Semi-Private Manatee snorkeling with In Water Guide
Overview
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the beauty of Crystal River, Florida, by joining our eco-conscious and small-group manatee snorkel tours. Immerse yourself in the natural habitat of these gentle creatures as you swim alongside them. With a maximum of 9 guests per boat, we prioritize heartfelt and sustainable experience that benefits both our guests and the manatees.
Please remember that our manatees are not in captivity, so they are not trained to come up to you. These tours are conducted in their natural habitat, meaning that every tour we perform is different.
We are proud to be the only Manatee Tour Company in Crystal River Florida that has a education program for not only our manatees but now our onsite Aquarium with a focus on Native and Invasive species in Florida. The semi-private tour includes entry to the Aquarium
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
moderate to heavy exercise
If Snorkeling, guest must be able to get up and down 4 step ladder
Service Dogs/pets may be required to Purchase a private tour
Snorkeling is not recommended for anyone with recent surgeries
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Wetsuit, pool noodle, mask and snorkel
Towels so guests can rinse off in our complimentary showers after their tour. Towels are not provided for the boat ride itself
Ice Water and Snacks on Boat
Transportation to dock
Aquarium Entry
In Water Guide & Photographer
Gratuities
Photo Package
Bathing suit
What To Expect
Guests check in at the front desk, and then a tour guide will show everyone USFW's Manatee Manners video, instruct our snorkel briefing, and fit everyone for wetsuits. Once it is time, all guests will be shuttled down the dock to meet their Captain. Once on the boat the Captain will take everyone on Kings Bay to locate a manatee to snorkel with. The tour is 3 Hours in Total, with 1 hour of prepwork and 2 on the water. Prepare to spend up to 3 ½ hours including all of the necessary prep work before your tour Minimum of 2 guests required to preform the tour Our boats carry up to 9, for groups larger than 6 please contact us. Minimum of 3 people to perform tour This snorkel experience happens in the manatees natural habitat, which is what makes this so special! They are not captive animals and are free to roam any part of our 588 acre bay. Please keep this in mind when you book your tour, as every trip is different than the last and things like amount of manatees, water clarity, etc are out of our control.
Options
Manatee Swim Tour
Coffee, Hot Coco, water
Reviews
159 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it!
Chris L,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Emmitt the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and captain Michelle drove us around safely. We saw 1 manatee and hung out in that area for about 20 minutes and as a group decided to get back on the boat and look for more. We didn’t find any more but did have a nice boat ride with nice scenery and saw 4 gators. Happy with our purchase.
So much fun!
Elissa J,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Colin and Michelle were fantastic hosts! Had a blast!! They were fun, energetic, engaging and taught us so much about both manatees and the springs! We will be back!
The water is murky and it...
Celeste Z,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The water is murky and it may be difficult to make out the manatee right away. Aubry is very skilled and conscientious about the welfare and engagement of her participants.
Great experience! It was...
Brandon t,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Great experience! It was a little crowded this time of year which I believe scared the manatees away, but our captain and guide did a great job of finding them. This was our 2nd time so it's definitely work it!
Excellent guides! Thank...
Danika W,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guides! Thank you Michelle and Aubrey! Beautiful day on the water and loved the manatees! Love that this company donates to Manatee causes!
Great manatee snorkel & swim !
markbW3433WG,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time snorkeling with the Manatees. We were concerned as this was early April and most of the manatees have moved out to the gulf; however boat driver Carlo had no problem finding some to swim with. First a mama and juvenile a while and then later a baby ! Our guide Jeff shared tons of great info, stayed near by and always suggesting where to be, go next etc. Also watch 2 pairs of dolphins corral a school of mullets up into a sea wall and then a feeding frenzy ! We also had some time to swim over a couple of the spring heads - very interesting.
Bait and Switch
Michael K,
Apr 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The experience was nothing as advertised. Multiple photos and video show clear water and good visibility and interaction with the animals. We were taken to a murky bay with 1 foot visibility. Total bait and switch. DO NOT RECOMMEND
Kelly & Tom were great!
Shannon M,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was so peaceful to be around such gentle giants! My son and I enjoyed every minute. The manatees were amazing to be near.
Use a different company
dannetten,
Mar 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I paid for the semi private tour because it stated the tour was NEVER crowded- untrue. The boat had more people than outlined on the website which meant it was hard to see the manatees because everyone wanted to crowd around. Because the water is very murky (we were in a different area than what you see in pictures), you had to be about 2 feet from the manatees to see it. You could not even view from the boat because the water is so murky. Having additional people made it very crowded. The management did not provide what was promised: no towels, coffee/bottled water, nor snacks. I asked only for a partial refund, the difference from the standard group tour and the semi private tour, I was told I was ridiculous and would not be refunded.
Manatee Swim
Deborah P,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The water was a little murky but our in water guide would try and get us to the manatees so we could be right there with them. I had a couple of them swim directly beneath me I had a great time and would recommend this activity to anyone.
-25% off
From $56.00Was $75.00
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Operated by Sea Daddys Adventures and Dive Center