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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
Including a Manatee Guarantee: Upgrade now to eliminate the risk of not encountering a manatee. No manatees? We'll fully refund you!
3 hour Group tour: Dive into the 'OG’ swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop.
2,357 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tamara D,
Aug 23, 2025
- Viator
We had a wonderful experience, our day was scheduled for a Friday, but the weather had other plans. So they let us reschedule for the next day. We saw three manatees and one of them was a baby. They interacted with us and we had the best time. Natalie and cpt Garrett were helpful and had great energy. I definitely recommend.
Stephanie C,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
It was great. Our driver and tour guide were amazing. They helped find the best locations to swim with manatees and guided us through the whole entire process. We will be coming back for sure. We recommend this to everyone. It was so much fun. The entire family had an amazing day. Thank you so much.
Stacey P,
Aug 16, 2025
- Viator
If you want a friendly service that believes in the conservation of Manatees, who take you in magical tours and are caring and kind then use River Ventures. So organised and professional....but mainly fun.
mirko m,
Aug 11, 2025
- Viator
Beautiful and exciting experience! See the manatees literally twenty centimeters away!!
Berend F,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
You have to overcome a bit to snorkel in the river, where other wildlife also live. But ES is worth discovering the gentle giants. Our son was even offered by a manatee.
Operated by River Ventures