Manatee Swim Tour With in Water Photographer

We’re excited to share the incredible opportunity of swimming with manatees in their natural habitat. This intimate tour, with a maximum of 10 participants, provides a personalized and safe experience led by experienced guides. You’ll don wetsuits and snorkel gear to explore the crystal-clear waters, accompanied by a certified in-water photographer capturing unforgettable moments. With nearly 2,000 glowing reviews, this is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary encounter. Let’s dive in and explore the highlights of this one-of-a-kind tour.

This experience made our article of Which Crystal River Photography Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 10 Best.

Key Points

• Opportunity to swim with manatees in their natural habitat, led by certified guides and accompanied by an in-water photographer.
• Small group size of up to 10 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Complimentary wetsuit, snorkel gear, and other necessary equipment provided.
• Tour operates from Crystal River, Florida, with convenient meeting and end points.
• Highly rated tour with nearly 2,000 positive reviews and a 99% recommendation rate.

Tour Overview and Experience

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to swim with manatees in their natural habitat – the only location worldwide that provides this remarkable experience.

Our tour includes a certified vessel and an in-water guide who doubles as a photographer, ensuring a personalized experience for a maximum of 10 travelers.

We’ll be provided with a wetsuit, snorkel gear, bottled water, and float noodles, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the gentle presence of these captivating sea creatures.

Photos and videos are available for an additional fee to capture our unforgettable encounter.

Booking and Availability

How much does the manatee swim tour cost? The tour starts from $69.95 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience. Once booked, you’ll receive confirmation immediately.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. A moderate fitness level is recommended, and infants require a full-price seat on the vessel.

The tour operates from 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA, with the experience ending back at the same location.

Reviewers have given the tour overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 99% recommendation rate and an average 5.0-star rating.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the manatee swim tour is located at 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA.

This is where we’ll gather before embarking on our adventure to swim with these gentle giants.

After the tour, we’ll return to the same meeting point, so you won’t have to worry about finding your way back.

The entire excursion starts and ends at this convenient location, making it easy for you to join and depart at your leisure.

With this straightforward meeting and end point, you can focus on enjoying the magical experience of swimming with manatees.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

What do travelers have to say about the manatee swim tour?

With nearly 2,000 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, it’s clear this is a hit with visitors. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides who expertly locate the manatees.

Many praise specific guides like Faith, Mike, and Madeline for enhancing the experience. The swimming conditions are generally praised as safe, though some note murky water and limited visibility on certain trips.

Guides and Staff

Unsurprisingly, the guides and staff receive high praise from reviewers for their friendliness, professionalism, and ability to locate the manatees.

Specific guides like Faith, Mike, and Madeline are mentioned as enhancing the experience with their expertise and support.

Reviewers emphasize the guides’ skill in guiding swimmers safely around the manatees and capturing memorable photos and videos.

The certified guides and staff play a crucial role in ensuring a personalized and enjoyable manatee swim tour for every visitor, which is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Wildlife Encounters and Highlights

Seeing numerous manatees up close in their natural habitat is undoubtedly the highlight of this tour.

We glided through the crystal clear waters of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, catching glimpses of these gentle giants grazing on the vegetation. Our expert guide pointed out manatee behavior and shared fascinating insights about their biology and ecology.

We were even able to safely swim alongside the manatees, marveling at their slow, graceful movements. Capturing memorable photos and videos of these unique encounters added to the overall unforgettable experience.

The opportunity to interact with manatees in their own environment is truly special.

Photography and Memorabilia

Though the opportunity to swim alongside manatees in their natural habitat is the main draw of this tour, the availability of professional photography and videography services further enhances the experience.

For an additional fee, you can purchase high-quality photos and videos captured by the in-water guide, who doubles as a skilled photographer. These tangible souvenirs allow you to relive the magic of your manatee encounter long after the tour has ended.

Whether you choose to purchase the photo package or not, you’ll have ample opportunities to snap your own memorable shots during the swim.

Safety and Precautions

As participants in the manatee swim tour, our safety and comfort are of paramount importance. The tour operator takes extensive measures to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Some key safety precautions include:

• Providing well-maintained snorkel gear and wetsuits to protect against the cool water temperatures.
• Employing experienced, certified guides who closely monitor the group and manatee interactions.
• Adhering to strict guidelines set by the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to minimize disturbance to the manatees.

With these safeguards in place, we can focus on the wonder of swimming alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

According to the tour overview, there is no minimum age requirement mentioned. However, the context states that infants require a full-price seat on the vessel, so they are allowed to participate in the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkel gear for the tour. However, the tour provides wetsuits and snorkel gear, which is included in the price. We recommend using the provided gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Yes, there are some restrictions on photography during the tour. While you’re welcome to take your own photos, the tour includes an in-water guide who doubles as a photographer, and additional photos and videos are available for purchase.

How Are the Manatees Protected During the Experience?

We understand the importance of protecting the manatees during the experience. The tour strictly adheres to wildlife regulations, limiting the number of swimmers and maintaining a respectful distance to ensure the manatees’ safety and well-being throughout the encounter.

Can I Request a Specific Guide for My Tour?

Absolutely, you can request a specific guide for your tour. Many travelers enjoy working with guides like Faith, Mike, or Madeline who receive high praise for their expertise and ability to enhance the experience. Just let the tour provider know your preference when booking.

The Sum Up

The Manatee Swim Tour offers a unique opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With a certified in-water photographer capturing the experience, you’ll have unforgettable memories to treasure. Guided by experienced staff who prioritize safety, this intimate tour provides personalized attention and the chance to witness these remarkable creatures in their stunning natural environment.