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Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

5 (713)
Crystal River, US
5 (713)
Crystal River, US
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Immerse yourselves in the enchanting world of the Florida manatees with our Small Group Manatee Tour. With only 6 people per vessel, you are guaranteed a personal and unforgettable experience in Crystal River. Swim alongside these gentle giants for an extended period of time, equipped with everything you need - full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, and more. Our knowledgeable guides will provide pre-tour education on passive observation, ensuring you have the best face-to-face interaction with the manatees. Capture precious memories with photos and videos taken by our in-water divemaster/photographer. After your incredible encounter, explore the breathtaking Kings Bay estuary and springs. You can even purchase a hotel package for a seamless and comfortable experience. Book now and let the magic of the manatees leave you in awe.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Small Group Tour, Private Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Swimming with manatees in Kings Bay
  • Silent interaction with gentle giants
  • Full-service facilities for changing and equipment maintenance
  • In-water guide capturing videos and pictures of your experience
  • Fully enclosed tour boats for winter protection
  • Boat Coats for cold mornings!
  • US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!
  • Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels
  • Towel Service
  • Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water
  • Gratuities
  • DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase)
  • Swimsuits

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the incredible world of the Florida manatees with the small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer. This guided tour takes you to Crystal River, the perfect location for swimming alongside these gentle giants. Unlike other areas in Florida, Crystal River allows for "passive observation," meaning you can have face-to-face interaction with the manatees. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover the magic of these amazing creatures. The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as wet suits, snorkels, and masks, ensuring you have a comfortable and unforgettable experience.

What to Expect?

During this Manatee Tour, you can anticipate an up-close encounter with the Florida manatees, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. These curious and magnificent creatures will swim gracefully alongside you as you explore the Kings Bay estuary and springs. By snorkeling silently in wet suits, you create a peaceful environment that entices the manatees to approach and interact with you. Immerse yourself in their world and witness their playful behaviors as your in-water guide captures stunning photos and videos of your experience.

Who is this for?

This tour is suitable for anyone who wants to witness the beauty of the Florida manatees and explore the wonders of Crystal River. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply someone seeking a unique adventure, this tour caters to all. Bring your family, friends, or go solo on this small group tour with a maximum of six people per vessel. Everyone will be captivated by the magical encounter with these gentle giants.

Why book this?

From the moment you set foot in Crystal River, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty that surrounds you. The federal government allows "passive observation" in the water, ensuring a face-to-face interaction with the manatees. Our experienced guides provide pre-tour education on passive observation, making sure you get the most out of your tour. Our all-inclusive package covers not only the necessary equipment but also towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats, and heated changing facilities. You can even opt for our hotel package, which includes accommodations and breakfast, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Good to Know

In addition to the captivating manatee experience, Crystal River offers a plethora of other attractions. Explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, home to a variety of bird species and native plants. Take in the scenic beauty as you cruise through the estuary and marvel at the abundant marine life. Our tour boats are fully enclosed during the winter, providing extra protection against the elements. Rest assured that safety and comfort are our top priorities. Don't forget to check out the dive shop for the opportunity to purchase the amazing photos and videos captured by your in-water guide.

Reviews

Customers have raved about their experiences on the Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer. They have praised the expert guidance, the incredible close encounters with manatees, and the beautiful scenery of Crystal River. Many have described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and highly recommend it to others. Get ready for a truly unforgettable adventure with these gentle giants!

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

9301 W Fort Island Trail

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Plantation Adventure Center

Reviews

(713)

5 (713)

kdkelley

We had such a great time! Orville was our dive master, he was the best. He was so knowledgeable about the area and the manatee. Taught us about their migration, their eating habits, their personalities and how he has bonded with some of them. The boat had a cover and they had plenty of coffee and hot chocolate to keep you warm after you got out and made your way back to the dock.

Joseph_B

Amazing experience! Michelle and Ryan highly recommended!!! I would do it again in a heartbeat! No issues, valued knowledge and very very skilled.

Katherine_F

Knowledgeable captain! Found us manatees even though it was the end of the season. Our divemaster/photographer took some great shots! Enjoyed the small group and personalized experience. Thank you Laura and Laura!

Jackie_B

How informative the trip was. How beautiful it was underwater with the fish and manatees. And how hard Orville and our captain of the boat worked to find manatees for us to swim with so late in the season.

Lisa B

I’m really glad to see all these manatee pictures because our experience did not meet any of these experiences. When considering in doing the tour, I think it’s important to have realistic expectations. 1) no guarantee to see manatees 2) manatees like warm water, but as soon as they are able to leave for the gulf, they do. 3) there are A LOT of boats, snorkelers and kayakers all trying to see them. 4) the water is VERY murky…not clear like the photos. We departed at 7:15am. It was dark and cold…we were all freezing as we drove around for over an hour trying to find a spot to stop. We had 4 children on our tour and all were very patient, but although no one said it, we were all freezing. We drank all the hot chocolate and 1/2 the coffee to stay warm. We got in the water twice, seeing a manatee for only a very brief moment during the second dive, which 1/2 the boat didn’t want to get back in. I don’t think any of us were prepared for how cold it was going to be, or how murky the water was. I wish we could have at least seen crystal springs and snorkeled where visibility was better. We made the best of it, but I would never do this again.

lawbrittain

We did a trip on March 9 at 6:30 am. We realized that we were late in the season and may not see any manatees. Captain Mike and Kendra worked diligently to make sure that we did see a manatee. I appreciate how the groups worked together to make sure that all tours got a chance to at least get a glimpse. We realize that this is animals in their natural environment and not a Disney ride. Captain Mike and Kendra provided a lot of information and knowledge about the manatees while they were searching. We enjoyed that almost as much as the manatee. I was a little nervous while in the close quarters seeing the manatee, but Kendra was very patient with me and insured i got the best view possible while at the same time respecting the manatee's space. We will definitely schedule another trip, but next time earlier in the season.

Patti_S

Kendra and Corey were great! We did see 4 manatees when we did our excursion on 3/7/24; however due to warmer temperatures in the gulf, the guides were really surprised that there were still manatees in the area. I think to have a greater expectation of seeing manatees you should go in February or earlier. They don’t tell you that on the website.

davidpN3863OY

From Kari to captain Dave and Cory we had an awesome experience. Up close and personal with many many manatees. Several were very curious and were very friendly . My wife made a friend for life as one wrapped its arms around her and twirled for a few minutes. Saw adults and babies as well as many fish species! Captain Dave and the whole gang were very knowledgeable and took time to share and answer any questions. Thank you so much! Highly recommend.

Resort42335906663

We were booked for a manatee experience through Beatrice Bradley. As we were staying at the Plantation we only walked a short distance to the Adventure Center where they assisted us with donning wet suits (an experience in and of itself), they took us out in a small boat, instructed us in how to use our snorkels ( that I've never done before), and then eased us into the water to snorkel. We had an attentive, informative, woman as our group leader and a humorous boat Captain. We saw many manatees, many with babies, and some of us inadvertently were touched by these curious, gentle " sea cows". The experience was phenomenal and I highly recommend it!

Z7077ASjanem

Captain Mark and Captain Laura were amazing! We received a lot of safety information, and they obviously were there to keep us safe as well as protect the Manatees. It was an amazing and humbling experience. Highly recommend!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-18 02:20