Our pick
Crystal River Manatee Swim Group Tour, Explorida
You check in at the Explorida Adventure Center on North Citrus Avenue, a few blocks from Kings Bay. Before anyone gets wet, the group watches the "Manatee Manners" video from Florida's wildlife commission, which explains how to float near a manatee without disturbing it.
Wetsuits on, a van takes you about five minutes to the dock. A master captain then runs the Coast Guard certified boat into the refuge waters of Kings Bay and looks for manatees, often near the springs where they rest in winter.
In the water you float at the surface with a mask, snorkel and a foam noodle, and the in-water guide shows you where to go. The guide doubles as the photographer, and the photos and videos are offered for sale at the end.
- Duration
- About 3 hours
- In the water
- Surface snorkeling, no diving
- Group
- Up to 10 people
- Route
- Kings Bay, Crystal River refuge
- Check-in
- 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River
- Gear
- Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, float noodle
- Limits
- No children under 3 on group tours
- Experience
- No snorkeling experience needed
How the morning runs, step by step
This is the order the listing gives. Where the boat stops depends on where the manatees are that day.
On land
- Check in at the Explorida Adventure Center, 545 N Citrus Ave
- The "Manatee Manners" video, then wetsuits
- Van of about 5 minutes to the dock
On the water
- Boat into the Kings Bay refuge with a master captain
- Snorkel at the surface beside the manatees, guide in the water
- Back to the dock and the center, photos for sale
What the price covers
The fare pays for the boat, the gear and the guide. Food, pickup and the pictures are up to you.
Included
- Wetsuit, mask and snorkel
- Float noodles
- An in-water guide and a master captain
- Bottled water
Not included
- Photos and videos (sold at the end)
- Hotel pickup
- Food
- A promise of manatees or clear water
Between us, before you go
A word from one snorkeler to another. The boat needs at least three guests to run, so a quiet weekday slot may be moved; ask what happens if yours does not fill. Children under 3 can only come on a private boat.
Bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and a change of clothes, as the listing suggests. On a cold winter morning the ride back is the chilly part. Our packing guide covers the rest.
Why it beats the semi-private swim
It costs less, it hands every swimmer a float noodle and it says outright that no snorkeling experience is needed. Its review count is also in a different league, with 2,400+ on Viator against 500+ for the semi-private boat. Swim, kayak or boat sets all three styles side by side.
What you give up is space. Up to ten share the boat, where the semi-private tour stops at six, and there is no heated cabin.
Who we would not send on it
Families with a child under 3, who need a private boat or a clear kayak instead. Anyone who hates cold water or cannot face a ladder back onto a boat, who will be happier on the stay-dry cruise. And small groups who want the guide to themselves, who should look at the six-guest boat.
Book it if
You want to be in the water with wild manatees, guided by someone who does it every day. You get a well-run three hours at the lowest price for a swim. It suits couples and friends as well as families with confident older children.
Skip it if
- Want a smaller boat? Take the six-guest semi-private swim
- Rather stay dry? Go with the viewing cruise, from ~$50
- Like to paddle? Try Kacey's clear kayak
- Nervous swimmer? Read our guide for non-swimmers first
Ready to float with the manatees?
The swim is on Viator (4.9 from 2,400+ reviews) and on GetYourGuide (4.7 from 600+). Pick the earliest slot you can manage, when the water is usually at its calmest.
