Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer
5
Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer
By Explorida
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 11 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
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Audio guide: German, French, Spanish
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Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Wetsuit
- Snorkel Gear
- Bottled water
- In-Water Gude/Photographer
- Safe USCG Certified Boats
- Float Noodles Provided
- Entry/Admission - Crystal River
What's not included- Photos and videos available for an additional fee at the end of your tour.
- Start:
- 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USAThe Explorida Adventure Center is the first Building on the left when turning west on to N. Citrus Avenue from Highway 19.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120344P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Level One Snorkel Experience Recommended
- Infants are still considered to take up a seat on a USCG Inspected Vessel. You must pay full price for an infant.
- Children Under The Age Of 3 & Pets/Service Animals Are Only Permitted On Private Tours
- This is a wildlife encounter, and due to the unpredictability of Mother Nature, conditions vary daily. If you have any questions, feel free to call
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120344P1
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Itinerary
- 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USAThe Explorida Adventure Center is the first Building on the left when turning west on to N. Citrus Avenue from Highway 19.
- 1Hop aboard one of our safe, comfortable, and clean US Coast Guard certified vessels where you will join your Master Captain to embark on your journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. Our master captains are trained to find manatees on your manatee tour, even in the offseason, and will deliver the best manatee tour in Crystal River, FL—every time. You will be paired with one of our expert in-water guides who will be with you every step of the way to assist in making your manatee tour safe and memorable. Your in-water guide will also serve as your professional photographer to capture your manatee swim memories, and those photos will be available for purchase upon arrival back to our facility. For this tour, all required gear is included at no additional charge.Pass byCrystal River National Wildlife Refuge & Visitor Center
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- M641GVpc0 contributionsSo good we've been twice!This really is a bucket list item. My family first went last year on a small private tour and had an amazing time. So good we did it again this year! We have been blown away by the care and consideration shown to the manatees and environment, a worry of mine beforehand. They have someone with you at all times to take pictures, help point out manatees and stringently ensure you're not causing any harm. Other companies also seemed good, however make sure of this because there were reports of people chasing manatees when we were there. Today we had Madeleine and Marty and they were wonderful. Knowledgeable, kind and helpful, clearly passionate about the majestic creatures and genuinely dedicated to making sure we had a great time even though they do the same thing a lot. We were lucky to see some manatees early on and Three Sisters was open for a swim which was magical. Manatees are really sensitive to water temperature so it's possible there may or may not be a lot of them even during the high season depending on fluctuations. Guides are awesome at spotting them (they spotted a mom and baby today!), just be patient if it takes a little while vs other times when there is a lot. Magical, would go again:)Written 14 February 2025
- Relax4399390 contributionsHats off to Captain Ryan!Our Manatee Boat Tour today was wonderful. Because the water had warmed up suddenly, there were but a few manatees who hadn’t headed for the open ocean, but Captain Ryan found them for us. He was obviously a skilled boatman and taught us so much about manatees during our tour. We are so grateful to him for a perfect excursion! ( and the dinner recommendation for the Crab Plant— we had a delicious dinner!)Written 11 February 2025
- makakoa0 contributionsE-Bike TourWe rented e-bikes & toured Crystal River with out of town guests. It was fun to be a tourist. The folks at Explorida were great & the bikes were well maintained. What a great day in a beautiful city!Written 9 February 2025
- TrailBlazer8258290 contributionsNice tour, Kelly was great, go when it is cooler.Had a nice ride with Kelly, she was very knowledgeable and super nice. It was a warmer day so we didn’t see many manatees, but Kelly found a few. A suggestion is to go went it is cooler. Thanks Kelly you were wonderful.Written 6 February 2025
- TrailBlazer7670160 contributionsManatees swimTopher and John did an amazing job. It was amazing highly recommend. Do this trip when you are in town. Saw manatees and swimWritten 6 February 2025
- L2284XSchristinem0 contributionsExcellent experience!We had a great time with our captain Kelly. She shared a lot of education about the manatees, water ways & the community. It was a beautiful morning & we got to see several manatees. We highly recommend Explorida & captain Kelly!!Written 5 February 2025
- O8928YWtinaw0 contributionsAmazing trip!!!Kelly our captain was amazing. She was knowledgeable and her main goal was to be sure each of us had a wonderful experience. She went the extra mile over and over. We saw all sorts of wildlife, birds,manatees, dolphins and turtles. The only issue we had was the directions and address for the pier on website and TripAdvisor were terribly difficult. We went to three places before we got to the correct location. We weren’t the only ones who had difficulty. Glad we were early.Written 4 February 2025
