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Swim With Manatees In Crystal River, Florida

81 Reviews 4.81 out of 5 stars Based on 81 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Crystal River, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Our guided "Swim With the Manatees" tour is our number one attraction. You get the opportunity to experience manatees up close and personal in their natural habitat on colder days. Manatee season runs from November 15th through March 31st each year. We have amazing local guides who know our waters very well so you could spot several manatees in the right conditions. The colder the temperatures, the more manatees you will see. On warmer days/weeks, some tours get zero manatees because it is a natural environment and they are not always around to see. The manatees head back out to the Gulf of Mexico where the food supply is more bountiful for them. You will learn the right way to interact with these amazing animals through passive observation and learn all about our ecosystem here in Crystal River.

What's Included

  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Wetsuit
  • Kayak or Paddleboard
  • Gratuities
  • Optional photo package for $37.99 at end of trip
  • Marina Parking Fee must be paid at the location
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

1 Southwest 1st Place
Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

This is an AMAZING 2.5 hour guided kayak tour to swim with manatees, which is THE coolest thing to do in Crystal River! You will get to paddle peacefully through the waterways and explore different areas, unlike the local dive companies that only drop you off to swim and get back on the boat. You get to experience all of the local nature that Crystal River has to offer visitors.
This package comes with everything you need including a single kayak, a wetsuit, snorkel gear, paddle, life vest, and a fantastic local tour guide. The tour group follows one of our local guides through the beautiful waterways and will learn about the eco-system, see many various birds, fish, and of course some amazing manatees! There is an optional photo package to purchase at the end of your tour with photos taken by your guide along the way. This really is a bucket list trip for many people so reserve today.

We require you arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time to watch a video from the FWC and sign waivers.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Moderate physical activity is required to kayak/paddleboard and swim with the manatees.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (17)

Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?

A: The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg. Read more Nov 2021

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-184792P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.81
81 reviews

Average 4.81 out of 5 stars based on 81 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
73
4 stars
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3 stars
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1 star
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Wetsuit
  • Kayak or Paddleboard
  • Life Vest
  • Gratuities
  • Optional photo package for $37.99 at end of trip
  • Marina Parking Fee must be paid at the location
  • Marina Launch Fee

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Moderate physical activity is required to kayak/paddleboard and swim with the manatees.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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