Crystal River: Snorkel With Manatees & Dolphin Airboat Trip

The Crystal River in Florida offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the natural world. The "Snorkel With Manatees & Dolphin Airboat Trip" promises an unforgettable 5-hour adventure, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these gentle marine mammals. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour combines a guided snorkeling session to swim with manatees and an exhilarating airboat ride on the Homosassa River in search of dolphins. With a focus on small group sizes, this immersive experience provides a chance to explore the estuary’s stunning beauty and abundant wildlife. But what else can this tour offer?

This experience made our article of 2 Amazing Dolphin Watching Tours In Crystal River.

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Key Points

Experience a guided snorkeling adventure to encounter manatees in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and an exhilarating airboat tour on the Homosassa River.
The 5-hour activity includes a 3-hour manatee swim and a 1.5-hour airboat ride, priced from $141 per person for a small group of 6 participants.
Flexible booking and cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Participants should have strong swimming skills, and the activity is not suitable for children under 3 or wheelchair users.
The activity has received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and excellent opportunities to interact with manatees and observe local wildlife.

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Activity Overview

The experience includes a guided snorkeling adventure in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to encounter manatees, followed by an exhilarating airboat tour on the Homosassa River in search of dolphins and exploring the scenic mangroves and backwaters.

The total duration is 5 hours, with 3 hours for the manatee swim and 1.5 hours for the airboat ride. Priced from $141 per person, the tour is limited to a small group of 6 participants for an intimate experience, with guides providing instruction and photography in English.

Looking for more options in Crystal River? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking and Cancellation

For this experience, visitors can reserve their spot using the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers planning their schedules.

It’s important to note that participants are responsible for their own transportation between the manatee swim location and the airboat tour. Coordinating the logistics between these two activities is crucial for a seamless experience.

Highlights and Experience

Though the manatee swim and airboat tour are the main highlights of this experience, visitors will also enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding estuary and wildlife.

The guided snorkeling brings participants face-to-face with the gentle manatees, with the opportunity to observe the abundant fish, birds, and other creatures in the rich estuary.

The thrilling airboat ride on the Homosassa River offers the chance to spot dolphins and explore the mangroves and backwaters.

Knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides ensure a memorable and educational adventure for all participants.

Participant Requirements and Restrictions

Not all participants may be able to fully experience this activity.

The manatee swim and airboat tour have some restrictions. It’s not suitable for children under 3 years old. Wheelchair users can’t be accommodated.

Participants should bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing. Strong swimming skills are expected, as the guides won’t provide one-on-one assistance.

Those with mobility issues may find the activities challenging. It’s important to assess individual capabilities before booking.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews for this manatee swim and airboat tour experience.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and friendly staff, highlighting the excellent opportunities to interact with manatees. The thrilling airboat ride and the beauty of the local wildlife also received notable mentions.

However, some feedback emphasized the importance of checking the schedule to avoid potential lag times between the two activities.

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Manatee Swim: Guided Snorkeling Adventure

The excursion begins with a guided snorkeling adventure in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a rich estuary teeming with fish, birds, and the gentle giants of the water – manatees.

Participants are provided with wetsuits and snorkeling gear, ensuring they’re comfortable and equipped for the experience. A Coast Guard Certified Master Captain leads the way, providing safety, education, and the opportunity to capture unforgettable photographs of the manatees up close.

This intimate group activity allows visitors to enjoy the natural wonder of the Crystal River and interact with the beloved manatees.

Airboat Tour: Thrilling Homosassa River Exploration

After the unforgettable manatee encounter, the excursion continues with a thrilling airboat tour on the Homosassa River.

Participants will board a Coast Guard-certified airboat and embark on an exciting journey in search of dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife.

Participants will board a Coast Guard-certified airboat and embark on an exciting journey in search of dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife.

The tour explores the lush mangrove forests and serene backwaters, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Skilled captains provide informative commentary, ensuring guests gain insights into the local ecosystem.

The adrenaline-fueled ride promises an exhilarating finale to this exceptional wildlife adventure.

What to Expect: A Day of Wildlife Encounters

Though the day begins with a serene snorkel among the majestic manatees, participants can expect an adrenaline-fueled finale on the thrilling airboat tour.

After exploring the estuary and getting up close with the gentle creatures, thrill-seekers will board the airboat for a high-speed ride on the Homosassa River.

The skilled captain will navigate the waterways, searching for dolphins and navigating through lush mangrove forests.

This action-packed adventure provides a perfect balance of tranquil wildlife encounters and exhilarating exploration, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Be Able to Touch the Manatees During the Swim?

No, participants are not allowed to touch the manatees during the swim. The guides enforce strict guidelines to protect the manatees’ safety and well-being, ensuring a respectful and educational experience for all.

Is There a Weight or Height Limit for the Airboat Tour?

There is no weight or height limit for the airboat tour. The airboats are designed to safely accommodate riders of all sizes. Participants should be able to board and ride the airboat comfortably.

Can I Bring My Gopro or Other Camera Equipment?

Yes, participants can bring their own camera equipment like GoPros to capture the manatee swim and airboat tour. However, the tour operator isn’t responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.

Are Wetsuits and Snorkeling Gear Included for the Manatee Swim?

Yes, wetsuits and snorkeling gear are included for the manatee swim. The experience provides all the necessary equipment, ensuring participants can comfortably and safely explore the crystal-clear waters and interact with the gentle manatees.

Can I Add Additional Activities to the Tour Package?

Yes, participants can add additional activities to the tour package, such as kayaking or visiting other wildlife attractions in the area. However, these add-ons may come at an extra cost and require advanced booking.

The Sum Up

This unforgettable Crystal River adventure offers the chance to snorkel with gentle manatees and spot dolphins on an exhilarating airboat ride. Led by knowledgeable guides, the small-group tour provides a personalized experience amidst the estuary’s natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking an up-close wildlife encounter or a thrilling boat ride, this Crystal River excursion is sure to create lasting memories.