Private Manatee Swim Crystal River: 6 Passengers Max

Swim alongside manatees in Florida's warmest springs

A private manatee swim in Crystal River for up to six passengers, where you enter the water with a guide to encounter manatees in their winter habitat. The tour includes wetsuit and snorkel gear, an in-water guide in English, hot chocolate and snacks. Children under three are welcome on private trips, and all photos are free.

The experience

You'll slip into a wetsuit and mask, then enter water that stays 72 degrees year-round: the exact temperature manatees seek during winter. About 600 manatees migrate to Crystal River's springs each season, and your guide knows where to find them. The boat holds a maximum of six passengers, so the group stays small and the manatees stay calm. Your guide stays in the water with you, pointing out the creatures as they drift past and explaining their behavior.

The three-hour tour includes snorkel equipment sized for your group, from toddler wetsuits to adult 4X, so children as young as three can participate (infants under three are welcome on private trips). Hot chocolate and snacks keep energy up between water time. Every photo and video you take is yours to keep. The operator provides them free, which means you're not paying extra for the moment you came for.

Children six and under must wear a life vest when the boat is moving and stay under adult supervision at all times. The springs themselves are the draw here: they're the largest concentration of manatees in the world, and the constant warm water is what brings them in. A live English-speaking guide leads the whole experience, so you understand what you're seeing as it happens.

What’s included

• Wetsuit in your size.
• snorkel mask and snorkel gear.
• in-water guide in English.
• hot chocolate and snacks.
• free photos and videos.
• treasure chest gift for children.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30, 10:00 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Manatee Adventures Crystal River Florida

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English and stays in the water with you throughout, so you understand what you're seeing as it happens and can ask questions in the moment. The private group of up to six means your children won't be lost in a crowd, and the guide can adjust the pace to keep younger swimmers comfortable.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many manatees will I actually see on the tour?

About 600 manatees visit Crystal River's springs each winter, and your guide knows the best locations to find them. The exact number you encounter depends on where the manatees are on the day of your tour, but the guide stays in the water with you to point them out and explain their behavior.

What do I need to bring for a manatee swim in Crystal River?

Bring nothing for the water itself. The tour provides wetsuit, mask and snorkel gear in all sizes from toddler to adult 4X. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a change of clothes for after. Sunscreen is a good idea, though the wetsuit covers most of your skin.

Can my young children come on this manatee tour?

Children three and older can participate with a paid ticket. Infants under three are welcome on private trips at no charge. Children six and under must wear a life vest when the boat is in motion and stay under adult supervision in the water at all times.

What's included in the price of the manatee swim?

The tour includes wetsuit, snorkel mask and equipment, an in-water guide, hot chocolate, snacks and beverages, and free photos and videos. Children receive a treasure chest gift as part of the experience.

When is the best time to swim with manatees in Crystal River?

Manatees migrate to Crystal River's warm springs during winter to stay warm. Tours run daily year-round, but the largest concentration of manatees is present during the cooler months when they seek out the 72-degree water.