Swim With Manatees In Crystal River, Florida
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Crystal River, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The Florida manatee is one of the most gentle underwater creatures and this encounter lets you get a closer look at them. On this small-group excursion, venture out from Crystal River in a kayak and search for these sea cows with a guide who knows where they hide out. Learn how to interact with the creatures through passive observation and then, when you’re ready, get in the water for your swim.
- Learn about the local ecology from your guide
- Enjoy an intimate experience on a small-group tour
- Kayak, wetsuit, snorkel gear, and a life vest are provided
- Follow a guide who knows the best places to find manatees
What's Included
- Use of Snorkeling equipmentUse of Snorkelling equipment
- Kayak or Paddleboard
- Wetsuit
- Life Vest
- Gratuities
- Optional photo package for $37.99 at end of trip
- Entrance fee - Marina Parking Fee must be paid at the location$10.00 per booking
- Admission Fee - Marina Launch Fee$5.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 SW 1st Pl, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Our building is located on the right side of Pete's Pier Marina at 1 SW 1st Place, Crystal River FL 34429. Must arrive 30 minutes prior to reservation start time to complete check-in process.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Moderate physical activity is required to kayak/paddleboard and swim with the manatees.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sharon_G
This was an amazing experience. Our guy John was fabulous. I would recommend this as a bucket list item of your life. There are other tours where you can be on a boat with a group of people and get in a wetsuit and go into the water but the guide stays on the boat. Having a guide with us in the kayaks and in the water was a personal touch.
Reviews
4.8
based on 85 reviews
Sharon_G, Feb 2026
This was an amazing experience. Our guy John was fabulous. I would recommend this as a bucket list item of your life. There are other tours where you can be on a boat with a group of people and get in a wetsuit and go into the water but the guide stays on the boat. Having a guide with us in the kayaks and in the water was a personal touch.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the incredible review—we're absolutely thrilled you had such an amazing experience and that John was fabulous for you!
Hearing that you'd recommend this as a true bucket-list item warms our hearts—it's exactly the kind of transformative, once-in-a-lifetime moment we love helping create. You're spot on about what sets our kayak swim tours apart: having John right there with you in the kayaks and in the water (instead of staying on a boat like many other options) adds that personal, immersive touch. It lets him guide you safely up close to the gentle manatees, share real-time insights about their behavior and the ecosystem, and make sure everyone feels comfortable and connected throughout the swim. That hands-on, intimate approach is what makes these tours feel so special and meaningful.
John is one of our all-time favorites—his calm presence, deep knowledge, and genuine passion for the manatees shine through every time, and we're over the moon he made your adventure unforgettable. Your kind words mean the world to him and the entire team at Paddles Outdoor Rentals.
We can't wait to welcome you back whenever you're ready for more bucket-list magic—maybe another swim tour with John to chase even more manatee encounters, try a clear kayak combo, or bring friends/family to share the experience. Thanks again for choosing us and for the heartfelt, glowing shoutout! 🌊🛶🐋😊❤️🤙
William_B, Jan 2026
We had an exceptional time and had an amazing guide. John was very knowledgeable and gave us the best experience we could have!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Wow, thank you for the awesome review! We're stoked you had such an exceptional time and that John knocked it out of the park with his knowledge and energy. Hearing he gave you the best experience possible totally makes our day—our guides love sharing these special moments on the water!
So glad you got to soak in the serenity and wonder of Crystal River. If you're ever back this way (more manatees? different route?), we'd love to have you paddle with us again—maybe we'll even throw in a little thank-you perk.
Thanks a ton for the kind words and for supporting eco-friendly adventures!
MaryAnn_D, Jan 2025
What a great experience! From check in to when we walked out the door it was amazing. Jon was a great guide and super friendly.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
JON just read this and is floating around the shop like a proud manatee balloon!! 🎈😄💙
“Amazing from check-in to walking out the door” is the ultimate gold star, and you just pinned it right on his chest! Thank you for the huge love; the whole crew is beaming!
Hurry back, Jon already told the manatees to roll out the red carpet (and maybe a few extra snuggles) for your next visit! 🐳🛶✨
~ Your totally giddy, Jon-cheering crew at Paddles Outdoor Rentals 🌴🚤🎉
Timothy_O, Feb 2023
Getting up close to these amazing creatures. So nice! Having a great guide to answer any questions and of course, good great jokes!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you so much for taking our swim with manatees tour. We greatly appreciate the business and look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Devon_M, Feb 2023
Micah was great and really attentive to what the group wanted to do. We saw SO MANY manatees. He took great pictures and made this really fun. Even had some local lunch recommendations for us at the end.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you for taking your tour with Micah. We greatly appreciate the business and look forward to seeing you again in the future :)
Cheryl_S, Jan 2023
Mika our guide was very knowledgeable and couldn’t have ask for a better guide. The entire operation was spot on and friendly
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you so much for spending the day with us on our tour. You words are very kind and we greatly appreciate having you as one of our guests :)
Zoe_J, Jan 2023
I just wasted hours on this thing. The staff are very unhelpful and stubborn. I should have canceled it. Don’t go!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Don’t go?!? You didn’t even go because you showed up 35 minutes late!!! Lol
How can you not recommend a tour because you couldn’t bother to show up on time and you missed the tour???
It’s sickening as a small business owner that you are able to even leave a review of a business that YOU were rude to. Our staff called you TWICE and you hung up on them…. How is that being rude by them???
In your confirmation email that you receive it says to arrive 30 minutes early. The tour started at 12:30 meaning that you needed to be there at 12:00. You showed up at 12:35 after the tour had already left, then you blame us.
