Deluxe Manatee Swim Tour

Overview

Your Deluxe Manatee Swim Tour provides a unique opportunity to view Florida's Nature Coast. CRWS is a proud member of the Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide Program - promoting passive observation and responsible eco tourism. Your tour will take you past a state Archaeological Park, a State Nature Preserve and to a National Wildlife Refuge. You may view up to 57 varieties of birds, river otters, deer, pigs dolphins, a variety of fish and turtles besides the opportunity to swim in the area of the gentle giants manatees.

City: Crystal River

Sat 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $91.10

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Sep

Starting at $91.10

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Bottled water

Tour escort/host

Driver/guide

Use of Snorkelling equipment

Live commentary on board

Local taxes

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour!
Wear bathing suits for your arrival
Bring Towels & Sunscreen.
Bring clothes to put on once done swimming that may get wet, but will keep you comfortable for the return boat ride.
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
While we have always maintained a sanitary work environment, we have increased our cleaning efforts to comply with DAN recommendations fully. Divers Alert Network (DAN) – https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/news/dan-encourages-divers-and-dive-operators-to-properly-disinfect-dive-gear

What To Expect

Crystal River Watersports

The address is our marina/dive shop and here you will get ready for your boat tour and manatee swim.

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (183)

Krista965

Mar 2022

We spent two days with the folks at Crystal River Watersports and loved every minute! On 3/14, John was our dive guide to explore Blue Grotto and Devils Den Springs about an hour north. He was very patient as he helped me correct bouyancy issues and then lead us through both springs. We had a Virgil the turtle sighting at Blue Grotto and were swarmed by Brim who ate the turtle food purchased when checking in. We tested our nerve at Devils Den, where John gave us flashlights in order to follow him through the dark and seemingly tiny crevices as we wound up and down through the cave. I would not have attempted this without a guide! On 3/15, we took the early boat with Captain Jim and Adrienne to snorkel with the manatees near the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. We were told this is the only place in the US that you are permitted to swim with manatees. We were taught to dog paddle with our arms and not to kick our feet, and when encountering the manatees to “be a starfish” and stay still without initiating contact. The weather had been cold so it was the perfect time to see many of these huge mammals, including moms with babies, in the warmer springs. Although we were not permitted to disturb these beautiful creatures, some were playful and came right up to us. One adult bumped my mask with its nose then rolled over under my arm as if to say, “Please rub my belly!” Many were quietly resting or feeding but several were quite active, swimming back to us and bumping or lifting us repeatedly. They seemed to want to play with us. One followed us back to the boat as if it did not want us to go. Such an awesome time! Adrienne got some great pics too! Thank you to everyone at Crystal River Watersports for these great experiences!

kimberlydC3760ZO

Mar 2022

Leah and Capt. Cody were a great pair. Leah had so much knowledge of the area culture & wildlife, not just the manatees. Even though the Gulf was warm and manatees were leaving the area early, we managed to find several eating & mating in the shallows. Visibility was poor but there were so many hanging out at the surface, the incredible show made up for getting up close. There were even some gators in the water. We found some in a second area where the visibility was good so one could have both experiences. I'd highly recommend Leah and will use this company when I do this again in the future. We were lucky & had a warm day but if air temperature is cold it helps to bring extra warm clothes and hot drinks.

Nathan_A

Feb 2022

The tour was amazing! We got to see the manatees in their own habitat which is breath taking. Our captain and guide were fabulous! So knowledgeable and interesting.., super personable and overall had an awesome time! Would highly recommend this tour and team to anyone!!! I will be back for scallop season too!!!