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Semi Private Manatee Swim Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Crystal River, USA
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· EvelynNeale ·
Apr 2026
This is a truly authentic experience. You are in the manatee's environment in the beautiful springs observing these gentle giants. Mark was our captain and Sara our guide. They were full of information and sincerely wanted us to truly swim with the manatees and experience the springs.
· Elizabeth_M ·
Mar 2026
Sarah and Boat Capt. Steve were wonderful; great tour, 4 people total on tour, after seeing manatees we had special Spring water swim which was fantastic; semi-private tour much better and more relaxing than big group tour; got up close with manatees, amazing

Overview

Learn about the “gentle giants” that inhabit Crystal River and snorkel in their habitat with this wild manatee-spotting boat tour and snorkeling excursion. Learn about manatee behavior from the expert crew, trained by the Manatee Eco Tourism Association, plus spot these wild creatures gliding through the waves. Hop in to snorkel nearby and interact with any manatee that approaches as you swim.
  • Get up close to Crystal River manatees while respecting their habitat
  • Learn about the animals and their behavior from a trained manatee expert
  • Admire manatees from the boat and snorkel in their marine habitat
  • Wetsuits, gear, heated changing rooms, and hot showers provided

What's Included

  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
    Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • 5 MM Henderson Wetsuit
  • Smaller Boat with Heat

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 525 NW 7th Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

      You will find us on the water at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in a 2 story white building

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    1

    Three Sisters Springs

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    EvelynNeale
    This is a truly authentic experience. You are in the manatee's environment in the beautiful springs observing these gentle giants. Mark was our captain and Sara our guide. They were full of information and sincerely wanted us to truly swim with the manatees and experience the springs.

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 277 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Excellent

    Kathy_F, Apr 2026
    It was a small group of 6; the perfect size. All staff very friendly, informative and helpful. The experience was amazing, would recommend

    Truly authentic nature experience

    EvelynNeale, Apr 2026
    This is a truly authentic experience. You are in the manatee's environment in the beautiful springs observing these gentle giants. Mark was our captain and Sara our guide. They were full of information and sincerely wanted us to truly swim with the manatees and experience the springs.

    Great experience

    Lori_W, Mar 2026
    The guide Sara and our boat driver (sorry I can't remember his name) were amazing. Between the two they knew exactly where to go to make sure we were able to see the most manatee possible. The wetsuits are very good quality and thick enough to keep you pretty warm while in the water. They also take a lot of pictures and you have the ability to buy the thumb drive. The gift shop is really nice also. I would definitely recommend using this company.

    Sarah & Boat driver Steve were professional & fun

    Elizabeth_M, Mar 2026
    Sarah and Boat Capt. Steve were wonderful; great tour, 4 people total on tour, after seeing manatees we had special Spring water swim which was fantastic; semi-private tour much better and more relaxing than big group tour; got up close with manatees, amazing

    Excellent guide and...

    Ines_S, Feb 2026
    Excellent guide and Captain! We enjoyed ourselves immensely! Our favorite part was swimming in the spring, the water was crystal clear and we observed a mom with her calf!

    Holy Sea Cow

    Brigette_F, Feb 2026
    Great experience, well worth the money. Saw so many manatees with Captain Dustin and guide Laura. Polite, professional, and friendly.

    Best tour!

    Rosalie_M, Dec 2025
    Michele and Steve were so great and knew so much about the manatees and area. We had such a great time with them!!!

    Captain Morgan and Chad...

    Thomas_T, Oct 2025
    Captain Morgan and Chad were awesome! They were very knowledgeable about everything and made our experience unforgettable. Will definitely go back again.

    The Best

    Victoria_N, Jun 2025
    Wonderful! Danny and John were awesome!!!!! I will definitely come back to scallop! Danny made sure we all had the best time

    Would go again…

    Angela_B, Apr 2025
    Steve and Ryan were fantastic! They were determined to give us a great experience and they delivered.

    Great experience, not a...

    Carole_G, Mar 2025
    Great experience, not a strong swimmer but guide helped me keep up with the group. Highly recommend Casey and Steve.

    Manatee Swim

    Paul_C, Feb 2025
    Personal and highly interactive with both captain Glenn and our guide, Jake. They were friendly, inquired of my wife and I as to what we expected… boy, how they delivered on our expectations!

    Awesome Manatee Adventure

    Elio_R, Jul 2024
    My wife and I really enjoyed this adventure, and we loved Captain Steve and our guide Briana (Bri)...definitely would recommend it.

    Fun snorkel, Delightful day!

    Sandy_D, Apr 2024
    This tour was the highlight of our vacation. We enjoyed our knowledgeable captains, Andrew and Morgan. We not only saw a momma and her calf we got to hear the baby’s noises. Their Snorkel gear is new so the vision is so clear. They use 5mm wetsuits. Because of this you do not also need a noodle. This allows for a lot more freedom of movement. In addition to seeing Manatees ( book the earliest time slot) you will snorkel in the Three Sisters pristine waters. It was such a delightful day with delightful people. If you are thinking about booking this tour - lucky you! You’re gonna have a blast.

    As above everyone was great and pleasant..

    Joan_S, Apr 2024
    Sara and Captain Morgan are superlative !! They are both knowledgeable, professional and a lot of fun. !!! Well do it again

    Comfortable!

    Hime_S, Mar 2024
    Clean and luxury boat, Great timing hot chocolate, kind instructions, great tour. We was 2 manatees in early morning. (The tour beginning from 6:45 and finish at 9:00 ) the water temperature is not high, but could stand it.

    Expectations exceeded

    Mariacelina_G, Mar 2024
    Very accomodating and pleasant staff, make sure to request for capt john who makes really corny jokes and insists you jump in the water to see all there is, and ron for great tour guide photos. After which, sip on some hot chocolate 😋Highly reccomended tour company

    Unglaublich tolles Erlebnis!

    Petra_W, Mar 2024
    Unglaublich tolles Erlebnis und Kapten Jack und der Guide haben sich große Mühe gemacht! Sie haben immer wieder andere Stellen im Chrysler River angefahren um die Manatees zu finden.

    From $89.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 23 days in advance.

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