no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 17 January, 2023

These docile, endearing and sadly vulnerable mammals are found in only a few last strongholds of the world – Western Australia, Vietnam and here in Florida.

At Crystal River in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, they gather in their hundreds to bask in the warm river water and to graze on seaweed.

More habituated to people here than in other locations, you can dive or snorkel closer to them than anywhere else; curious and playful, individuals often come right up to you.

Price from: £45
Minimum age: 3
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 3 hours

Getting there & doing it

Trips operate from Crystal River, where boats will ferry you the short distance to where the manatees are, and usually last around three hours. Walk-ins are welcomed but are subject to availability, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

All equipment is provided, including wetsuits, but take a towel. Children of two years and older can participate. Private groups tours are also available with advance notice.

When to do it

Several hundred manatees can be found in the river in winter. In summer there are fewer, around 50-70. Water temperatures are consistent all year.

Tours run daily all year round. Start times vary by operator, but there are several departures a day, usually in the early morning (the optimum time for interactions).

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center

Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center

Crystal River

Save money and rub flippers with Florida's resident sea cows. American Pro Diving Center helps visitors and locals explore the clear, teem...

$46 | Rating 4.74 / 5 [83 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

Crystal River

Swim alongside the gentle giantson our professonally guides snorkles tours. Our tours include: full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, hot chocol...

$70 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [1691 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Swim with Manatees - Trip Advisors "Travelers Choice Award"

Swim with Manatees - Trip Advisors "Travelers Choice Award"

Crystal River

Since 1995, Fun 2 Dive has guided tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world on this most special experience. We are one of the p...

$70 | Rating 4.96 / 5 [1468 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

Crystal River

Our Manatee Swim tour at Explorida was Voted Trip Advisors 2022 "Top Ten Bucket List Experience in THE WORLD!" Swimming with the m...

$72 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [1439 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo