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‘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
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.
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
2,421 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great value, great experience
Jeanie L,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great value for this experience! I went snorkeling with manatees on Dec. 1 and we saw TONS that day! It also happened to be overcast which is a good thing. A few of the manatees were playful. My guide Maleah was attentive and also reassuring that I was behaving and positioned safely around the manatees. Truly loved it! If I'm back in the area, I would go again!
Amazing Day
Cisozi,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Natalie and CPT Ang were a phenomenal team. They do this daily, yet they shared in our enthusiasm and wonder. They were friendly and went out of their way to add some nice touches, like having hot chocolate when we were done. Natalie was awesome in answering the questions our sons had. I can’t imagine a more enjoyable time.
Manatee Tours
Relax34080725753,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Garrett and Piper were the absolute best tour guides. We got to see 4 manatees up close and personal. They were so knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area and so passionate about their job.
Bucket list trip worth every penny!
617annieh,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best Thanksgiving day thanks to Crystal and Captain Mike! We asked for manatees and they delivered! Super informative and Crystal captured amazing photos. Would definitely go again!
Family experience on Thanksgiving Day!
modelt166,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Highly recommend to families with kids! We were swimming with adult mantees and a baby manitee.
Bucket list ✅
Jet45774529005,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the coolest bucket list items ever! We went for my wife’s birthday and it could not have been better. Our guide Steven did an amazing job talking about the life of a manatee and in coordination with Captain Rob they located a group of Manatees very quickly. We swam with these beautiful giants and it did not disappoint! Great photographs taken by Steven will bring back memories for years. The birthday girl received a birthday card signed by the entire crew when we got home. Thanks to River Ventures!
Amazing!!
jenniferbW9341NO,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Crystal and Garrett were amazing tour guides!! Attentive and caring to everyone on board!! We will definitely book again with them!!
Wait was worth it!
Jvertigo7878,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Garett and crystal were amazing. They used the drone to find a manatee. We waited patiently and it paid off as the manatee swam out from under the boat dock and gave us all a beautiful visit. It was beautiful and majestic to watch. Everyone was very respectful of this wonderful creature. This was a great experience to swim along such incredible creatures.
Great crew and wonderful experience
ChiltonTransplant,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Bryan and our guide, Piper, did an amazing job keeping us entertained and informed. The staff in the office were very friendly and answered all our questions. The manatees were the only intangible, but thanks to our crew were were able to find one and swim with her! I highly recommend this crew.
Great experience
2MichaelW2,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We made the tour with Natalie and captain Amazon. It was a great experience. We went on rge tour with 4 people, but only 2 went snorkeling. The remaining 2 enjoyed the trip as well and had a good time with the captein while the rest of us went into the water. Natalie and Amazon took good care of us and made sure we see a manatee and so we did. We felt very comfortable the whole time and Natalie explained a lot and it felt she knew everything about manatees and the whole bay. She also took nice pictures and videos of us. I can highly recommend the trip,
From US$76.07
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Chat with us on social
Related Experiences
Operated by River Ventures