Get a life and start taking accountability for your own actions. It was YOUR negligence, not ours!!!!!
Toru_Y, Jan 2023
Actually the tour was less than 2 hours. And just one time to see a manatee. I could not enjoy it enough.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
That’s very inaccurate what iyou are saying about the tour. I tracked your tour that you were on and went back to look at the pictures and there were SEVERAL manatees in the pictures your guide took.
Why would you write a review online and lie about what took place? Does that make you feel good about yourself by lying about something and passing it off as facts?
Also do you realize we have cameras everywhere and know exactly what time our tours leave and what time they return? You were definitely out there there longer than two hours so that is false as well.
fabrice_b, Dec 2022
Cool !! Swimming with the manatees has been a great experience to live. Those animals look so calm..
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you for choosing us for the swim with manatees tour! We greatly appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again in the future :)
Kristine_A, Feb 2022
Taylor our tour guide was excellent. We had a wonderful time kayaking and swimming with the manatees. Worth the trip.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Thank you so much for your 5 star review. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again soon :)
Michael_W, Feb 2022
The operators were very accommodating to last minute changes and misunderstandings with booking service. They were awesome and so was the excursion.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thank you for your kind words and your 5-Stars! Glad it worked out and you had an enjoyable time.
Come back and see us again soon :)
Laura_E, Feb 2022
Taylor was awesome, loved the small group experience. I think everyone should definitely have this experience such awesome animals.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thank you so much for your 5-Star review of your tour with Taylor! We appreciate you choosing Paddles to make this a memorable experience. See you back soon :)
NWTravler, Jan 2022
Lots of manatees. Love the kayaking to the springs Andorran course time in the water. Guide Dr. Josh was friendly and shared lots of manatee knowledge as did the front desk person. Both have a great passion for the manatees and springs.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you very much for sharing your 5-Star experience on your tour with Dr. Josh!
Our staff are all locals, born and raised, with a deep connection to this area. They strive to make sure each guest enjoys their time to the fullest and we are so glad you did :)
river_l, Jan 2022
The company is one of a kind, they are all so nice and respectful! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and patient I never felt rushed! The small group size made the trip 10 times more enjoyable as well!
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We greatly appreciate your 5-Stars and are so glad you enjoyed yourselves on tour with Taylor. Our guides strive to make sure our guests are having fun making memories :)
Keith_S, Jan 2022
We saw literally over 100 manatees and swam with manatees inches away in beautiful warm fresh spring water. Great guide and staff. Highly recommend Paddles!
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Thank you so much for your 5-Star review! We are thrilled you had a great time on your tour with us and were able to enjoy the company of so many manatees.
Please come back to visit us again soon :)
Jeanne_M, Dec 2021
Taylor was a good guide and found manatees even in a busy, windy day at noon. We were able to spend quite a long time with the manatees.
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us on your tour with Taylor. Our Guides strive to make sure your tour is enjoyable and fun!!
Emily_D, Dec 2021
It is early in the season so we only saw 5 manatees but it was a very cool experience. The kayak trip was so pretty.
Trina_Y, Jan 2021
Our guide Hunter was great and the dock staff and shop staff were helpful! We swam with some manatee which was our goal! Thank you!!
Response from Host, Feb 2021
So glad you had a great time and were able to swim with a manatee. Thanks again and see you soon :)
Heidi_H, Mar 2020
I had a great time kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Dani, the tour guide, took good care of me. She made sure I was okay with how fast we were going and where we were going. It was very windy so we didn't go to one area since it would have required a lot of hard paddling to get there and I have only kayaked 5 times. We saw two manatees who were sleeping. If the weather had been cooler, more manatees would have been warming up in the springs. I was glad to finally see manatees in the wild!
Response from Host, Mar 2020
It was so nice having you join us for the Swim With Manatees Tour! We love it when our customers have a great time even when the weather and the manatees do not cooperate at times :) Please come back and visit us again sometime soon and let's get you face to face with one of these amazing animals !
sheri17hut, Jan 2020
Fabulous Tour! Our tour guide did a wonderful job! We saw plenty of manatees and the kayaks used in the tour were top notch! Josh was very informative and helpful. I would definitely recommend this tour to family and friends!
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thank you for your review and we are so glad you had a great time with Josh! Come back and see us again some time soon :)
Sabrina_F, Dec 2022
Wir hatten eine unglaublich tolle Tour mit Alayna, sie war super nett und hat uns wirklich viel über Crystel River, die Natur und die Tiere die dort leben erzählt. Wir haben so viel gesehen und das fahren mit dem Kajak hat so viel Spaß gemacht. Manatee hat sich uns nur eins gezeigt, aber allein das war es Wert! Wir haben es auch zu dem Three Sister Springs geschafft und das war atemberaubend.
Leider haben wir vom Wetter her einen nicht so guten Tag erwischt weshalb wir früher zurück mussten. Hat aber dem Erlebnis nichts genommen. Ich kann es nur jedem weiterempfehlen!
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Thank you!
Janina_A, Feb 2020
* Freundliches Personal
* Schön und liebevo eingerichtetes, sauberes Office
* Gut organisiertes und junges Team
* Kajaktour inkl. Schnorcheln sehr zu empfehlen
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Vielen Dank, dass Sie Ihre Tour mitgenommen haben, und wir freuen uns sehr, dass Sie unseren Shop, unsere Mitarbeiter und die Tour geliebt haben. Bitte kommen Sie zurück und besuchen Sie uns, wenn Sie das nächste Mal in Florida sind. Gute Reise und pass auf dich auf :)
From $79.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Swim With Manatees In Crystal River, Florida
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