Swim with Manatees - Crystal River, Florida

Mónica

Viajecito en barco para verlos, con la suerte de que si que vimos!

Brandon F.

We went to a Campground 20 minutes beyond crystal river and rented a canoe instead of being touristy. The Campground requested you venture into twin sisters spring but once we paddled over it was full of people. Don't go there. Venture left and go out. We made it about a mile in and spotted a manatees. My son was able to get out and snorkel privately by himself and John the manatee swam to him and put on a show. John let my son touch him by brushing against him gently. We saw cranes and fish as well. It was truly a great experience.

Kelly S.

This was the very best day of my life! (you know, besides my wedding and the birth of my son) I have wanted to do this since I was a kid. And I’m so happy I got to share it with my family. Me and the manatee I met became BFFs for 20 minutes. Everyone else in my party got back on the boat and I got alone time with her. She just floated next me and I watched her through my snorkel mask, making eye contact. It was magical. Thank you for this!!

James C.

Our trip was great. I don't recall our guides name, but it was Captain something. Awesome dude, super knowledgeable and informative about not only the manatees but the other wildlife and area. Though the recent hurricanes made it difficult to see anything in the river our guide busted his butt to get us near the manatees.
We got to see some turtles, bunch of birds, and even spotted a good sized gator.

If you're in Crystal River area, ya gotta do this tour, it's absolutely amazing and unforgettable.

LivinonStormMountain

What a magical experience it was! Captain Cephas Christian was a great tour guide, giving us history and facts about Monkey Island, the monkeys- Ralph, Emily and Ebony, the manatees and the surrounding area. It was a trip I'll never forget. THANK YOU!

Nyimas Y. I. A.

Do the snorkeling with manatees! You won’t regret it. The 4 of us went on Dec 30, 2024. Captain Parker and Janice were the best! Cpt Parker’s humor was leaving us smiles the entire time and Janice’s photography skills captured it all. Get the photo package too, you’ll be glad you did! As the mom, I’m usually the one taking the photos but I’m glad Janice was doing it for me so I can have a more immersive experience visiting the manatees at their home. We saw sooo many, including a mama and her baby, and one playful one with belly ups and wanting to be close enough for me to touch. Cpt Parker and Janice gave us some really good environmental and conservation information and education about the manatees and wanted us to let y’all know to come visit. Great times, no regrets, and we want to return!

ROBERT M.

This was a bucket list item for me, after 30 minutes in the water we swam with 6 different Manatees. This was early in the migration season, so there weren't hundreds of them. The water isn't crystal clear as seen in many ads on the internet. But this was a great experience, the captain was a great help spotting the Manatees and very knowledgable. Our boat only had 5 of us, we were told that they don't take more than 6 at a time. This was a great day adventure.

Alex N.

We went on a very cold day (the day it snowed in Jacksonville 2025). Saw an abundance of manatees whom were super friendly and gentle. Had a great tour guide in Homossasa Springs. Highly recommend! Great experience!