Manatee Tour and Dive — Attraction in Crystal River

Nightmare—a real tourist rip-off! We were so looking forward to a manatee tour because we had been told how great, relaxed, and natural it would be, but instead, it was nothing but tears.

At the beginning, we were shown a video telling us not to touch, chase, or swim over/on top of the animals—that was obvious to us, as snorkeling is just about observing, and we were familiar with that.

We had booked for 1 p.m. and were asked if we could move it to 10 a.m. (supposedly because of the weather), which we declined because we didn't get our rental car until 10 a.m. So we were the only guests on the tour.

We set off from the small harbor with two friendly guides and stopped after about five minutes in the middle of the traffic lane of all the boats because there were two animals there. Suddenly, everything became very hectic and we were quickly sent into the water. They gave us pool noodles to use, as if we were seven years old. At first, we didn't want to use them because we were worried about all the motorboats. Once we were in the water, we were practically rushed towards the animals, which we didn't want either. The water was only knee-deep, which stirred up the sand and made it difficult to see the animal, so the guide pushed us towards it in such a way that I hit my head against the animal and my mother was pushed over it once, almost sitting on it. This automatically made us keep our distance from the animal, because we wanted to observe it and not touch or harass it. But we were repeatedly encouraged to chase after the animal to see it more closely – simply disgusting!

I was so repulsed that I got out of the water and back onto the boat after 15 minutes. Since my English isn't very good and I had to fight hard not to yell at the employee on the boat, it took me some time to use Google Translate to explain how dissatisfied I was and ask when we would finally be heading to a more natural environment where we could properly observe the animals. The employee then explained to me that the tour only took place in this small harbor – so nothing to do with natural habitat, relaxing and observing. She kept making excuses that it would have been better at 10 a.m. because there were more animals here, but we didn't care about the number of animals, it would have been enough for us to see just one in the wild. She also ignored my dissatisfaction with the fact that we always got so close to the animals – and yes, that was translated correctly. I ended up cutting the tour short, which is why we were only there for about 30-45 minutes in total.

It was a real nightmare and not at all what my friends had told me about it. I had been fooled by the green pictures here and didn't realize that the “tour” only takes place in the small basin harbor, where the animals are crowded together. I still don't know how to distinguish good tours from bad ones, but this one is really bad! This has nothing to do with animal welfare, so please don't do it!

Of our 20 days of vacation in the USA, this was by far the worst trip we had and remains a very bad memory.

I'm still really angry; the employees should be ashamed of offering...

I recently had the privilege of joining the Manatee Tour and Dive, and I must say, it was an experience beyond expectations. From start to finish, the tour was filled with remarkable encounters, informative guidance, and a genuine effort to protect these incredible creatures.

Our tour guide Amanda and Chad was a wealth of knowledge, providing detailed and fascinating information about manatees. Their passion for these gentle giants was infectious, making the tour not only enjoyable but educational as well. They took the time to answer all our questions, ensuring we left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for these magnificent creatures.

During the tour, we were fortunate enough to observe the awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of manatees in their natural habitat. Witnessing these gentle giants gracefully glide through the water was nothing short of breathtaking. The captain's expertise in maneuvering the boat, while ensuring the safety of the manatees, was truly commendable.

What impressed me the most was the remarkable teamwork displayed by the entire crew to ensure the well-being of the manatees. It was evident that their top priority was the conservation and protection of these beautiful animals. Their dedication and unity were truly admirable.

My partner, who had the opportunity to swim among the manatees, had an unforgettable experience. The guide continuously checked on him, ensuring his comfort and safety throughout the swim. This attentiveness made the adventure even more enjoyable and provided peace of mind.

In addition to the incredible encounters and exceptional guidance, the tour also provided us with warm coats and jackets to keep us comfortable during the boat ride. The welcoming gesture extended to serving hot cocoa, which added that extra touch of warmth and coziness to the experience.

Overall, our experience with the Manatee Tour and Dive was completely unforgettable. The informative tour guide, the abundance of manatees, and the dedication to their conservation efforts left a lasting impression. If you're seeking an adventure that combines education, exploration, and awe-inspiring encounters, I highly recommend embarking...

Absolutely incredible! Our experience with Manatee Tour and Dive was nothing short of magical, and it's all thanks to the phenomenal team, especially our guides, Lacy and Gary. From the moment we stepped aboard, their warmth and infectious enthusiasm set the tone for an unforgettable adventure.

Lacy and Gary were not only incredibly knowledgeable about the manatees and the Crystal River ecosystem, but they were also genuinely kind and hilariously funny. Their passion for these gentle giants shone through, and they went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a fantastic time. They effortlessly shared fascinating facts about manatee behavior and habitat, making the learning experience both engaging and enjoyable.

The tour itself was a dream come true. First, they took us to a serene manatee nesting area, where we were privileged to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. It was a truly humbling experience to witness their peaceful presence. Following that, we ventured to the breathtaking Three Sisters Springs. Here, we were given the amazing opportunity to swim freely and explore the crystal-clear springs. The water was refreshing, and the scenery was simply stunning. Lacy and Gary provided clear instructions and ensured everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the swim.

Their attentiveness to our group was remarkable. They answered every question with patience and humor, and their genuine care for the manatees and the environment was evident. It's clear they love what they do, and that passion translates into an exceptional experience for their guests. If you're planning a trip to Crystal River, Manatee Tour and Dive is an absolute must-do. We cannot recommend them highly enough. Lacy and Gary made our day truly special, and we'll undoubtedly be back for another unforgettable...