- Kelly T0 contributionsNice introduction to manatee watchingThis was a nice introduction to manatee watching Captain Rhonda has been working in the area for 30 years. Wanted to get the first trip out because it was cooler and he could see more manatees and it was only four of us on the boat out of 12 people so that was nice. I think if there was more people, I would definitely want her to use the microphone, but it made it intimate just the four of usnext I want to come back and do kayaking and swimming with themWritten 3 February 2025
- Hojo7770 contributionsGreat Tour!This was our first visit ever to this area. The Explorida pontoon boat tour was excellent. Captain Rhonda was extremely competent, very friendly, and exceptionally knowledgeable. We saw dozens of manatees and really had a great time!Written 3 February 2025
- X5978DCpeggym0 contributionsGreat manatee viewingWe had a wonderful boat trip. At beginning we didn't see anything and was starting to get disappointed but then saw alot of manatees on last half of trip and appreciated the patience to find them.Written 3 February 2025
- Tour663482022520 contributionsDon't miss cruise to view the manateeThis was a bucket list item for us to see the Manatees in Crystal River. It was a perfect day and our captain, Kelly, had lots of great information. We saw a lot of manatee and a bonus dolphin sighting too. Highly recommend.Written 2 February 2025
- 17wandalust460 contributionsDon’t miss the early tour! Highly respected.Wow! By default, we took the 8:45 am tour with Kelly-and we were the only ones! So lucky! First of all, Kelly is so knowledgeable because she volunteers with manatee research and rescue on her days off. The river was not crowded early in the morning-we were able to see many moms with their calves-and as a special bonus, we saw the USGS capturing a manatee in order to assess its health and share their knowledge. Fascinating. One analytical chemist was getting blood to check for the presence of pesticides. My 89 year-old father and I had the best trip, and asked lots of questions and were able to move about freely. Explorida has a great program!Written 1 February 2025
- Sue M0 contributionsExceptional Experienced CaptainWe had an amazing adventure. The captain of our tour was very knowledgeable and did an exceptional job of teaching us, engaging with us, and making this experience one to remember. This is the second year that we’ve done this tour and plan to make it an annual outing. We had a group of 10 people and each and every one of us were very happy with the tour.Written 31 January 2025
- thomascR8178YS0 contributionsManatee Viewing TourExcellent tour. Very informative. Saw many manatees just as we had hoped. Kelly did a great job. Thanks. Will do it again.Written 30 January 2025
- Y7899CQdaveh0 contributionsEnjoyable afternoon cruise.We enjoyed our afternoon cruise with Captain Chris, he was very knowledgeable about not only the manatees but also the local marine life and wildlife. I wish the water had been a little clearer but we were there at high tide and the water murks up a bit. We did see quite a few manatee and got a bonus of some dolphins who were feeding in the bay near the marina. The boat was quiet, clean and comfortable.Written 30 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
1,902 reviews
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26
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7
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2
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3
JACK S
North Carolina208 contributions
I’m in the area for work and happened to have a day off. I immediately jumped on trip advisor to see what kind of cool adventures were available!
I ended up finding Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer available for a last minute booking.
All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Since I’m here working and didn’t plan on having any time off I was completely unprepared.
I was able to purchase an inexpensive towel in the shop as well as a waterproof phone protector.
Luckily this tour offers wetsuits and I’m so grateful for this because the water was freezing!!!
The guide did a phenomenal job explaining everything about the manatees and how to interact with them. We were able to see two manatees who were tagged and monitored to hopefully be released to thrive on their own. These two manatees were rescues and learning how to care for themselves.
Once back on the boat, we were able to get out of our wetsuits, get dry and were given hot chocolate.
This tour is definitely worth it and definitely priced below what I would have expected paying!
I ended up finding Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer available for a last minute booking.
All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Since I’m here working and didn’t plan on having any time off I was completely unprepared.
I was able to purchase an inexpensive towel in the shop as well as a waterproof phone protector.
Luckily this tour offers wetsuits and I’m so grateful for this because the water was freezing!!!
The guide did a phenomenal job explaining everything about the manatees and how to interact with them. We were able to see two manatees who were tagged and monitored to hopefully be released to thrive on their own. These two manatees were rescues and learning how to care for themselves.
Once back on the boat, we were able to get out of our wetsuits, get dry and were given hot chocolate.
This tour is definitely worth it and definitely priced below what I would have expected paying!
Written 24 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie S
Woolwich, ME16 contributions
What a great time, Faith was a great photographer & guide!! Highly recommend, we saw 2 manatees during our snorkeling time. Everyone was friendly, Ryan our boat captain was so friendly, everyone made you feel very comfortable.
