Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer
Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff that Made it Great!

For over 20 years, I've wanted to swim with the Manatees. When you've built something up for that long, it has the potential to not live up to expectations. Thankfully for me, it was amazing. The staff made sure it was everything I'd hoped for. They were super friendly. Explained clearly both expectations and what was included. Ample pictures were taken, and a real effort was made to take multiple "$ shots". They were also dog friendly which was huge for us. I loved my experience and will definitely use them again if we ever come back to Crystal River. I really loved Hina, our guide.

– Cat C., TripAdvisor
Gigantic Fun!

We had a great time on our swim with the Manatees! We liked that the Nature Discovery boats take out smaller groups. Once we got to the springs, there were quite a few other boat and people, but being on a smaller tour gave us more individual attention from our guide and boat Caption. We got to see and swim along side many Manatees. They are super big, and being next to them is an amazing experience. We were provided with wet suits, masks, and snorkels. The equipment was in Excellent condition. The store front where we changed was clean, and they have a cute gift shop. I love that the guide took photos of the experience. I would definitely recommend Nature’s Discovery Manatee Tours!!

– Sarah W, TripAdvisor
Out of All the Manatee Tours, Pick this One

This was probably one of my favorite life experiences! We got really lucky with the weather and due to a last minute cancellation, it was just 3 of us with Hina as our guide and Carlos as our captain. We were able to see around 6 manatees, including two pairs of moms with babies. Hina is really knowledgeable and told us lots of great info such as how we could tell that one of the babies was adopted by another momma manatee. She also got great photos for us! I recommend getting an early morning tour, it’s rough waking up but worth the sunrise and the experience! Hina and Carlos did a great job of making it a fantastic morning!

– Corey R., TripAdvisor
Amazing Memories

An experience we will never forget! These guys were full of information and got us up close to many different manatees including a mother and calf. They were able to find them away from other groups which was great because it can get a little crowded in places. The guide in the water (and one watching from the boat) was tremendously helpful to spot the manatees and get us right to them. The benefit of having a photographer taking photos in the water is priceless! We have these awesome pictures to look back anytime we want! To top the trip off, we found some dolphins and followed them around and watched them feeding. Recommend these guys 100%! Fyi… they were with another top rated company and went out on their own. I called the other company, they were booked, and they recommended these guys and I’m so glad they did.

– K.G., TripAdvisor
Fabulous Manatee Experience

We went out with Evan & Jake last week and had a FABULOUS experience! There were 5 in our group (age range 16 - 80) so we were able to rent the whole boat and have a private tour. We lucked out and hit the jackpot in terms of seeing lots of manatees. We were nervous because we weren't able to go out until the 10:15 tour (due to having to drive a distance first), but Evan knew right where to take us and we saw lots of manatees - even an adult and nursing youngster! Evan drove the boat and kept my mother-in-law company (who chose not to swim). Evan shared lots of interesting information with her while Jake hopped in the water with the rest of us. He gave us lots of tips and took pictures. At the end of the tour they gave us a thumb drive with the pictures - included in the price! Evan & Jake are very personable and made it a fun tour four all 5 of us. They are clearly knowledgeable about the area and the manatees and shared lots of interesting information. Their smaller tours are definitely the way to go!

– Christiana T., TripAdvisor
A Customer Focused Team

Evan and his team personalized my trip and went out of their way to make my experience perfect. They provided pictures and other unsuspected amenities to make my day memorable- truly a customer-centric mindset. This set them apart from the other companies offering manatee excursions. Most importantly, I would now consider them friends and will visit them again soon.

– Drew C., TripAdvisor
Manatee Heaven

Jake and Evan were awesome. They were great with instructions and making everyone comfortable. They gave a flash drive at the end with amazing pictures for us to remember which they included. Most tours charge extra for this. The best part was the experience though. They definitely know where to go and the best time. We did the early morning but SO worth it. Slowly but surely we were surrounded by the gentle giants. All very safe and it is something we will never forget! Thank you guys! We will tell everyone!

– Alfredo N., TripAdvisor
Amazing time! Saw 6 manatees snorkeling

Jake and Evan love what they do and they’re very knowledgeable about manatees. Their respect for the manatees shows and makes you feel you’re with them and not interfering into their lives. We saw six manatees snorkeling and at least four more cruising back to the pier. We were fully expecting to have to pay $50 for pictures. But they were included in the package. It feels so good not to feel nickle and dimed. Highly recommend!

– Zorana P., TripAdvisor
Once in a lifetime experience.

