Private Tour
VIP Private Boat Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photograper
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our famous manatee residents! This in-water manatee snorkel experience is EXTRA special since the 6-passenger boat is strictly dedicated to you and your party and includes a FREE photo package. ($40 value.)
Each winter between 700 and 1000 manatees migrate here seeking out our three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C). Even in the warm summer months, Crystal River has a local population of 70-100 manatees that remain here year round. Due to efforts by many local, state and federal entities, our manatee population is thriving. We feel that an in-water swim experience is an important part of this education and conservation effort. Our team of highly trained in-water guides ensure your experience with this cherished and threatened species is handled with the utmost care and respect by encouraging passive observation.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please Note: Children 7 and under must be under adult passenger supervision at all times. Children six (6) and under must wear a life vest at all times when the boat is in motion.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Crystal River is the manatee capital of the world, and we are the only place where you can have the unique experience of swimming with these gentle giants in their habitat on your own PRIVATE VIP EXCURSION! Once you arrive at Salty Siren Tours the adventure begins! You will meet your in-water guide and photographer who will discuss your upcoming manatee interaction and answer any questions you may have. (All required gear, hot and cold beverages and snacks are included on the VIP excursion.) After explaining passive observation and how to properly interact in the water with our precious manatees, we will transport you to our departure location. From there you will board your immaculately clean tour vessel for the experience of a lifetime! Complimentary hot and cold beverages and snacks included. After becoming comfortable in the water, your guide will escort you to passively observe and these majestic mammals. We also take underwater photos of your trip (which are included in the price of your VIP tour) so you can share the manatee love! REFUND POLICY: 50% refund if cancellation is within 7 days of your departure. No refund if cancelled within 72 hours of departure.
What‘s Included
Heated Houseboat Cabin and On-Board Restroom
Bottled water
Snacks
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuit
Professional Photo Package ($40 Value)
Coffee and/or Tea
Towels, hats, sunblock and sunglasses are not provided, but highly recommended.
Options
VIP Private Boat Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photograper
Reviews
51 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrific experience!
edsrecommendations,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did a manatee tour with Captain Ed and Tyler of Salty Siren Tours and loved every minute of it! Both of these guys were very informative and made the whole experience enjoyable with their funny stories and knowledge of the area and especially of the manatee. Also, Captain Kim in their shop couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating to say of our needs. Highly recommend Salty Siren if you want to swim with the manatee. Manatee sighting guaranteed!
I highly recommend it
jasgiaco,,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was excellent, even though the water wasn’t very clear. We saw a few manatees, including a baby with its mother. I always felt comfortable and safe. Thank you Tyler, you did a great job!
The best manatee snorkel experience ever!
U4334IBkristinn,,Jun 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time snorkeling with manatees! So much fun! Our guide Robin was so sweet and knowledgeable. She made the tour an unforgettable experience! We highly recommend Salty Siren Tours and Charters. They’re the best and we will be back! Our kids (11 & 6) wanted to get out of the water early and the captain took care of them on the boat while my husband and I enjoyed more time in the water with the manatees. They had plenty of yummy snacks to keep them occupied. They have everything you need including wet suits, snorkel gear and hot drinks to warm up after your tour. The manatee mocha was so good. They make you feel like a VIP. Thank you so much Salty Siren Tours and Charters!
Highly recommend this if you are in the area amazing people and experience
V4503IAoliviaw,,Jun 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! Tyler was our guide helped us see multiple manatees. Our boat captain guided us to an alligator after we hadn’t seen any on our trip. Would highly recommend and come back if we were in the area!
Amazing Experience!!
N3902XYtonyas,,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Kim, Captain Ed, and guide Tyler, were AMAZING. Even though the manatees were hiding, they took their time to make sure we found a few manatees to swim with! They were all very patient with our hyperactive toddler. Highly recommend 10/10!
Swam with the floaty potatoes (Manatees)
T7241XIjoshp,,Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got to see 4-5 manatees! One of which was a baby! It was a great time. Captain Ed and Captain Jessica were awesome! They went out of their way to make sure we got a full experience allowing us to move spots when our first manatee swam away. Great experience. Absolutely worth the cost and would do again in a heartbeat! Would have stayed all day of possible!
Amazing afternoon in Crystal River !
P344GPlindsayp,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 100% recommend coming to Crystal River FL to swim with the manatees - and I 1000% recommend booking a tour with the group at Salty Siren! Captain Kim is an angel and such a wonderful advocate for these awesome animals! Not to mention our tour guide Tyler made the experience in the water amazing - we got so close to the manatees while in the water! After swimming, Captain Randy gave us some Manatee Mochas (coffee and hot cocoa) while boating around - We even saw a bottlenose dolphin swimming in the springs! Captain Ed got awesome drone footage of the dolphin fishing around in the area. The whole experience was great and we are so appreciative! Thank you everyone - We love the manatees and all the wildlife that call Florida home! See ya next time! Ps - get the photo package you won’t be disappointed!
Swimming with Manatees
maxinec454,,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tyler was our guide and amazing.... very personable, knowledgeable and great! This is our second time returning to The Salty Siren- they don't disappoint!
Best Manteé tour I ever took!
Resort779208,,Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Love LOVE the experience! Much more intimate, friendly and comfortable journey. Would definitely bring others to do it again!
Great experience
emilytH5637VV,,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So many manatees!!!! Crew and staff were very knowledgeable And we learned many wonderful facts. Loved that they respected the wildlife, too
Related Experiences
Operated by Salt River, LLC