Small Group Manatee Tour With In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

Exploring the serene waters of Crystal River, Florida alongside majestic manatees is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a small group tour led by knowledgeable, US Coast Guard certified guides, we’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. Outfitted with full wetsuits and snorkeling gear, we’ll immerse ourselves in their natural habitat, while a professional photographer captures the magic. What awaits us in this intimate encounter is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

• Small group tour with a maximum of 6 guests for an intimate manatee encounter experience.
• Tour led by US Coast Guard certified guides with expertise in snorkeling and underwater photography.
• Full snorkeling equipment and wetsuit provided to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.
• Personalized attention and memorable encounters with manatees, as evidenced by 5-star ratings and positive feedback.
• Peak season from November to January recommended for the best manatee sightings.

Tour Overview

The small group Manatee Tour in Crystal River, Florida offers a unique opportunity to swim with one of the densest populations of West Indian manatees.

This 5-star rated tour has received a Badge of Excellence and boasts 725 positive reviews from travelers. The personalized experience is limited to a maximum of 6 guests, ensuring an intimate encounter.

Full wetsuits and snorkeling gear are provided, along with refreshments and towel service. Highly trained, US Coast Guard certified guides lead the tour, offering a memorable, up-close encounter with these gentle marine mammals.

Included Amenities

Full 5mm wetsuits (available in various sizes from child size 6 to 3XL) and snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels) are provided for the small group Manatee Tour.

We also offer refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water, to keep you energized.

Towel service and boat coats are available in case the morning is chilly.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a professional in-water guide and a US Coast Guard certified captain, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase on DVD or flash drive if you’d like to capture your time with the manatees.

Meeting and Departure

As you prepare for your small group Manatee Tour, we invite you to meet us at 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA, the Plantation Adventure Center, where our tour will depart.

Our professional, US Coast Guard certified captain will lead the way on a personalized experience with a maximum of 6 travelers. At the end of the tour, you’ll return to the same meeting point.

Please note this activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

With moderate physical fitness, you’ll be ready to explore the crystal-clear waters and encounter the manatees.

Experience and Expectations

To ensure your small group Manatee Tour is an enjoyable and memorable experience, we want you to have the right expectations. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, with no serious medical conditions that could interfere with swimming and snorkeling.

Requirements	Details
Mobility	Not wheelchair accessible
Age	Children must be accompanied by an adult
Fitness	Moderate physical fitness level required
Health	No serious medical conditions
Confirmation	Received at booking
Cancellation	Free up to 24 hours before experience

We’re confident you’ll have an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants when you join us.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

The Manatee Tour has consistently earned 5-star ratings from travelers, with overwhelmingly positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and memorable experiences.

Guests highlighted their interactions with manatees, including swimming with a baby manatee. They recommend visiting during the peak season from November to January when up to 400 manatees can be seen.

Travelers appreciated the personalized attention and quality of the guides, with many expressing a desire to return.

The tour’s Badge of Excellence award and 99% recommendation rate further validate its exceptional quality and customer satisfaction.

Swimming With Manatees

Although the Manatee Tour offers a unique opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants, we must keep in mind that manatees are protected wildlife.

We’re only allowed to observe them from a distance and avoid any direct interaction that could disturb or harm them.

Our in-water guide will provide thorough instructions on how to safely interact with the manatees, ensuring we maintain a respectful distance and don’t touch or chase them.

Knowledgeable Guides and Personalized Attention

Along With the remarkable opportunity to swim alongside manatees, what truly sets this tour apart is the exceptional quality of the guides and the personalized attention they provide. Our professional, US Coast Guard certified captain and in-water guide are true experts, brimming with deep knowledge about these gentle giants. Their passion is palpable as they share insights and fascinating facts. The small group size allows for a truly customized experience, with the guide closely attending to each guest’s needs and comfort level in the water. This level of personalized care is simply unmatched.

Exceptional Guides	Customized Experience	Lasting Memories
Passionate, knowledgeable experts	Tailored to each guest’s needs	Captivating interactions with manatees
US Coast Guard certified	Small group size (max 6)	Desire to return again
Insightful commentary and facts	Close attention from guides	Positive, 5-star reviews

Optimal Tour Timing

Optimal tour timing for the best manatee sightings is typically from November through January.

During this peak season, the Crystal River area can host up to 400 manatees. The cooler water temperatures drive the manatees to congregate in the warmer, shallow springs, making them more visible and accessible for viewing.

We recommend booking your tour during these winter months for the highest chances of encountering these gentle giants up close.

While sightings are possible year-round, the winter months consistently deliver the most memorable manatee interactions for our guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Equipment Provided During the Tour?

We provide souvenir photos for purchase, but you’ll need to bring your own photography equipment if you want to take pictures during the tour. The guides can assist with capturing those magical manatee moments.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Unfortunately, no pets are allowed on the tour. The tour operator has a strict no pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. We kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home.

Can Vegetarian/Vegan Refreshments Be Provided?

Absolutely, we can provide vegetarian and vegan refreshments on the tour. Just let us know about any dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll be happy to accommodate them. Our goal is to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Is the Boat Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, the boat used in this tour is not wheelchair accessible. While we strive to accommodate all guests, the nature of the tour and the waterway require navigating some steps and uneven terrain that may pose challenges for wheelchair users.

How Many Tour Guides Are Present During the Tour?

We have a professional in-water guide and a US Coast Guard certified captain who lead the tour. With a maximum of 6 travelers, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with knowledgeable staff dedicated to ensuring your manatee encounter is memorable.

The Sum Up

This small group manatee tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to intimately encounter these gentle giants. With a professional photographer, full gear, and knowledgeable guides, we can make the most of our time in the crystal-clear waters. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth encounter with manatees, this personalized experience is sure to create lasting memories.