The American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, Florida offers a remarkable opportunity to encounter the gentle manatee up close. Their Manatee Snorkel Tour provides a 3-4 hour experience where guests can observe these unique marine mammals in their natural habitat. Guided by experienced professionals, the tour takes participants on a scenic boat ride through crystal-clear waters, offering insights into the local ecosystem. While the tour’s inclusions and practical details are well-covered, there’s more to discover about the unique connection between humans and these captivating creatures.
Key Points
- 3-4 hour manatee observation excursion starting from $72.08 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Family-friendly snorkeling or boat ride options with professional guides and certified captains, and all necessary equipment included.
- Over 35 years of operation, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for manatee viewing in Crystal River, Florida.
- Check-in, gear up, and boarding process facilitated by friendly staff, with access to changing facilities and post-tour activities.
- Scenic boat ride through crystal-clear waterways to the manatee viewing area, with educational commentary from knowledgeable guides.
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Tour Overview
The American Pro Diving Center offers a Manatee Snorkel Tour that takes visitors on a 3-4 hour excursion to observe these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The tour is priced from $72.08 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option.
The tour has been running for over 35 years, providing a family-friendly experience with the option to snorkel or ride on the boat.
Equipment, including mask, fins, snorkel gear, and wetsuit, is included, along with a professional in-water guide and US Coast Guard certified captain.
Experience Highlights
For over 35 years, American Pro Diving Center has been the original Crystal River Manatee Snorkel tour company.
This family-friendly experience offers options to snorkel or ride on the boat. Included equipment consists of a mask, fins, snorkel gear, and a wet suit.
Professional in-water guides and a US Coast Guard certified captain lead the tour. The short boat ride to the spring-fed waters minimizes sea-sickness.
After the tour, guests can return their gear, change clothes, shop for souvenirs, and watch the tour video on a big screen TV.
Tour Details
The Manatee Snorkel Tour begins at the American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, Florida. Guests check in and get assistance gearing up from the friendly staff.
They then take a short boat ride to the spring-fed waters, which minimizes the risk of seasickness. After the tour, participants return their gear, change clothes, and can shop for souvenirs.
They can also watch the tour video on the center’s big screen TV. Additional inclusions are large covered pontoon boats, clean indoor restrooms, and beverages like hot chocolate in the winter.
A $5 marina parking fee applies, and gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included.
Inclusions
Included in the Manatee Snorkel Tour are the use of snorkeling equipment, beverages like hot chocolate during winter, and access to large covered pontoon boats and clean indoor restrooms.
The tour also includes gratuities, though food and drinks aren’t provided. Customers can purchase a flash drive of the tour video after the experience.
There’s a $5 marina parking fee. While alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a family-friendly option.
With an overall rating of 5/5 from customer reviews, the Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center offers a well-rounded package for an enjoyable snorkeling adventure.
Important Information
Visitors are advised to bring swimwear and a towel for the Manatee Snorkel Tour. No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the tour. The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a meeting point available on Google Maps.
| What to Bring | Prohibited | Meeting Point |
|---|---|---|
| Swimwear | Alcohol | American Pro Diving Center |
| Towel | Drugs | Crystal River, Florida |
| – | – | Available on Google Maps |
The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on customer reviews, providing a family-friendly experience with options to snorkel or ride on the boat.
Gear Up and Check-In
Upon arrival at the American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, Florida, friendly staff assist visitors with checking in and getting geared up for the Manatee Snorkel Tour.
They provide all necessary snorkeling equipment, including masks, fins, and snorkels. The staff ensures a proper fit and offers guidance on using the gear.
Visitors can change into their swimwear in the clean indoor restrooms.
Once ready, the group boards the large covered pontoon boats for the short trip to the spring-fed waters where they’ll have the opportunity to see the manatees up close.
The staff’s attentiveness and organization make the pre-tour experience seamless.
Boat Ride to Springs
After getting fully equipped with their snorkeling gear, the group boards the large covered pontoon boats for the short trip to the spring-fed waters where they’ll have the opportunity to see the manatees up close.
The boats are designed to minimize seasickness, allowing guests to comfortably enjoy the journey.
The trip includes:
- A scenic ride through the crystal-clear waterways of Crystal River.
- Knowledgeable tour guides who provide information about the local ecosystem and manatee behavior.
- A chance to spot other wildlife, such as birds and fish, along the way.
- Easy access to the manatee viewing area, ensuring a smooth transition into the water.
Post-Tour Activities
Following the manatee snorkel tour, guests can enjoy several post-tour activities.
They’ll return their snorkeling gear, change into dry clothes, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.
The staff will also invite them to watch the tour video on the big screen TV, allowing them to relive the experience.
Plus, guests can pay a $5 marina parking fee before departing.
With a range of engaging options, the post-tour experience at the American Pro Diving Center ensures a well-rounded adventure for all participants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The family-friendly experience offers options to either snorkel or ride on the boat, making it suitable for all ages.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Yes, participants can bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour provides all necessary gear, including mask, fins, and snorkel, which are included in the price. Using the provided equipment is recommended for the best experience.
How Deep Is the Water During the Snorkeling Portion?
The water depth during the snorkeling portion is generally shallow, around 3-5 feet deep. This allows guests to comfortably float and observe the manatees in their natural habitat without needing to dive deeply underwater.
Is There an Option to Only View the Manatees From the Boat?
Yes, there is an option to view the manatees from the boat. The tour offers family-friendly experiences with the choice to either snorkel or ride on the covered pontoon boats to observe the manatees.
Can I Take Photographs/Videos During the Snorkeling Activity?
Guests can take photographs and videos during the snorkeling activity. The provider encourages capturing memories of the experience, but advises not to disturb or touch the manatees to ensure their wellbeing and a positive encounter.
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Recap
The Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center offers an unforgettable experience to observe these gentle giants up close in Crystal River, Florida. With knowledgeable guides, scenic boat rides, and post-tour amenities, it’s a family-friendly adventure that provides a chance to learn about the local ecosystem and create lasting memories.