Swim with Manatees: Eco-Educational Tour in Crystal River
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join us in the only place where swimming with wild manatees is legally permitted—and do it the right way. Crystal River Watersports offers a guided, eco-conscious experience that emphasizes education, sustainability, and wildlife respect. We limit group sizes and operate with certified in-water guides trained in manatee manners, ensuring a meaningful and ethical encounter.
Guided swim with wild manatees in the Kings Bay, Guides act as phographer and Onboard naturalist briefing on manatee behavior, conservation, and local ecology
Use of wetsuits and snorkel gear incl
Professional in-water guide to ensure respectful interactions and safety with current CPR and SCUBA agency trained professionals.
Eco-Ethical Focus: We are members of the Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide program and voluntarily adhere to the highest standards of responsible wildlife tourism.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour!
Wear bathing suits for your arrival
Bring Towels & Sunscreen.
Bring clothes to put on once done swimming that may get wet, but will keep you comfortable for the return boat ride.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River Watersports
The address is our marina/dive shop and here you will get ready for your boat tour and manatee swim.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Bottled water
Tour escort/host
Driver/guide
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Live commentary on board
Local taxes
Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Afternoon Tour
Late morning/Early afternoon tour - great for those doing a day trip from Orlando, Tampa or the beaches. Minimum of 2 people
Morning Manatee Tour
Early morning tour. Recommended.
Reviews
247 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely phenomenal experience with Crystal River Watersports!
katewU4452WG,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a manatee snorkel tour and it was truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Captain Juan and our guide, Ralph, were incredible—so kind, professional, and unbelievably knowledgeable. They taught us not just about the manatees, but about the entire ecosystem and history of the area. Ralph even brought bones and skulls to help explain what we were seeing, which made the experience educational in the best possible way. They knew exactly where to take us to find manatees in quieter, less crowded areas, which made the encounters feel respectful, peaceful, and absolutely magical. We had amazing interactions while always feeling like the manatees’ safety and comfort came first. If you’re considering a manatee tour, HIGHLY recommend Crystal River Watersports. This is the team you want—expert, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We would do it again in a heartbeat!
A memorable experience
308douglasl,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The boat captain and guide were excellent. I was surprised at how many people were there doing what we were doing. A great family outing
Book with this group!
Laurenator,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time and highly recommend this group for swimming with manatees in Crystal River! Juan and Leah were great guides, making sure our group had fun and were taken care of. The jackets and hand warmers were great when we got out. Hope to be back again, it was an unforgettable experience!
Great Experiance / Snorkeling with Manatees
jensp972,,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are a Family of 4 adults and had a Manatee Tour. It was fantastic to swim and snorkel with the Manatees. Dakota and John, our tour guides, explained us the Environment, the nature and found good places for snorkeling with the Manatees. Thea have made it to a great experiance.
Amazing Crew made for unforgettable Experience
Michael E,,May 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was phenomenal from the greeting by the office staff until I left. Capt Jim and Guide Kat were great. They provided an educational yet fun trip. There was extra effort to bypass other groups and continue looking in multiple locations for manatees. We ended up seeing 5 or 6 in the water including a mom and nursing calf. A rescue/released manatee with a tag came to us and Kat took us away from it to let it be. They provided as ecologically friendly tour as possible for the manatees and their environment. “I’ll be back!”
A must do if you’re in Florida!
Gary B,,Apr 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the manatee snorkel tour with Captain Juan and Ralph. This operation is outstanding, small tour groups, not that huge cattle boats out there trying to find manatee. We had a blast and saw lots of manatee and have great pictures and memories. Cpt Juan was that standing, we are so much about manatees, the history come in the area. Absolutely amazing trip you must do.
Manatees Swim….
Paul2310wyatt,,Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leah and the captain brilliant. Leah helped my wife all throughout the swim, as she can get panicky in water, She was snorkelling like a mermaid by the end. Main thing was we saw manatees, even if the water was not totally clear. Great experience for us and the granddaughter.
Highly recommend CRWS!!
cherinak2023,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great time and a wonderful experience. Captain Sandy and Yvette were great, very knowledgeable, and so friendly. They made the trip great! We got to see plenty of manatees and Yvette got some really good pictures and videos. Make sure you bring warm clothes and extra towels for the ride back. With the wind, it gets pretty chilly.
Great Manatee encounter
dmillerop,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very fun, but very chilly adventure with Cpt. Sandy and Dakota. We saw several manatees and learned a lot about them. We also saw a lot of birds and Sandy was pretty helpful in this. I would recommend this tour.
BE AWARE!
Journey40143648213,,Mar 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Be aware! The tour company never mentioned low visibility conditions. As a customer, we didn't worry about visibility when the business name is Crystal River Watersports, their website photos show pristine blue waters, and there had not been any rain or hurricanes that would have created low visibility. We are scuba divers (I also worked with a business taking customers out diving in the Gulf), and we understand that no one controls nature, still, any honest business has the responsibility to let customers know when visibility conditions are less than ideal. Long story short, staff was great! Manatee viewing was terrible. We had a maximum of 3 feet of cloudy visibility. The staff had to tell us when the manatee was swimming close by, otherwise we would miss it. We paid our bill and tipped $20 each crew member. We learned our lesson and will check visibility and recommend everyone else to do the same.
From US$100.11
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