Written 5 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie W
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
I made a private reservation with Explorida to swim with the manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It's been on my bucket list for a few years. I booked an early reservation at 6:30am on a Thursday. We had the most amazing guide, Adam. He helped me work through my fears as I entered the water. Adam was super patient with me and encouraged me as I struggled to get comfortable in the water. When I finally calmed down and relaxed it was the most Amazing experience I've ever had. Words can't describe how Fantastic it was! If it weren't for Adam I wouldn't have been able to do it. We were the only people near the springs. So we had it all to ourselves. The manatees were eager to interact with us. They didn't just swim under us. One large manatee swam right up to me, turned over and grabbed me with her fins and gave me a huge hug that seemed to last so long. It was so Amazing! Others came up to me and looked me in the eyes, checking me out. Their nose right to my snorkel mask. Such gentle giants. I love them.
I had such an Amazing experience I booked a swim again 2 weeks later. Of course I requested Adam again as my guide. Truly a bucket list experience!
I had such an Amazing experience I booked a swim again 2 weeks later. Of course I requested Adam again as my guide. Truly a bucket list experience!
Written 30 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charpfox1
Chepachet, RI50 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We loved our Manatee Swim with Explorida in Dec 2023. We did the first departure of the day, 6:30 AM, and it was a brisk morning but we donned our wetsuits and braved the cold. There were 6 of us in the group and we visited two different spots, and probably swam with a dozen different manatees, though it was hard to tell exactly.
The guide was very attentive and always made sure everyone was ok, especially when the manatees came up so close to us and were even nuzzling up close, which we all loved. She also took lots of photos and we were able to purchase them all afterwards ($32).
The crew on the boat was very helpful and attentive as well, and gave us hot chocolate between our swims and afterwards.
I would highly recommend this experience with Explorida.
The guide was very attentive and always made sure everyone was ok, especially when the manatees came up so close to us and were even nuzzling up close, which we all loved. She also took lots of photos and we were able to purchase them all afterwards ($32).
The crew on the boat was very helpful and attentive as well, and gave us hot chocolate between our swims and afterwards.
I would highly recommend this experience with Explorida.
Written 14 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
1 contribution
From the first we knew we were in the hands of a professional and customer focused people.
We were given a sharp but detailed briefing on animal welfare ,conservation and water safety from a friendly staff member on arrival.She then efficiently fitted us with wetsuits and introduced us to our guides Maddie and Faith.
Maddie and Faith had an easy going and friendly style from the first but in the short drive to the marina it became obvious that they were both deeply knowledgeable about marine life particularly Manatees and passionate about their work.
On arrival we were introduced to the boat captain Mike who gave us a quick but efficient briefing on boat and swimming safety and Manatee behaviour and in no time we were in the water.
In terms of interaction with wild animals it was one of the most interesting 1 and a half hours off my life.
Between Mike Maddie and Faith they pinpointed a group of playful Manatees within minutes.The rest of the time Maddie and Faith carefully guided us through the experience which included very close contact with at least three juvenile Manatees and two adults most of whom stayed with us the whole time.
Mike continued to point out Manatee locations and checked on our welfare from the boat
This was a safe and fascinating experience giving these amazing animals the opportunity to come close to us.This was made possibly the outstanding crew we had on the day Maddie Faith and Mike.
We were given a sharp but detailed briefing on animal welfare ,conservation and water safety from a friendly staff member on arrival.She then efficiently fitted us with wetsuits and introduced us to our guides Maddie and Faith.
Maddie and Faith had an easy going and friendly style from the first but in the short drive to the marina it became obvious that they were both deeply knowledgeable about marine life particularly Manatees and passionate about their work.
On arrival we were introduced to the boat captain Mike who gave us a quick but efficient briefing on boat and swimming safety and Manatee behaviour and in no time we were in the water.
In terms of interaction with wild animals it was one of the most interesting 1 and a half hours off my life.
Between Mike Maddie and Faith they pinpointed a group of playful Manatees within minutes.The rest of the time Maddie and Faith carefully guided us through the experience which included very close contact with at least three juvenile Manatees and two adults most of whom stayed with us the whole time.
Mike continued to point out Manatee locations and checked on our welfare from the boat
This was a safe and fascinating experience giving these amazing animals the opportunity to come close to us.This was made possibly the outstanding crew we had on the day Maddie Faith and Mike.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen G
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Couples
What an amazing time! Our guide Keri was very knowledgeable and keep us all entertained. Keri was great at spotting the manatees and helping everyone in the water so we all could get a perfect look and swim experience. We enjoyed our first trip a month ago so much we came back to do it again.
Keri and Tyler were very patient and worked with every skill level/ comfort level of everyone on the boat. Can’t wait to do this again. The photos they were able to take on both trips were perfect and a great way to remember our trip.
Keri and Tyler were very patient and worked with every skill level/ comfort level of everyone on the boat. Can’t wait to do this again. The photos they were able to take on both trips were perfect and a great way to remember our trip.
