Crystal River: Manatee Snorkel Tour W/ In-Water Photographer

Swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea on the Crystal River Manatee Snorkel Tour. Guided by Coast Guard-certified experts, this immersive wildlife experience takes adventurers to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where they can snorkel in the natural springs and observe manatees in their natural habitat. Equipped with essential gear and a commemorative photo package, participants can fully embrace this unique opportunity to encounter the marine mammals up close. But to truly understand the wonder of this tour, one must dive in and…

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Photography Experiences In Crystal River.

Key Points

• A 3-hour guided manatee snorkeling tour in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a protected 600-acre area.
• Includes a Coast Guard-certified captain and instructor, as well as all necessary snorkeling gear and a picture package.
• Opportunity to observe and snorkel with manatees in their natural habitat, with the benefit of an expert guide.
• The tour departs from the River Ventures tour center, located at 498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL.
• Advance reservations are recommended due to limited availability, and the tour is priced at $69.95 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Manatee Snorkel Tour

The Manatee Snorkel Tour is a 3-hour excursion that allows visitors to swim and snorkel with manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a 600-acre protected area.

Certified by the Coast Guard, the tour’s captain and instructor will guide participants through the experience.

Guests will receive a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, as well as bottled water and a picture package.

The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to snorkel alongside these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat, exploring the refuge’s natural springs aboard a covered pontoon boat.

With limited availability, guests are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance to avoid disappointment.

Includes in the Package

What does the Manatee Snorkel Tour package include? It includes a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit for participants to use during the excursion, as well as bottled water and a picture package to commemorate the experience. Plus, the package covers parking at the tour center, ensuring a hassle-free start to the adventure.

Included in Package	Description
Mask	Provided for snorkeling
Snorkel	Provided for snorkeling
Wetsuit	Provided for thermal comfort
Bottled Water	Refreshment during the tour
Picture Package	Photographs of the experience

The Manatee Snorkel Tour is designed to provide everything participants need to safely and comfortably explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and swim with the manatees.

Highlights of the Experience

Participants can snorkel with manatees in the 600-acre Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a protected natural habitat for these gentle marine mammals.

The tour is led by a Coast Guard-certified captain and instructor, ensuring a safe and educational experience. Aboard a covered pontoon boat, guests will explore the natural springs and marvel at the manatees gliding effortlessly in the crystal-clear waters.

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside these charismatic creatures, observing their behaviors and peaceful demeanor up close. With the provided mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, guests can fully enjoy this unique encounter with the friendly manatees.

Booking Information

Owing to the tour’s popularity, it’s recommended to book in advance, as spots are likely to sell out quickly. At $69.95 per person, the tour can be reserved now with the option to pay later.

The meeting point is the River Ventures tour center, located at 498 SE Kings Bay Dr.

The 3-hour tour provides visitors with the opportunity to swim and snorkel with manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a 600-acre protected area. Participants will benefit from a captain and instructor certified by the Coast Guard, and the tour includes mask, snorkel, wetsuit, bottled water, and a picture package.

With a covered pontoon boat, guests can explore the natural springs and marvel at the gentle giants in their natural habitat.

More Great Tours Nearby

Meeting Point and Directions

The tour meets at the River Ventures tour center, located at 498 SE Kings Bay Dr. in Crystal River, Florida. Visitors can easily find the meeting point as it’s situated along the main road running through the area. The tour center offers convenient parking for guests.

Directions to Meeting Point
From North	Take US-19 S
From South	Take US-19 N
From East	Take FL-44 W
From West	Take FL-44 E
Address	498 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429

What to Expect During the Tour

Guests can expect an immersive encounter with the manatees during the 3-hour tour.

They’ll board a covered pontoon boat and cruise to the natural springs within the 600-acre Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, where these gentle marine mammals are known to congregate.

Once there, guests will don their provided mask, snorkel, and wetsuit to safely enter the crystal-clear waters and swim alongside these magnificent creatures.

The captain and instructor, certified by the Coast Guard, will guide participants and provide expert commentary throughout the experience.

Guests can expect to see the manatees up-close, observe their behavior, and capture memorable photos and videos during this unforgettable adventure.

Safety and Certifications

Safety and the proper certifications are paramount for the Manatee Snorkel Tour. The captain and instructor leading the tour are both certified by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring participants’ wellbeing throughout the experience. They’re trained in first aid and CPR, and they’ll provide a thorough safety briefing before the tour begins.

The tour’s equipment, including the masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, is also regularly inspected to meet safety standards. By following the guide’s instructions and exercising caution, guests can enjoy a memorable encounter with the gentle manatees while prioritizing their own safety.

The team’s expertise and attention to detail create a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.

Photographer-Assisted Snorkeling

Why, the Manatee Snorkel Tour even offers a special photographer-assisted snorkeling experience to capture the magic of these gentle giants up close.

During this unique activity, a professional photographer accompanies you in the water, expertly guiding you and your camera to the best vantage points for stunning manatee photos. They’ll provide tips on framing, lighting, and camera settings to ensure you return with incredible keepsakes of your encounter.

The photographer’s expertise, combined with the manatees’ natural curiosity, makes for an unforgettable photo session. Whether you’re an experienced shutterbug or a casual snapper, this add-on service elevates the Manatee Snorkel Tour to a truly immersive and memorializing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear. However, the tour provides masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, which are tailored for the manatee-viewing experience. Using the provided equipment ensures optimal comfort and safety during the snorkel tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The manatee snorkel tour has a minimum age requirement of 8 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour operator ensures all participants’ safety and comfort during the in-water experience.

Are Lockers Available for Personal Belongings?

Yes, lockers are available for storing personal belongings during the tour. Guests can securely store their valuables while they enjoy snorkeling with the manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Can I Purchase Photos After the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase photos after the tour. The tour includes a picture package, but additional photos are available for purchase. Guests can review and purchase any extra photos they’d like following the manatee snorkel experience.

What Should I Bring for the Tour?

For the manatee snorkel tour, visitors should bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. The tour provides the necessary snorkeling gear, wetsuit, and bottled water. Guests should come prepared to get in the water and enjoy an up-close encounter with the gentle manatees.

Recap

The Crystal River Manatee Snorkel Tour is a unique opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

With all the necessary gear and safety certifications provided, guests can fully enjoy this wildlife encounter.

A highlight is the in-water photographer, capturing memorable moments to take home.

Booking this 3-hour excursion is the perfect way to experience the wonder of Crystal River’s manatees.

You can check availability for your dates here: