Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our most famous residents - West Indian Manatees. During the Summer months, the Bay holds approximately 75 to 80 resident manatees.
Each winter between 700 and 1000 manatees migrate here seeking out our three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C). Even in the warm summer months, Crystal River has a local population of 70-100 manatees that remain here year round. Due to efforts by many local, state and federal entities, our manatee population is thriving. We feel that an in-water swim experience is an important part of this education and conservation effort. Our team of highly trained in-water guides ensure your experience with this cherished and threatened species is handled with the utmost care and respect by encouraging passive observation.
With only 6 passengers per boat you are guaranteed a special small group interaction.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please Note: Children 6 and under must be under adult passenger supervision at all times. Children six (6) and under must wear a life vest at all times when the boat is in motion.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Heated Enclosed Pontoon Boat
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuit
Coffee and/or Tea
Towels, sunblock, sunglasses and hats are not included but highly encouraged.
Gratuity for Captain and Crew (15% - 20% Standard)
What To Expect
Crystal River is the manatee capital of the world, and we are fortunate enough to be the only place where you can have the unique experience of swimming with these gentle giants in their own natural habitat! Once you arrive at Salty Siren Tours the adventure begins! After checking in, you will be fitted with one of our high quality wetsuits. (All required gear is included in the cost of your charter.) From there, you'll meet your in-water guide and photographer who will discuss your upcoming manatee interaction and answer any questions you may have. After we explain passive observation and how to properly interact in the water with our precious manatees, we will transport you to our departure location in our comfortable 15 passenger van. From there you will board your immaculately clean tour vessel for the experience of a lifetime! During your trip your guide will escort you to passively observe and these majestic mammals. We also take underwater photos of your trip (which can be purchased for an additional fee) so you can share the manatee love! CANCELLATION POLICY: 50% Refund if cancelled within 7 days of travel, non-refundable if cancelled within 72 hours of travel.
Options
Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photographer
Reviews
522 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The best experience we’ve...
Jenna L,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The best experience we’ve ever done! Sam, Ed and Kim were amazing and we had the chance to spend time with beautiful manatees and a baby one! Would recommend them to everyone don’t hesitate just book with these guys!
Just book it you won’t regret it!
pipey278,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unbelievable experience from start to finish. Sam, Ed and the team are amazing. We had the best time and saw lots of manatees even an inquisitive baby manatee. We will never forget this! Everyone at Salty Sirens was truly brilliant and we were blessed we had them to take us on this experience.
Fantastic Tour
tamaragF9962WZ,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a tour with Capt. Jessica and Tyler. It was fantastic. Both were very friendly, explained a lot about the current state of the waters and the lifestyle of the manatees. We were a small group, so they could individually attend to us. We would gladly do it again!
Best manatee tour EVER!
carlabF7007UB,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most amazing tour and friendly people, cannot put into words how amazing this tour and the people running it are. Will be coming back to use them time and time again! Brilliant x
Worth every penny
antoniomL4612NC,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time, very friendly and informative service. Getting up close the the sea potato is something i will never forget. Will use again.
Great Trip!
whitneybA4101NB,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Ed and Tyler were amazing today on our manatee tour! Super friendly, knowledgeable, and overall amazing. Highly recommend!!!
Salty Sirens awesome bucket list experience
amywK7492EE,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Capt Kim was the absolute best. My mom was scared & she was so patient. She has a drone & was awesome for finding manatees fast & GREAT pics! Can’t recommend Salty Sirens enough!!!
Awesome Manatee Swim tour
patriciasF888YV,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome Swim with the Manatees tour with Captain Ed and Tyler. Tyler directed us to the area while explaining everything about the sweet Sea Cows. Tyler was also our photographer and he got some amazing shots for us. He took 139 shots and videos for us which they sold for a very reasonable price. We experienced Manatees surfacing to breath inside of our little circle Tyler arranged us in for wonderful pictures and experience. Three of our group actually were touched by a Manatee, which made our day! At the end of our swim we enjoyed a delicious hot beverage. Kim, back at the shop was also very helpful to us with the cute little souvenirs we bought and had more interesting Manatee stories to share with us. If you are looking for a great Manatee experience, you should consider Salty Sirens. You will not be disappointed.
Do yourself a favor and choose Salty Siren!! 🧜♀️❤️
Traveler51728964830,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00WOW!! We 100% recommend Salty Siren for a swim with manatees!!! Captain Ed and Guide Tyler were incredible!! The entire staff was very friendly and attentive. They ensured we had a great experience from beginning to end! If you are considering a swim tour with manatees, please choose Salty Siren!! 🧜♀️⛴️⚓️❤️
Manatees<3
41juhyunl,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! Surreal interactions:) Learned a lot about manatees! Captain Kim was so informative, enjoyed every single minute here. Will visit again in winter!! Big shoutouts to Tyler and Cap Randy too!!
From $89.99
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Operated by Salt River, LLC