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
6 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We booked our tour, weeks in advance, for 2/10. It was my first trip and I didn't know it was better to book early morning trips, so I booked at noon. 2/10 ended up being a really warm day and by noon, the manatee were in the gulf. Our guide, Ava, did her absolute best to make it a good experience, but we saw 1-3 manatees and I was frankly disappointed. This was NOT Explorida's fault. I booked on line and no one can control the weather...so we tried again the next day. This time we went out at 7 with Topher (guide) and Tyler (captain). Because it was still warm we still didn't see masses of sleeping manatee. Instead, we were the first in the big sister spring (which just opened that day) where we saw countless manatee "drive bys" and a couple rehabilitating manatees floating and snoozing. The energy of day two was much better. By 10 am (when we were wraapping up)the water is crowded with manatee tour boats and swimmers, kayaks, and paddle boards. I strongly recommend booking early. And remembering, these are wild animals in nature. There will be things that neither you, or your guide, can control. Both Ava and Topher were knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely fun to be around. It was a great time.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ReHu2961
1 contribution
Mar 2023
This was an absolutely delightful experience - the entire team was exceptional in terms of delivering customer service, ensuring our safety and that of the manatees, and answering our questions about the area.
We booked a private excursion and the staff was great in getting our group outfitted with wetsuits (little kids to 6'5" tall), up to speed on safety guidelines to protect the manatees, and on a shuttle to the boat in a very short period of time.
The footage that the photographer captured was excellent, with a good mix of "action shots" for the people and "nature shots" of the critters.
The weather was perfect, the critters were out, and the water was calm, which just really helped make a great day even better.
Amazing day, great knowledge of the local area and less-busy spots, and a really pleasant experience with the staff - I would definitely recommend Explorida for any group looking to get into the water in Crystal River!
We booked a private excursion and the staff was great in getting our group outfitted with wetsuits (little kids to 6'5" tall), up to speed on safety guidelines to protect the manatees, and on a shuttle to the boat in a very short period of time.
The footage that the photographer captured was excellent, with a good mix of "action shots" for the people and "nature shots" of the critters.
The weather was perfect, the critters were out, and the water was calm, which just really helped make a great day even better.
Amazing day, great knowledge of the local area and less-busy spots, and a really pleasant experience with the staff - I would definitely recommend Explorida for any group looking to get into the water in Crystal River!
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lil F
1 contribution
Captain Gavin and Tour Guide Madelin were an awesome team. I brought my 2 granddaughters 5 and 9, they both went over and beyond to make the girls feel safe and confident to swim with the Manatees. I highly recommend Explorida, you definitely will have one of the best experiences ever thank you all so much
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin E
6 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
This was hands down once in a lifetime experience. We took the passive approach and would up getting hugged, sneezed on, and loved on by the manatees. We got so many manatees that were doing tricks like rolling over on their backs for flipper and belly rubs. Our guide,Kristin, was very knowledgeable and encouraging. Corey was a great captain and took us to a few amazing spots. Our introduction in the shop was very informative prior to going out and boarding the boat. The shop also was amazing to return to with amazing people who had so many fun facts to tell us about all the manatees captured in over 200 pictures. Every question we had was throughly answered and explained and we felt like royalty being the only ones aboard this trip. We’d recommend this company for one of the most personable experiences one could have when swimming with the manatees!
Written 22 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I want to go with my husband on Monday, June 20, but we will go from Orlando, please confirm what time the activity or tour can start?
Written 15 June 2022
What time does Tour start? or can I come at any time?
Written 15 June 2022
Yes! They provide wet suits and noodles that keep you on the surface of the water. As long as you stay relatively still and calm you will float on the surface of the water and watch the animals as they feed underneath you. Hope this helps.
Written 20 March 2022
The wetsuits help you float and we were also given noodles to put under our bellies to keep us up. Lifejackets are required to be on the boat so I'm sure if you felt like you needed one they would let you use one.
Written 28 April 2021
Some reviews for other tour companies mention touching the manatees but a review on here for Explorida specifically mentioned NOT being allowed to touch them. Were you allowed to touch a manatee on your trip?
Written 13 October 2020
While you are in the manatees habitat, out of respect, you are asked to not purposely touch the manatees. They may approach you and rub against you and that’s alright. The main thing is to stay calm and relaxed around them and quietly observe. It was an amazing experience! Hope this helps!
Written 13 October 2020
Do you have wetsuits that are large enough for a size 26/28 female?
Written 11 December 2019
Is the tour in the three sister springs? And Is there anything else you have too pay like the entry to the place?
Written 1 December 2019
Three Sisters or Hunter Springs and there is one other— where they take you depends on a variety of factors, I think. Manatee population and number of people perhaps? No additional costs!
Written 10 December 2019
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