Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Just like our regular tours, you can swim alongside manatees for even longer. Only 6 people per vessel allows for a more personal experience The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wet-suits available in children's size 6 up to 3XL
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River offers the best location to see and interact with the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, also known as gentle giants. Unlike other areas of Florida, the federal government allows for "passive observation" in the water between manatees and people in Kings Bay. This allows face-to-face interaction with manatees. We provide pre-tour education on passive observation and how to get the best experience during the tour. We also offer a hotel package including accommodations and breakfast with your Florida manatee tour. Swimming with the manatees and exploring the greater Kings Bay estuary and springs is extremely popular. Manatee tour experiences are best done by snorkeling while wearing wet suits, making the interaction as silent as possible. This way the manatees are more inclined to approach and get close. We maintain new suits and snorkel gear, all included in our manatee tours, as well as full-service facilities for changing. Your in-water guide will be taking videos and pictures of your manatee experience, which will be available for purchase at the dive shop. All our tour boats are fully enclosed in the winter time to protect you from the wind and cold. We provide coffee, hot chocolate, water and dry towels on every tour. Summer VS Winter Manatee tours are temperature driven. The colder it is the more manatees we see, and the closer they are to the springs. During cold days in manatee season (November 15th to March 31st) Kings Bay could have over 700 manatees. Please keep in mind that even inside manatee season we may have warm weather (summer like conditions). We see manatees in Kings Bay year round. To some this is their home and they'll stay here their whole lives. In the summer months, and anytime we have warmer weather, the temperature of the water outside the springs increments. This makes the rest of the bay more appealing to the manatees. The 20 to 40 manatees that stay here year round don't move together, so they'll spread out in the 630 acres of Kings Bay. This is a wildlife experience determined by weather, tides, time of the day, and the behavior of all visitors. When we have "summer like" conditions you have the opportunity to see manatees in their natural habitat, and it is important to have realistic expectations. We are always happy to answer any questions about what you could expect inside or outside manatee season.
What‘s Included
Boat Coats for cold mornings!
US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!
Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels
Towel Service
Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water
Gratuities
DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase)
Swimsuits
Options
Morning Semi Private
Get out before the rest on our early morning semi private manatee snorkel tour! Tour times may vary on availability.
Reviews
750 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Manatees
Roam25726137467,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Celeste was amazing! She helped us all and got great pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Best crew to spend time on the water with!! ❤️
IngridBurns1984,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We love the team at Plantation Adventure Center!! We just had an amazing weekend with Captain Dave and Guide Tyler for swims and a sunset cruise and Captain Daniel and Guide Tyler for another swim - we were having so much fun we went several times! Loved all the jokes and learning new things about manatees and the area. We've gone with this company many years in a row and have thoroughly enjoyed every trip and the experiences with every member of the company!
Best Manatee Swimming Adventure Company
634beverlym,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the third time we have used Plantation Adventures for manatee swimming. Thee crew knows what they're doing and are a lot of fun to spend time with. They are attentive to protecting the manatees, while also allowing their customers to have a close experience with these beautiful sea creatures.
Absolutely Amazing!!
S7449KSangelam,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If your looking for a true Florida experience, look no further. Their knowledge and passion guarantees you a truly magical experience. I have been out several times with this company and keep coming back because of the wonderful staff. Captains and Dive Masters know the area well and do all they can for you even when the weather is difficult. Highly recommended!!
Top notch!
Brett B,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible! I’ve done this experience twice and would highly recommend for all ages! The guides are very helpful and also fun!
Great family morning with Manatees!
TimothyS300,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great morning swim with Tyler and Captain Mark. They had our family of four all set with a 13 & 11 y/old. The hot chocolate on the boat was perfect when we got back on the boat post swim.
Amazing manatee encounter
Z1823QBjoseluisp,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience. Kendra and Captain Mark were very cordial, entertaining, and knowledgeable of the bay and the manatees. The pictures and videos of our experience were amazing and great quality. Overall we had a fantastic time :-)
Best family adventure
D2340QCjennifers,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time on Thanksgiving day with Michelle and Tyler! We saw a mama & baby as well as two bulls. They were fun & knowledgeable and so easy to hang with! Professional guides & amazing hospitality made our day incredible. We also got great photos & video. Loved every minute & cannot wait to go again!
Must do!
Tat3r ,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had so much fun snorkeling! Captain Dave and Tyler were great, so friendly and knowledgeable. It was a wonderful experience and a must do. It is so unique to see the manatees up close.
Great experience
robertaC6264QM,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Well organized and family friendly. Recommend this trip to anyone interested in a unique nature experience.
From US$98.50
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Operated by Plantation Adventure Center