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Nature's Discovery
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Semi-Private Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos

Signature tour · Up to 6

5.0•282 reviews
Semi-Private Snorkeling Tour with Free Photos - Image 1
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Trip Highlights

Swim with Manatees
Eco-Friendly Adventure
Small Group Sizes
Free Photo Package

Description

Our signature tour! Embark on a guided snorkeling adventure with Nature's Discovery small group tour with up to 6 passengers, where you and your family can swim alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat. This year-round experience takes place in the spring-fed Kings Bay, offering an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures. With limited group sizes, this tour ensure a personalized and intimate experience, allowing you to truly connect with the manatees.

Itinerary

1
Get fitted with wetsuits and take a brief shuttle to the dock to meet your captain and embark on the search for manatees! Along the way, enjoy a snorkeling tutorial from your in-water guide and instruction on the best methods to observe wild manatees.
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
Conclude your tour and return to the dock. Head back to the shop where you can use our changing facilities and view the photos taken by your in-water guide.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 6 people
Price starts at
$89.95
Languages
English
Meeting Point
Nature's Discovery - Manatee Swim Tours
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Why take this tour?

How long3 hours (the 4pm swim is about 2 hours)
GroupUp to 6 guests
AgesAges 3 and up
Price$89.95 per person. Non-swimming ride along: same price. Holidays, Dec 26 to Jan 3: $99.95
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

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!

If you want the calmest, quietest swim with the manatees possible, then this is the tour for you! With a maximum of six guests per boat, you'll enjoy a relaxing experience with more attention from your captain and in-water guide and the best photo opportunities. Great for families in groups of six or less, couples, uncomfortable swimmers and for checking snorkeling with manatees off your bucket list! Get the most attention that you deserve from your in-water specialist!

Looking to have the most private experience possible? Book the whole boat for you and your loved ones to enjoy a private cruise and snorkel with these amazing creatures. A great way to ensure that your family gets the trip of a lifetime! Appropriate for all ages; up to six people.

 

If you have more than six in your party, we can still accommodate you, view our Classic Manatee Snorkeling Tour Option here or give us a call at (352)212-5181 to discuss your options.

Included

  • Small groups
  • Bottled water and hot chocolate on cold days
  • Snorkeling gear and wetsuits
  • Fully covered vessel
  • Expert guide and USCG-certified Master Captain
  • In-water Tour Guide
  • Free Photo Package

Excluded

  • Gratuity for the captain and guide
  • Towels

Frequently asked questions

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Hats and sunglasses are advisable. Bring sweaters or jackets to help you warm up when you get out of the water.
No, beginners are welcome.
Yes, private tours can be arranged.
We send all photos digitally after the tour!
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.
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!
There is a $5 fee per guest going to the marina. That $5 charge is included into the cost of your booking so you won't have to pay on arrival.

Things to know

Age Requirement

Suitable for ages 3 and up. If you have children under the age of 3 we require you book a private tour.

Duration

Approximately 3 hours (the 4pm swim is about 2 hours).

Group Size

Up to 6 passengers per tour.

Eco-Friendly

Tours are conducted with minimal environmental impact.

Gear Included

All necessary snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided. Photo package taken by in-water guide are included!

Cancellation Policy

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

Recent Reviews

282 Verified reviews
Summer Stevens
Google Reviews

Summer Stevens

October 15, 2026

Our guide Kendra was so nice and made sure we got to see and get up close with the manatees. Absolutely recommend this company!!

Dulcie Clarke
Google Reviews

Dulcie Clarke

October 13, 2026

What a fabulous day! Crystallynn and Jake took us out today and we had the most amazing experience. Close up, calm and respectful viewing of a very beautiful manatee; diving in a crystal clear spring and accommodating many many photos! The whole day was perfect, both Crystallynn …

Nicole A
Google Reviews

Nicole A

October 11, 2026

Captain Jake and Crystallynn were amazing! We had so much fun and were able to swim with a mama and baby manatee. They are both very knowledgeable! We had a small group and it was a great experience. Highly recommend 😁

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