The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Join River Venture’s 5-star crew and dive into the ‘OG’ swim with manatee experience with our HD photographer. Our full service, one-stop shop can guarantee manatees and more!
The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee:
Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!
Manatee Guarantee Optional Upgrade($):
No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.
Tour options for any budget:
Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.
Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats:
Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins
Over 5000 5-star reviews online!
Need we say more?
Your A-Team:
Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards
Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wetsuits are available in all sizes from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to 5X
It is advised that you have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
Please bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your tour.
Children under 3 years old are not allowed on this tour. Please call for other options.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Dive into the 'OG’ swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop. Join our 5-star crew load up on manatee facts while our photographer captures your adventure in HD. Meet and greet the most experienced Crew in town at River Ventures Tour Center. Learn about USFWS Manatee Encounter Rules and get fitted for a wetsuit in a classroom setting. Board coast guard boat with full isinglass enclosure during winter. Cruise Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs and more while searching for manatees. Swim with Manatee while Guide captures your experience with top-of-the-line HD action camera. Return to Tour Center, sip on coffee and hot cocoa while shopping for souvenirs /photos. Expectations & Conditions We prioritize both the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of the Crystal River manatees. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations when engaging in encounters with wild manatees since we cannot control their behavior or migration patterns. Each trip is distinct, offering a unique experience for every individual. For detailed information on current conditions, we encourage you to contact us directly.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
In-water Guide & Photographer
Hot Cocoa
USCG Master Captain
Mask, Snorkel & Full-length Wetsuit
Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish
Gratuities
Photo Package
Towel and swimsuit
Options
Guaranteed Manatee Swim Tour
Including a Manatee Guarantee: Upgrade now to eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
Manatee Swim Tour
3 hour Group tour: Dive into the 'OG’ swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop.
Reviews
2,560 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What an amazing experience!!!!
B7188RZbrandonn,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I just did the manatee snorkel tour yesterday and it was an amazing experience. We had Piper and Captain Michelle and we could not have asked for better people. They went above and beyond to ensure we found some manatees (it was a warmer day with less in the bay) and had the best experience. 10/10 I would recommend River Ventures and Piper and Michelle. We plan on going again next year and will be requesting them again.
Amazing Experience!!!
ishaliyal,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the start, the experience was amazing. We had to watch a short video for instructions about what not to do, and what we’re allowed to do. Our in-water guide Lauren was such an awesome person, she helped with our young family member and was so sweet and patient with her and everyone. Our shuttle driver James helped us with the transportation to the dock and back, and with our check in process. Finally our captain Bryan was awesome as well, and stayed fully engaged with us during the time we were in the water/on the boat.
OG tour
jonsV2433ZN,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip even with bad weather
Manatee snorkel
M2375KFandreal,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was absolutely amazing. Felt very safe and Mike and Shawn did a wonderful job.
Would absolutely recommend and book again in the future.
Patrick D,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Took us on a very short bus ride (<5 minutes), Took us on a short boat ride (<15 minutes) The staff were knowledgeable and easy to talk with. They gave clear instructions for when we enter the water and good expectations on what to expect. They made the experience even better. I would definitely book with this company again!
Amazing experience with the manatees
emmabU2531SO,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience, plenty of opportunities to swim up to the manatees and they swam under me which was amazing. The guide and boat captain were friendly and knowledgeable and made the experience fun. The only thing I would say is that the photos were disappointing it would have been nice to get a photo with my husband under the water but everything else was great.
amazing adventure
Linda A,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing and an experience you will never forget! Our guide was Piper. She was funny, knowledgeable, and caring. We were surrounded by manatees.
Very disappointed Only...
Robert S,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Very disappointed Only got to see one manatee on top of that. The guide didn’t get any pictures of us did not wait for us at all. The captain of the boat had to tell her hey how about you wait for the people in the back to come up I was hoping way more than what we got . I say that I would probably try a different company water was very murky.
Fabulous adventure!
CindyH515,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a marvelous experience! Our guide, Gary, and boat Captain, Brian, were both personable, humorous and told great stories about the area and the wildlife. Gary gave good instructions, kept us safe and got us close enough to see numerous manatees. It was a fabulous adventure. We would definitely do it again.
I'll Give Them Two Thumbs Up!
Y6283VCsusanh,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time snorkeling this morning with Captain JJ and guide Anna. Both were very friendly yet professional, very knowledgeable and helpful. It turned out that our destination--Three Sisters Springs--was very crowded, and not all the other swimmers were being considerate; the kids, in particular, were kicking their feet and walking on the bottom, stirring up silt. We did see manatees there, but not as clearly as we'd hoped. So Anna and JJ decided to try a different spot, Jurassic Spring. There we found quite a few manatees, mostly sleeping, but not all. It was much quieter there and we didn't feel crowded at all. To make things even better, we also saw a stingray on the bottom. That was definitely cool. I really appreciated the way the tour was conducted and the willingness of our captain and guide to be flexible in order to give us a good trip.
From US$76.07
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