Crystal River: Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour

The Crystal River: Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the captivating world of manatees. This guided experience allows visitors to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat, while also enjoying a scenic boat cruise and a breathtaking sunset. With a knowledgeable captain leading the way, participants can expect an unforgettable adventure that showcases the beauty and serenity of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. What makes this tour truly special, however, is the chance to create lasting memories and gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystem that these iconic creatures call home.

Key Points

• Guided 2-hour boat cruise and swimming experience to encounter manatees in their natural habitat at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.
• Limited to 6 participants for an intimate encounter, with wetsuits, high-quality photos/videos, and an expert USCG licensed captain provided.
• Includes scenic views of Kings Bay, wildlife viewing, and the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset from the comfort of the boat.
• Conveniently located at a snorkel/gift shop with free parking, where participants can purchase souvenirs and photos after the tour.
• Not suitable for children under 3 or wheelchair users, with restrictions on smoking, mobility scooters, flash photography, and feeding animals.

You can check availability for your dates here:

About the Tour

The Crystal River Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to encounter these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat.

The 2-hour tour includes a guided boat cruise, swimming with manatees, and witnessing a breathtaking sunset. Limited to 6 participants, the experience ensures an intimate and personalized adventure.

Guests will depart from a conveniently located shop, explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and return to the starting point.

The tour provides wetsuits, high-quality photos and videos, and an expert USCG licensed captain to enhance the unforgettable encounter with these remarkable creatures.

Itinerary and Activities

Departing from the conveniently located snorkel/gift shop, the Crystal River Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour takes guests on a guided journey through the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

The tour includes a boat cruise, opportunities to swim and snorkel with manatees, and stunning views of the sunset. Guests will explore Kings Bay and enjoy wildlife viewing along the way.

Highlights of the experience include swimming with manatees, scenic vistas, and the serene sunset boat tour. Throughout the 2-hour adventure, you will be accompanied by a USCG licensed captain.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors can look forward to a range of exciting highlights during the Crystal River Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour. Enjoy the beauty of Kings Bay, swimming alongside majestic manatees.

Explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for diverse wildlife. Witness a breathtaking sunset from the comfort of the boat, capturing the picturesque scene.

The tour provides high-quality photos and videos, allowing you to relive the memorable moments. Plus, the knowledgeable USCG licensed captain will guide you through the tour, ensuring an enriching and informative experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a wetsuit, a USCG licensed captain, and high-quality photos and videos available for purchase.

A wetsuit, USCG licensed captain, and high-quality photos and videos available for purchase are included in the tour.

Plus, gratuity is covered. However, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 3 years old or wheelchair users.

Participants are encouraged to bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, snacks, water, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Smoking, mobility scooters, flash photography, and feeding animals aren’t allowed.

The meeting point is a snorkel/gift shop with free parking, identifiable by a lighted OPEN sign and branded van.

More Great Tours Nearby

What to Bring and Restrictions

Participants are encouraged to bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, snacks, water, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Smoking, mobility scooters, flash photography, and feeding animals aren’t allowed during the tour. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, as well as to minimize disturbance to the wildlife.

The meeting point is a snorkel/gift shop with a lighted "OPEN" sign and a branded van, located in a neighborhood with free parking.

Photos and videos can be purchased after the tour, along with souvenirs from the gift shop.

Meeting Point and Parking

The meeting point for the Crystal River Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour is a snorkel/gift shop, easily identifiable by its lighted "OPEN" sign and branded van, situated in a neighborhood with free parking.

The key details are:

1. The shop is located at 226 NE 5th St.

2. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood at no cost.

3. The shop is marked by a lighted "OPEN" sign and a branded van.

4. Participants can purchase photos, videos, and souvenirs from the gift shop after the tour.

Purchasing Photos, Videos, and Souvenirs

After the tour, participants can purchase high-quality photos and videos captured during their experience.

These keepsakes provide a lasting memento of their encounter with the manatees and the stunning sunset.

Plus, the gift shop offers a variety of souvenirs, allowing visitors to commemorate their Crystal River adventure.

From branded apparel to local artwork, there are numerous options to choose from.

Guests can browse the selection and find the perfect item to remind them of their unforgettable manatee swim and boat tour.

Tour Pricing and Booking

The Crystal River Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour is priced at £56.51 per person. This 2-hour adventure is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour package includes:

1. Wetsuit rental

2. A USCG licensed captain to guide the tour

3. High-quality photos and videos available for purchase

4. Gratuity

Travelers can conveniently reserve their spot and pay later.

Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

With so much included, the Crystal River tour offers exceptional value for nature enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour includes a wetsuit and all necessary snorkeling gear. Using the provided equipment is recommended for the best experience and safety.

Is the Tour Suitable for Non-Swimmers?

The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, as participants are required to swim in the water to see the manatees. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but guests must be comfortable swimming and snorkeling to fully enjoy the experience.

Do I Need to Know How to Swim to Participate?

No, participants don’t need to know how to swim to participate. The tour provider supplies wetsuits and life jackets, ensuring even non-swimmers can safely enjoy the manatee swim and boat tour activities.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Types of Cameras Allowed?

The tour doesn’t allow the use of flash photography to avoid disturbing the wildlife. However, participants can bring any type of camera they’d like to capture their experience, as long as it doesn’t have a flash.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can’t be extended beyond the 2 hours provided. However, participants can explore the area further after the tour or book additional tours for a longer experience.

The Sum Up

The "Crystal River: Manatee Swim and Sunset Boat Tour" offers an unforgettable opportunity to swim with gentle manatees and witness a stunning sunset. With a knowledgeable captain leading the way, guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This intimate tour promises an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: