Mission

We Make Dreams Come True

We founded Nature’s Discovery after years of experience swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida. Snorkeling with manatees is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people who visit the Nature Coast. We have spent years in this business professionally, and even longer as excited visitors to this amazing place getting close to the one-of-a-kind west indian manatee.

Coming face-to-face with a manatee is a transcendent experience for many people. Some describe it as spiritual and others may have no words to describe their manatee encounter, but their face tells the whole story. Manatees are large animals—often larger than your sofa at home—but they are such docile animals that people who never had the experience of a snorkeling tour or approaching wildlife can be comfortable around their gentle demeanor. Even after years of living around the animals, it is clear when you are snorkeling in the King’s Bay Manatee Refuge, you are truly entering the manatee’s home.

People from all over the world have come to Crystal River seeking wonder, beauty, and up close experiences with these truly gentle giants. Our foundation of Nature’s Discovery rose out of a desire to help as many people as we can meet the Florida manatee in an educational and exciting setting that preserves the ecology of King’s Bay without taking any expense on the manatees themselves. We preach passive observation of these beautiful animals so that we may snorkel with manatees without disturbing their behavior. Truly a one-of-a-kind experience, getting in the water with wild manatees is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Florida and it is our absolute privilege and pleasure to give you the adventure of a lifetime!

Meet the Crew

Our Dedicated Team

Captain Jake

Captain Jake

Captain Jake has long been infatuated with manatees and wildlife in general. Not a native to Florida, Jake grew up in a military family which moved a lot during his childhood but ended up settling in Missouri. Often moving as a youth led to dreams of adventure and a restless spirit that demands to explore. Unbeknownst to him the stage was set for his future profession at nine years old when he and his siblings took a trip to Florida to visit with family over Christmas. That was when Jake went on his first manatee tour and got his first opportunity to be blown away by the magnificent Florida manatee! It was a cold winter day, and Jake still can recall his surprise at

not only how massive these animals were, but also by how gentle, silent, and majestic they were. Usually kiddos are the first to get cold and want to get out of the water on mornings like this, but Jake stayed in this new world until the last possible second, trying to soak up all of the manatee experience that he could.

Jake’s passion for wildlife started getting a contender as Jake grew up and became interested in the human mind. He had a tough choice to make when he graduated high school, move to Florida and pursue the wild or continue his education in his home state. Jake ended up choosing to continue with his education and attended Truman State University in northern Missouri, graduating with a degree in psychology. Jake does not believe that anything happens by accident or coincidence and his decision to pursue research on the mind only helped his realization that experiences in nature are pivotal for a healthy mind and soul. He finally made the move that he had considered years before and came back to Crystal River, Florida.

It has been over four-and-a-half years and Jake has gone from a swim guide to a 25 Ton Master Captain! Motivated as ever, every day on King's Bay is an opportunity to make dreams come true, which is his ever present goal in the manatee business. He sees the kiddos who come through our town, much like he was when he was young and loves the opportunity to open others' eyes the same way that he was opened to the wonders of nature years ago. With quick wit, bottomless patience and a desire to make the day special for every one of his guests, Jake yearns to maintain responsible ecotourism and give people the highlight of their Florida vacation!

Captain Evan

Captain Evan

Captain Evan is one of our locals who grew up right here in Crystal River. During his childhood days he would spend most of his time outside exploring King's Bay and the backcountry of our beloved town. From swimming with manatees, boating, fishing and even scuba diving, he has always gotten excited for adventure. The first time his dad took him out on the boat he knew he belonged on the water.

Evan was taught from a child how to operate a boat and he fell in love with boating quickly. Fishing was a big hobby growing up and was a passion that he and his father shared together. The excitement of catching fish and bringing dinner home to his mother and the rest of his family was something very special to him that he always enjoyed doing.

When Evan turned 13 years old his parents put him and his brother into scuba diving classes together because they had a passion for swimming and freediving and so they became open water certified. Evan had the opportunity to dive many springs around Florida growing up because his friend's parents were both dive instructors and took him along when they would go on vacation. Snorkeling with manatees was something Evan and his entire family loved doing. It was a great pastime and was fun for the entire family and also a way to bring everyone together. The experiences these manatees gave the whole family was very special and something they could all relate to.

Captain Evan started his career in the manatee tour industry at 15 years old. washing wetsuits and working on the weekends and during the summer months. When he got out of high school, he knew that he wanted to follow his dream of becoming a licensed boat captain so that he could show his guests the same wonderful experiences that he was lucky enough to grow up having!
Still as enthusiastic as ever, Evan is excited to take guests from all over the world to meet the gentle-giant manatees, and with ten years of industry knowledge and a lifetime of experience, nothing gets him more excited than being able to show our guests the area that he calls home! Captain Evan has become well respected within the industry and as passionate as he is, he is sure to give you the ultimate experience that you will not forget while you are visiting with us!

Puahina

Puahina

Our stellar in-water guide, Puahina, is a Florida native who has long been interested in the water and wildlife. Puahina grew up in the Jacksonville area on Amelia Island and spent much of her youth on the beach surfing, fishing, and finding any excuse that she could to spend her days outside. As the oldest of four, Puahina's discipline and leadership skills, aligned with her sense of humor and love of the water made her an amazing candidate to help educate and introduce the youth to new experiences. She spent her teen years as a surfing instructor, and had to become comfortable teaching guests of all ages how to use the ocean to their advantage, conquer their fears and become confident with potentially stressful experiences.

Puahina found her latest passion as a guest on our tours, just like you! After moving to Citrus County, she and her family took the opportunity to explore the area and the natural wonders available. They came upon a company called Nature's Discovery and booked a trip with Captain Jake and Evan. Puahina was quickly infatuated with King's Bay and the amazing resident manatees. Before the tour was over, she was already asking about jobs available in the industry! Now a year into being a full-time swim guide, Puahina has proven to be a great guide. Her obvious passion for wildlife, kindness, and attention to detail makes her an ideal swim guide for novice snorkelers, small children, and experienced divers alike.

After entering the industry as a swim guide and enjoying every aspect of it, she has decided to obtain her Captain's license! In a few months you may know her as not only your guide, but maybe as your Captain. Puahina's ability to turn every situation into a positive one will ensure all of her guests leave happy! She enjoys sharing the wonders of the bay with guests, making the experience exciting for everyone. While the manatees are the main priority, she will also point out the abundant wildlife in Crystal River. From identifying schools of fish, birds, and plant species, to teaching the importance of wildlife conservation – she is full of information!

Carlos

Carlos

Meet Captain Carlos, a born and raised native Florida native who has spent the last five years as a captain in King’s Bay running manatee tours. With a deep love for outdoors and a passion for sharing the beauty of his home state with others, Carlos is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for all who come aboard his tours.

As a seasoned Captain, Carlos knows the ins and outs of King’s Bay and is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all of his guests. He takes great pride in his work and finds joy in seeing the excitement and wonder on the faces of those who come face to face with manatees for the first time.

When he’s not out on the water, Carlos enjoys spending time at home with his furry and four-legged friends. with six cats, two dogs, and two horses, it’s safe to say that animals hold a special place in his heart. He also has a loving girlfriend who shares his passion for the great outdoors.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Florida enthusiast, Captain Carlos is dedicated to making your manatee tour experience one to remember, Join him on the waters of King’s Bay and prepare to be amazed by the beauty of these gentle giants!

Story

From Passion to Purpose

Nature’s Discovery was born from a deep love for the natural beauty of Crystal River, Florida, and a passion for sharing it with others. After years of swimming with manatees and exploring the pristine waters of the Nature Coast, we realized the transformative power of these experiences. Our founders, driven by a desire to protect and celebrate the unique wildlife of the area, established Nature’s Discovery to offer eco-friendly tours that leave a lasting impression. We have spent years honing our craft, ensuring that each tour is not only an adventure but also an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the conservation of these gentle giants. We invite you to join us on a journey that promises awe-inspiring encounters and memories that will last a lifetime.

Why choose us?

Unforgettable Crystal River Boat Tours And Manatee Encounters

Our Manatee Tours of Crystal River not only allow you to cruise the waters of King's Bay, but you'll also have the chance to explore and snorkel the area. Swim with the manatees and check out the variety of wildlife that call this natural refuge home while our experienced captain and crew take care of the details of your trip.