Jake and Evan were super friendly and so knowledgeable about the manatees and the area around Crystal Falls. Being showed how to interact with the manatees was great and you didn’t feel like you were invading their space. They even limit the number of people on ten tour so that you get the very best experience and a ton of personal time with the animals. The boat ride after was very informative. We also received pictures of everything for free! We had a great time and will definitely book with them again if we ever get the chance to come back.

– FunFam4All, TripAdvisor
Fantastic value!

Evan and Jake are definitely the right people in the right job at the right time for the right reasons. We will definitely be back and we will use them as our guides again. The photos were included and the time wasn’t shortened by suiting up. They deserve to go far in their new business and we believe they will. Evan explained how they were part of a volunteer effort rescuing manatees after a severe flood loading them up in an “man”bulance (ambulance) which was a u haul truck transporting them to safety from being stranded in a local golf course pond. Definitely unsung heroes! Thanks again from your Kentucky neighbors!

– Corey R., TripAdvisor
Amazing Memories

An experience we will never forget! These guys were full of information and got us up close to many different manatees including a mother and calf. They were able to find them away from other groups which was great because it can get a little crowded in places. The guide in the water (and one watching from the boat) was tremendously helpful to spot the manatees and get us right to them. The benefit of having a photographer taking photos in the water is priceless! We have these awesome pictures to look back anytime we want! To top the trip off, we found some dolphins and followed them around and watched them feeding. Recommend these guys 100%! Fyi… they were with another top rated company and went out on their own. I called the other company, they were booked, and they recommended these guys and I’m so glad they did.

– K.G., TripAdvisor
Fabulous Manatee Experience

We went out with Evan & Jake last week and had a FABULOUS experience! There were 5 in our group (age range 16 - 80) so we were able to rent the whole boat and have a private tour. We lucked out and hit the jackpot in terms of seeing lots of manatees. We were nervous because we weren't able to go out until the 10:15 tour (due to having to drive a distance first), but Evan knew right where to take us and we saw lots of manatees - even an adult and nursing youngster! Evan drove the boat and kept my mother-in-law company (who chose not to swim). Evan shared lots of interesting information with her while Jake hopped in the water with the rest of us. He gave us lots of tips and took pictures. At the end of the tour they gave us a thumb drive with the pictures - included in the price! Evan & Jake are very personable and made it a fun tour four all 5 of us. They are clearly knowledgeable about the area and the manatees and shared lots of interesting information. Their smaller tours are definitely the way to go!

– Christiana T., TripAdvisor
A Customer Focused Team

Evan and his team personalized my trip and went out of their way to make my experience perfect. They provided pictures and other unsuspected amenities to make my day memorable- truly a customer-centric mindset. This set them apart from the other companies offering manatee excursions. Most importantly, I would now consider them friends and will visit them again soon.

– Drew C., TripAdvisor
Manatee Heaven

Jake and Evan were awesome. They were great with instructions and making everyone comfortable. They gave a flash drive at the end with amazing pictures for us to remember which they included. Most tours charge extra for this. The best part was the experience though. They definitely know where to go and the best time. We did the early morning but SO worth it. Slowly but surely we were surrounded by the gentle giants. All very safe and it is something we will never forget! Thank you guys! We will tell everyone!

– Alfredo N., TripAdvisor

Manatees are fascinating marine mammals that have been populating the waters of Florida for thousands of years. These gentle giants, also known as sea cows, are an essential part of the state’s aquatic ecosystem and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy balance in the waterways they call home. From their migrations to their impact on the environment, manatees are an integral part of Florida’s aquatic landscape.

 

Manatees, which are primarily found in the warm coastal waters, rivers, and springs of Florida, are known for their large and robust bodies, paddle-shaped tails, and whiskered faces. They are herbivores, feeding on a diet of seagrasses and other aquatic plants, and can consume up to 10% of their body weight in food each day. Manatees are also known for their slow and gentle nature, often moving at a leisurely pace as they graze on the vegetation that sustains them.

 

One of the most remarkable aspects of manatees’ lives is their annual migration patterns. During the colder months, when water temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees seek out warmer waters to avoid cold stress. Many of these creatures migrate to the freshwater springs of Florida, where the water remains a consistent temperature year-round. Crystal River, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is one of the primary areas for manatee migration and is considered a hotspot for manatee activity.

 

Manatees’ role in the ecosystem of Florida is significant. As herbivores, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and other underwater plant life. By grazing on these marine plants, manatees prevent overgrowth and ensure a healthy balance in the aquatic environment. In addition, manatees help to distribute seeds and nutrients as they move through the water, contributing to the overall health and diversity of the ecosystem.