Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
Overview
Inclusions
- Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels
- Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water
- Towel Service
- US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!
- Boat Coats for cold mornings!
What to expect
Crystal River offers the best location to see and interact with the Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee, also known as gentle giants. Unlike other areas of Florida, the federal government allows for "passive observation" in the water between manatees and people in Kings Bay. This allows face-to-face interaction with manatees. We provide pre-tour education on passive observation and how to get the best experience during the tour. We also offer a hotel package including accommodations and breakfast with your Florida manatee tour.
Swimming with the manatees and exploring the greater Kings Bay estuary and springs is extremely popular. Manatee tour experiences are best done by snorkeling while wearing wet suits, making the interaction as silent as possible. This way the manatees are more inclined to approach and get close. We maintain new suits and snorkel gear, all included in our manatee tours, as well as full-service facilities for changing. Your in-water guide will be taking videos and pictures of your manatee experience, which will be available for purchase at the dive shop. All our tour boats are fully enclosed in the winter time to protect our customers.
Stop At:
• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429-4661
• Plantation Adventure Center, 9301 W Fort Island Trl, Crystal River, FL 34429-5376
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wet-suits available in children's size 6 up to 3XL
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Captain Cory, yes a real captain, was funny and entertaining. He and Roy made our experience enjoyable and what a great way to spend the day in the water with Manatees. And the Crystal River swim was amazing. Thanks for a great excursion.
Captain Cory, yes a real captain, was funny and entertaining. He and Roy made our experience enjoyable and what a great way to spend the day in the water with Manatees. And the Crystal River swim was amazing. Thanks for a great excursion.I would give this tour a 10 star if I could. We went on the tour yesterday at 9:45 am. Mark and Jake did an amazing job. We floated with 2 manatees for a long time, then went to another location with very clear water to see one of the fresh water springs. The guys were great about telling us the ...
I would give this tour a 10 star if I could. We went on the tour yesterday at 9:45 am. Mark and Jake did an amazing job. We floated with 2 manatees for a long time, then went to another location with very clear water to see one of the fresh water springs. The guys were great about telling us the history of the bay and the conservation efforts that the town has made to increase the grass growth in the bay so the manatees will have plenty to eat. My 13 year old son said this was the highlight of his entire birthday trip. Jake took some great pictures of us with the manatees. Both guys were obviously knowledgeable and respectful of the rules, were very clear when describing them to us, and loved/cared about the manatees and respecting their habitat. We signed up for a 6 person tour and there were 4 of us plus the 2 guides. I highly recommend the small group for this because you get more time individually swimming close to the manatees without disturbing them with a larger, possibly overwhelming group. The gear was all good quality and clean, and the wetsuits were great for floating and keeping warm in the water. We will be returning and doing this again at some point. Thank you to Plantation Adventure for an amazing experience!The employees are extremely skilled, qualified, and extremely good with multiple diverse group of people. Captain Ray and Sandy were out of this world with my 12yr old autistic daughter I had no worries what so ever her being with them and letting me venture off by my self when I wasn't panicking...
The employees are extremely skilled, qualified, and extremely good with multiple diverse group of people. Captain Ray and Sandy were out of this world with my 12yr old autistic daughter I had no worries what so ever her being with them and letting me venture off by my self when I wasn't panicking. I am definitely trying it again when ever I get to come back to Florida for a visit. Thank you so much captain Ray and Sandy.This trip was incredible! John and Ross were the best! John made sure my kids felt comfortable. We got to swim with a manatee before even leaving dock. Then, we got to take a boat ride looking for more and swam in 3 Sisters Springs. This was one of the best experiences of our lives!
This trip was incredible! John and Ross were the best! John made sure my kids felt comfortable. We got to swim with a manatee before even leaving dock. Then, we got to take a boat ride looking for more and swam in 3 Sisters Springs. This was one of the best experiences of our lives!All I can say is WOW!!! This was one of the most amazing experiences for me and my son to be able to swim with these amazing beautiful creatures. Our guides were awesome which made the experience that much better. I would 100% recommend this place to people if they are looking for a wonderful exp...
All I can say is WOW!!! This was one of the most amazing experiences for me and my son to be able to swim with these amazing beautiful creatures. Our guides were awesome which made the experience that much better. I would 100% recommend this place to people if they are looking for a wonderful experience. Misty was one of our guides and she was so awesome with my son, showing him how to use his snorkel when we got into the water and he was a natural from there on out. I believe our captains name was Kip and he was also great.First time we have ever swam with the manatees, Captian Mark and Diver Tim made it such a great experience. Tim was very patient with my 7 and 10 year old in the water. Captain Mark was able to answer any questions or concerns we had. Such a great time, we will definitely be back!
First time we have ever swam with the manatees, Captian Mark and Diver Tim made it such a great experience. Tim was very patient with my 7 and 10 year old in the water. Captain Mark was able to answer any questions or concerns we had. Such a great time, we will definitely be back!