The captain provides all the safety and recreational equipment you'll need for an exciting day on the water. Join us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and the magic of nature that you'll cherish forever!

Adventurous

Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like swimming into the water with a massive creature like the Florida manatee. Although manatees are impressively large, these gigantic creatures are docil...

Nothing will get your blood pumping quite like swimming into the water with a massive creature like the Florida manatee. Although manatees are impressively large, these gigantic creatures are docile and friendly animals. Our manatee tours let you get up close and personal like no other, allowing you to snorkel alongside these majestic creatures. Guests can also learn everything they need to know about how to help protect the habitat these animals come back to year after year.

Family-Friendly

What child doesn't love to interact with animals? Our manatee tour option in Crystal River is available for all family members, so you can rest at ease that nobody will be left out of this incredib...

What child doesn't love to interact with animals? Our manatee tour option in Crystal River is available for all family members, so you can rest at ease that nobody will be left out of this incredible experience of swimming with manatees. Snorkeling or swimming with the manatees requires no experience, so you don't have to worry about anyone feeling left out during this unforgettable outing.

Bucket List

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is an easily attainable bucket list item to cross off! Crystal River is one of the few places in the world where it's legal to interact with these gentle gia...

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is an easily attainable bucket list item to cross off! Crystal River is one of the few places in the world where it's legal to interact with these gentle giants, so you'd be missing out big time if you don't make a reservation for a manatee tour while you're in the area. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Location

Explore Crystal River's Natural Beauty Crystal River, FL

Nestled in the heart of Florida’s Nature Coast, Crystal River is a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for nature enthusiasts. Known for its spring-fed waters and abundant marine life, this charming town offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re snorkeling with manatees, exploring the lush landscapes, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, Crystal River promises an experience like no other. At Nature’s Discovery, we are proud to call this beautiful place home and are excited to share its wonders with you.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

We recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.

Yes, our tours are family-friendly and suitable for children. Please contact us for specific age recommendations.

You can book your tour directly through our website or contact us here (352) 212-5181 for assistance.

Absolutely! We run tours in the rain or shine, and find that a little bit of rain actually helps deter recreational people, often giving us an even greater likelihood of a private experience with the manatees. If there are heavy winds or lightning–dangerous weather–then we may wait out the weather, or give a full refund if we are unable to go out. Manatees are awesome, but not worth risking dangerous weather patterns.

Absolutely! We are lucky enough to be able to run successful manatee swim tours year-round. We have a resident population of manatees of likely three to four dozen wild manatees that stay in our bay year-round. During the warmer months, the manatees do tend to spread out more, and we may find them anywhere in our 600-acre bay.

If you are looking for sheer numbers of manatees then it is a direct correlation, the colder that the weather has been, the more manatees aggregate in our Bay to stay warm around the numerous freshwater springs throughout King’s Bay. Typically during “Manatee Season” (Nov 15-March 31) we have the most manatees that we will have over the course of the year. However, the manatees move with the weather patterns and if we experience a stretch of warm weather, many will head back out into the Gulf, even during the winter. Since we do have the resident population of manatees, some of our favorite times to swim with them are when travelers are not as prevalent, such as the months of May and September and October!

You certainly do not need to be a habitual diver or Michael Phelps to have a great time snorkeling with manatees. We definitely recommend being comfortable and able to stay calm while having your face in the water. We teach many novice snorkelers how to snorkel and get up-close to wildlife without disturbing the animals. We provide flotation devices and have an in-water guide dedicated to helping the less comfortable guests get acclimated to our waterways. Even so, basic swimming ability is highly recommended to keep the protected wildlife and guests alike safe.

Only dangerously cute! Manatees have no natural aggression, and honestly, any pet that you have ever owned is more likely to hurt you than a manatee. We have never seen aggressive behavior towards swimmers, not even with mothers and calves!

King’s Bay stays right around 72° Fahrenheit (22°C) year-round, due to the magnitude of Freshwater Springs around the bay that produce hundreds of millions of gallons daily. For some, this is quite comfortable; for others, it is pretty cold. To help keep guests warm in the water, we provide wetsuits which makes guests stay warm over prolonged periods. If it is a cold day, we also provide hot chocolate to help take the edge off after getting out of the water!

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