Small Group VIP (Heated in Winter) Manatee Snorkel Tour

5.0 (1,077 Viator reviews) 3 hrs Crystal River area

Beautiful springs in winter.
Crystal River Manatee Swim
Manatees love Crystal River!
Sea cows napping
VIP treatment!

Photos: Viator · 7 more on Viator

About this activity

We will let you in on a secret! You can get the high-end experience, with an affordable price tag! Our new heated (during winter), luxury pontoon aims to amp up the manatee sighting and deliver a more personal event! Observe the endangered West Indian Manatee in Crystal River’s idyllic Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your US Coast Guard licensed captains and guides will take you into the 600 acre spring fed refuge waters for viewing and snorkeling with these slow moving wild giants. All equipment, fees, snacks and beverages are included.

Itinerary

  1. River Ventures · 30 min

    Begin your Crystal River manatee swim tour at River Ventures’ full-service tour center. Spend approximately 30 minutes learning about Florida manatees, getting fitted with a wetsuit, and preparing for your snorkeling adventure. Learn how passive interaction helps protect these wild animals, with tips to feel comfortable and make the most of your time in the water. Then travel to the dock and board a covered pontoon boat with a USCG Master Captain. Your in-water guide and photographer will support you as you explore the manatees’ natural habitat.

  2. Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge · 90 min

    Explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge as your captain searches for manatees in their natural habitat. Watch for wildlife while cruising the spring-fed waters of Kings Bay, then stop to swim and snorkel with manatees when conditions allow. Your in-water guide will help you practice passive observation while sharing insights into manatee behavior and conservation. Each tour follows the wildlife, with snorkeling locations chosen based on manatee activity and water conditions.

  3. Three Sisters Springs · 60 min

    Discover Three Sisters Springs, one of Crystal River’s most popular natural attractions, known for its clear spring water and wintering manatees. When time, conditions, and refuge access allow, your tour may include a visit to explore and snorkel in this beautiful spring habitat. Visits and in-water access are not guaranteed and depend on wildlife protection closures and conditions on the day of your tour. Call for current conditions

What's included

  • Professional guide
  • Use of equipment (mask, snorkel gear and wet suit)
  • Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish
  • Beverages (bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and adult)

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Photo DVD (available to purchase)
  • Towel and swimsuit

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Please arrive at River Ventures 15 minutes prior to your tour departure.

End point: Please arrive at River Ventures 15 minutes prior to your tour departure.

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Adult pricing applies to all travelers
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Wetsuits are available in sizes from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to 5X
  • It is advised that you have your swimsuit on underneath your clothes for a quicker check-in
  • Please bring a towel and warm clothing to keep you warm after snorkeling
  • Children Under 3 years old are not allowed on this tour. Please call for other options.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0/5

1,077 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star1,056
  • 4 star12
  • 3 star5
  • 2 star1
  • 1 star3

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

9 RV rentals with pickup within 25 miles of the center of Crystal River; showing the top 6.

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Crystal River (Viator lists this tour under Crystal River; it has no meeting-point coordinates).