Can non-swimmers join a Crystal River manatee swim?
A manatee swim in Crystal River is floating, not swimming laps, and one operator says no snorkeling experience is needed. Another says plainly that its swim is not for non-swimmers. Here we sort out which tour fits a nervous swimmer, what the first minutes in the water feel like, and the ways to see manatees without getting wet.
What the swim asks of you
A manatee swim in Kings Bay is surface snorkeling. You lie face down at the top of the water and breathe through a tube, and nobody dives. Most of the time you barely move at all.
The refuge rules work in your favor here. Passive observation means floating still and letting the manatee come to you, so the strong swimmer who powers off across the bay is doing it wrong. Our page on the six rules in the water explains why.
What the swim does ask is some comfort with having your face in the water. If that thought alone makes you panic, read on to the stay-dry options before you book anything.
How a wetsuit and a noodle keep you up
Every swim on this site includes a wetsuit, and a wetsuit adds buoyancy by itself. Most people find they float higher than they expect, with their legs drifting up behind them.
Explorida's group swim also hands out float noodles and says no snorkeling experience is required. You tuck the noodle under your arms or chest and rest on it, which leaves your hands free and your kicks small.
Neither of these is a life jacket. They make floating easy for someone who can manage a few strokes, but they are not a promise for a person who cannot swim at all.
Which swim takes beginners
Explorida's guided group swim from ~$69 is the friendlier choice for a nervous swimmer. It scores 4.9 from 2,400+ reviews on Viator, and an in-water guide shows the group where to look.
The swim lasts about 3 hours with the video and the wetsuit fitting. Up to 10 people share the boat, so there are other beginners around and nobody watches you struggle with a mask.
A first snorkel with a noodle under you
Explorida says no snorkeling experience is needed and lends float noodles along with the wetsuit and gear. Its in-water guide stays with the group the whole time.
Crystal River Manatee Adventures' semi-private swim is a different case. Its GetYourGuide listing says it is not suitable for non-swimmers or people with heart problems, and it makes no promise of float noodles.
That small boat suits confident swimmers who want a group of six at most. If you are unsure in the water, take the operator at its word and pick another tour.
One thing to know about Explorida's swim is that it needs at least three guests per boat to run. If your boat does not fill, ask the operator what happens before you plan the rest of the day around it.
Your first minute in the water
Before the group sets off, hold the boat or your noodle and put your face in for a few breaths. Breathing only through your mouth feels odd at first, and it settles quickly once you stop thinking about it.
A fogged mask is the most common early problem. Rinse it and press it gently onto your face with no hair under the seal. If water keeps leaking in, ask the guide for help.
Slow, long breaths work better than quick ones, and humming quietly into the tube can calm the first few seconds. Keep your eyes on the bottom rather than the horizon, and the floating starts to feel natural.
If water gets into the snorkel, lift your head and breathe normally for a moment. Nobody minds a short pause, and the guide would much rather you rest than push on feeling uneasy.
Climbing back onto the boat
The part beginners forget is getting out. You climb a boat ladder from the water at the end of the swim, in a wet wetsuit that suddenly feels heavy. It is short, but it takes some grip and a bit of leg strength.
If your knees or shoulders are weak, ask the operator before booking how people get back on board. The ladder is part of every swim, so it pays to know your limits.
Ways to see manatees and stay dry
Kacey's clear kayak tour from ~$79 puts you above the manatees in a see-through hull, with life vests included. You do have to paddle, and one reviewer said some paddling skill helps, especially when the wind picks up.
Explorida's viewing cruise at ~$50 keeps everyone on deck, as swimming is not allowed. It lasts about 1.5 hours and is the cheapest of the four, though on a murky day the manatees can look like grey shapes from above.
Both stay-dry tours still follow the hands-off rules, and both depend on clear water for good views. On a bright, calm morning the kayak can feel almost as close as a swim, while wind and rain make the view softer.
Our comparison of swimming, clear kayaks and boats goes deeper into the three ways. Families with young children should also read manatee swims with kids, since Explorida does not take children under 3 on its public tours.
A simple way to decide
- A little shaky in the water? Explorida's group swim with a noodle
- A strong swimmer after a small group? The semi-private swim
- Unable to swim at all? The clear kayak with a life vest, or the cruise
- Heart problems? Skip the semi-private swim and ask your doctor about the others
Whichever tour you choose, the water near the springs sits at about 72 °F (22 °C). The packing guide covers the warm layer you will want on the ride back, and the best months for manatees help you plan.