Swim with Manatees: Eco-Friendly Adventure

Embark on an eco-friendly adventure with our Deluxe Manatee Swim Tour in Florida’s Nature Coast. Swim with gentle manatees and explore stunning wildlife refuges and preserves.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Crystal River Watersports - The address is our marina/dive shop and here you will get ready for your boat tour and manatee swim.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Tour escort/host
  • Driver/guide
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Live commentary on board
  • Local taxes
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Join us in the unique location where swimming with wild manatees is legally allowed—and experience it the right way. Crystal River Watersports provides a guided, eco-friendly adventure that focuses on education, sustainability, and respect for wildlife. We keep group sizes small and have certified in-water guides trained in manatee etiquette, ensuring a…

Location
3940 N Tallahassee Rd
North Tallahassee Road
Guests should drive to the Marina which is located one street directly BEHIND the Days Inn. (Not the Gift Shop which is located next to the Days Inn.) The Marina is a pink and yellow building with a gravel parking lot on Tallahassee Rd.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(250 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Rad727
Feb 23, 2026
Amazing experience! - We had a fantastic trip with Stephanie and Ralph. They gave us so much information about the local environment and about manatees while we were on the boat. They were just so interesting to listen too. I could have listened to Stephanie all day and Ralph did an amazing job capturing pictures of our swim. I would go out again with them in a heartbeat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katie555
Feb 18, 2026
Unforgettable manatee encounters! - Captain Juan is the best! He was very safe, knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating. We had incredible manatee encounters with him at the helm. He is a fantastic guide and captain. Thank you for all the work you do to protect manatees! The rest of the staff at Crystal River Water Sports is great, too. I would highly recommend this company!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ahmedhy2651fp
Feb 16, 2026
Highly recommended - It was really beautiful. I like a lot how Leah and Dekota were very cautious and respectful with the manatees. Eco tours are the best ❤️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katewu4452wg
Jan 25, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal experience with Crystal River Watersports! - We did a manatee snorkel tour and it was truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Captain Juan and our guide, Ralph, were incredible—so kind, professional, and unbelievably knowledgeable. They taught us not just about the manatees, but about the entire ecosystem and history of the area. Ralph even brought bones and skulls to help explain what we were seeing, which made the experience educational in the best possible way. They knew exactly where to take us to find manatees in quieter, less crowded areas, which made the encounters feel respectful, peaceful, and absolutely magical. We had amazing interactions while always feeling like the manatees’ safety and comfort came first. If you’re considering a manatee tour, HIGHLY recommend Crystal River Watersports. This is the team you want—expert, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We would do it again in a heartbeat!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
308douglasl
Dec 31, 2025
A memorable experience - The boat captain and guide were excellent. I was surprised at how many people were there doing what we were doing. A great family outing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurenator
Nov 26, 2025
Book with this group! - We had a great time and highly recommend this group for swimming with manatees in Crystal River! Juan and Leah were great guides, making sure our group had fun and were taken care of. The jackets and hand warmers were great when we got out. Hope to be back again, it was an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jensp972
Aug 21, 2025
Great Experiance / Snorkeling with Manatees - We are a Family of 4 adults and had a Manatee Tour. It was fantastic to swim and snorkel with the Manatees. Dakota and John, our tour guides, explained us the Environment, the nature and found good places for snorkeling with the Manatees. Thea have made it to a great experiance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_e
May 6, 2025
Amazing Crew made for unforgettable Experience - Everything was phenomenal from the greeting by the office staff until I left. Capt Jim and Guide Kat were great. They provided an educational yet fun trip. There was extra effort to bypass other groups and continue looking in multiple locations for manatees. We ended up seeing 5 or 6 in the water including a mom and nursing calf. A rescue/released manatee with a tag came to us and Kat took us away from it to let it be. They provided as ecologically friendly tour as possible for the manatees and their environment. “I’ll be back!”
Review provided by Viator
Gary
Apr 17, 2025
A must do if you’re in Florida! - We did the manatee snorkel tour with Captain Juan and Ralph. This operation is outstanding, small tour groups, not that huge cattle boats out there trying to find manatee. We had a blast and saw lots of manatee and have great pictures and memories. Cpt Juan was that standing, we are so much about manatees, the history come in the area. Absolutely amazing trip you must do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul2310wyatt
Apr 13, 2025
Manatees Swim…. - Leah and the captain brilliant. Leah helped my wife all throughout the swim, as she can get panicky in water, She was snorkelling like a mermaid by the end. Main thing was we saw manatees, even if the water was not totally clear. Great experience for us and the granddaughter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $100
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).