Swim with Manatees in Crystal River: Small Group Snorkel Tour

Manatees gather in the same springs where you'll float alongside them.

A 3-hour snorkeling tour in Crystal River, Florida, where you swim face-to-face with manatees in their natural habitat: the only place in the U.S. where this is legal. Groups stay under six people; a guide enters the water with you; all snorkeling gear is included. Tours run year-round between 7 AM and 4 PM, with morning, mid-morning, and afternoon departures to choose from.

Step-by-step itinerary

Manatee snorkeling tour in Crystal River

• Arrive at tour facility in downtown Crystal River
• Receive snorkeling gear and tour briefing
• Boat trip to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
• Observe manatees from boat and water
• Swim with manatees in Three Sisters Springs
• Guide takes photos of manatee encounter
• View and optionally purchase photos after tour

The experience

You arrive at the tour facility in downtown Crystal River and board a boat to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where manatees gather both in summer and winter. The guide (a licensed, professional captain) accompanies you into the water to ensure safe interaction with the animals and to help you get the most from the encounter. All snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) is provided. Wetsuits come in sizes from toddler 2 through adult 4X.

In winter, Three Sisters Springs becomes a refuge where manatees escape the cold Gulf waters, and as long as temperatures permit, you'll swim into the springs to observe them. The boat ride itself is part of the experience. You watch the animals from the deck before entering the water. Because the group maxes out at six people, you're not competing for space or attention the way you would on a larger boat.

The guide photographs your manatee encounter throughout the tour, up to 100 images, and you can view and purchase them at the end. Free parking is included, and the whole experience runs three hours. Tours depart at 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM, or 1:30 PM, so you can fit it around the rest of your day or choose the time when manatees are most active.

What’s included

• Small group limited to 6 people.
• scenic boat ride to the springs.
• professional licensed guide who enters the water with you.
• all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) in your size.
• free parking.
• up to 100 photos of your manatee encounter available for purchase after the tour.

Options for this experience

3 options

7:30 AM early morning tourGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:00Scheduled early in the morning to beat the crowds, this tour offers the best visibility, the fewest people, and the most relaxed manatees of the day.

10:30 AM mid-morning tourGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:00

1:30 PM afternoon tourGuide in English · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:00Our afternoon tour suits visitors coming from outside the area, or anyone who would rather skip the morning start while on vacation.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 6 start times, from US$ 95 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday: 07:30, 08:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 13:30Tuesday and Saturday: 07:30, 10:30, 11:00 and 13:30Wednesday: 07:30, 10:30 and 13:30Thursday: 07:30, 08:00, 10:30 and 13:30Friday: 07:30, 08:00, 10:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 14:00Sunday: 07:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 14:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours

Is this one for you?Book the early or mid-morning departure if you want the best chance of calm water and active manatees. The afternoon tour works if you're fitting the snorkel into a day that starts elsewhere. All three options give you the same small-group experience and in-water guide. Pick the time that fits your schedule.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the three tour times?

The Early Morning Tour departs at 7:30 AM, the Mid-Morning Tour at 10:30 AM, and the Afternoon Tour at 1:30 PM. All three are 3 hours long and include the same snorkeling experience. The choice depends on when you want to go and when manatees are most active in the springs.

Do I need to know how to snorkel to join this tour?

No. The guide enters the water with you and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. All snorkeling gear is provided and included in the price, so you just need to show up and follow the guide's instructions.

Can young children go on the manatee snorkel tour?

Children 3 years old and up are welcome with a paid ticket. Children under 3 can join private trips only. Call the facility for private tour pricing. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat portion of the tour.

What happens if it's too cold to swim into Three Sisters Springs?

Three Sisters Springs is accessible as long as temperatures are not too cold. If conditions don't permit entry into the springs, you'll still observe manatees from the boat and snorkel in other areas of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Are the photos included in the tour price?

The guide captures up to 100 images of your manatee encounter during the tour, and you can view them at the end. The photos are available for purchase. They are not included in the tour price.

How far is Crystal River from Orlando?

Crystal River is about 1.5 hours from the Orlando attractions area, making it an easy drive for visitors staying in or near Orlando.