2,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing experience! Moe and Steven were great guides. Granddaughter's birthday was a joyful one. The red face while singing happy birthday was perfect! Thank you for everything ❤️

Operated by River Ventures