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Classic Manatee Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos

Best value · Up to 12 guests

5.0•163 reviews
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Trip Highlights

Swim with Gentle Giants
Expert Guided Tour
Sustainable Tourism Experience
In-water Guide and Photographer
All-inclusive Experience

Description

Dive into the enchanting world of manatees with our Classic Manatee Snorkeling Adventure with a maximum of 12 passengers. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Our expert guides ensure a safe and memorable encounter, providing insights into the lives of these fascinating creatures. Join us for an unforgettable journey that combines adventure with education, all while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Itinerary

1
Arrive directly to our shop location where you will meet your In-water guide
2
Get into the waters of Crystal River and swim alongside the majestic manatees. While you swim, your in-water guide will take photos of manatees and guests, and we send them to you free after the tour.
3
Learn about manatee conservation and the importance of sustainable tourism while we enjoy our cruise back to the dock.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Price starts at
$76.95
Languages
English
Meeting Point
Nature's Discovery - Manatee Swim Tours
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Why take this tour?

How long3 hours
GroupUp to 12 guests
AgesAges 3 and up
Price$76.95 per person. Non-swimming ride along: $52.95. Holidays, Dec 26 to Jan 3: $85.99
MeetNature's Discovery, 32 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River
WaterAbout 72°F all year, wetsuits provided
PhotosFree photo package from your in-water guide
WeatherRain or shine; a full refund if we cancel for weather
RefundsFree cancellation up to 72 hours before

Embark on an extraordinary adventure that will leave you in awe as you venture into the waters of The Crystal River Manatee Refuge to swim alongside incredible wild manatees. 

This tour is all-inclusive! We provide all necessary snorkeling equipment, parking and admission to the marina as well as the in-water photo package taken by our in-water guide complimentary!

This tour is led by a knowledgeable USCG-certified Master Captain and in-water guide/photographer who will be there every step of the way. You will be enchanted by the presence of these majestic creatures as they gracefully glide through the water, their immense size and gentle nature captivating your senses. Immerse yourself in their world, as you witness firsthand their natural behaviors. You will be accompanied by a dedicated in-water photographer capturing each unforgettable moment, while ensuring a memorable and safe experience. 

Indulge in the thrill of close encounters, as these magnificent marine mammals swim by your side, their calm and serene presence creating a sense of tranquility and peace within you. Book now and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures and the delicate ecosystem they call home.

If you have children under 3, we require that your party books a private tour.

If you have a party larger than 12, we can still accommodate you! Enjoy our large group private tour where you may bring up to 20 total guests. If you have any questions or need help booking, give us a call at (352)212-5181!

Included

  • Bottled water and hot chocolate on cold days
  • Expert guide and USCG-certified Master Captain
  • Flotation device
  • Fully covered vessel
  • Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
  • In-water Tour Guide
  • Free Photos!

Excluded

  • Gratuity for Captain and Guide
  • Bathing suits and towels

Frequently asked questions

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. On cooler days, make sure to bring jackets and sweaters to help you get warm after getting out of the water.
No, beginners are welcome.
Photo package will be sent digitally to your email address.
Yes, our tours are family-friendly. The Semi-Private and Classic tours are for ages 3 and up. If you have children under the age of 3, we require you book a private tour, which is open to all ages.
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!
Yes, the marina charges $5 per guest. We have included this into your tour price so that you will not have to pay on arrival.

Things to know

Age Requirement

If you have children under 3 we require you book a private tour option.

Weather Conditions

Tours are weather dependent and may be rescheduled. Full refund will be issued if we have to cancel due to weather.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the tour. Free rescheduling depending on availability.

Recent Reviews

163 Verified reviews
Brittany Ann
Google Reviews

Brittany Ann

October 14, 2026

Jake and Faith were amazing! This was my mom and I’s first time snorkeling EVER and they made the experience so memorable. Because of the season we only seen one manatee, but it was still an amazing experience to have. We would 100% book again

Joe Smith
Google Reviews

Joe Smith

October 10, 2026

Faith and Jake made today and extraordinary experience. A very little patience and their knowledge left us in the company of manatees for hours. Truly a bucket list item for all.

Daniela Oliveira
Google Reviews

Daniela Oliveira

October 6, 2026

We had an absolutely amazing experience with Nature’s Discovery, Captain Evan, and our wonderful water guide! They were both so friendly, knowledgeable, and worked together to make sure our family had an unforgettable experience.We were lucky enough to see three manatees, includi…

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163 Verified reviews
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