Crystal River: Manatee Snorkel Tour & Gear Included

Summary

Swim with gentle manatees in Florida’s clear spring waters

You’ll float alongside wild manatees in Crystal River’s spring-fed waters with all your gear provided (even wetsuits). A local guide keeps things safe and fun for everyone — swimmers or just riders. Sip hot chocolate after your swim and relive it all on video if you want. It’s a gentle adventure that leaves you quietly awed.

What’s the experience like?

Li kept calling them “sea cows,” which made me laugh — but honestly, that’s exactly what they look like when you see your first manatee up close in Crystal River. The American Pro Diving Center crew had us wriggling into wetsuits before I’d even finished my coffee (they have all sizes, even for toddlers). Our guide, Sarah, explained how to float calmly so we wouldn’t spook the manatees — “just pretend you’re a log,” she said, and I tried not to giggle. The smell of neoprene mixed with river air is weirdly comforting now.

I didn’t expect the water to be so clear. When I put my face under, everything went quiet except for the slow whoosh of fins and the little bubbles from my snorkel. Suddenly there was this huge gray shape drifting past — a manatee, just munching away on something green. It’s hard to describe how gentle they seem; one of them brushed my arm and I froze (in a good way). The Dive-master kept an eye on us and pointed out a calf sticking close to its mom. Kids on our boat squealed every time a nose popped up for air — honestly, adults too.

Back at the dock, someone handed out hot chocolate (definitely needed after the swim), and we watched ourselves flounder around on the big screen at the center. You can buy a video if you want — I did, mostly for my dad who still doesn’t believe I actually got in the water. There’s something about seeing those slow-moving manatees up close that sticks with you longer than you’d think. I still think about their whiskery faces sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manatee snorkel tour in Crystal River

• Arrive at American Pro Diving Center
• Check in and gear up
• Attend manatee behavior presentation
• Drive to docks with guides
• Boat tour on spring fed waters
• Snorkel or ride boat with manatees
• Return to docks
• Return gear and change clothes
• Shop souvenirs and watch trip video

Top questions

Is snorkel equipment included in the Crystal River manatee tour?

Yes, wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel are all provided by American Pro Diving Center.

Can children join the manatee snorkel tour?

Yes, children can join as long as they are accompanied by an adult; wetsuits are available from toddler size up.

Do I need to know how to swim for this tour?

No, both swimmers and non-swimmers can join; you can stay on the boat if you prefer not to get in the water.

Is there hot chocolate provided during winter tours?

Yes, hot chocolate is served on colder days after your swim.

Are guides present in the water during the tour?

Yes, professional in-water guides (Dive-masters) accompany guests for safety and support.

Is Crystal River wheelchair accessible for this activity?

Yes, both transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

How early should I arrive before my reserved tour time?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Can infants participate in the manatee tour?

Infants can ride along but must sit on an adult's lap or use specialized infant seats provided.

What’s included

Your day includes use of full wetsuits (3mm for warmth), masks, fins, and snorkels; professional guidance from certified Dive-masters; covered boat rides led by a US Coast Guard captain; plus hot chocolate served during winter months before returning to change or watch your trip video at American Pro Diving Center.