Crystal River Manatee Adventures — Local services in Crystal River

Crystal River Manatee Adventures – Swim with the Manatees Private Tour: A Truly Special Experience

Our family had an unforgettable time on the "Swim with the Manatees" private tour with Crystal River Manatee Adventures. From start to finish, the experience was truly top-notch, and we felt well taken care of every step of the way.

Our in-water guide, Ryan, was fantastic. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the manatees, but also made sure we captured some incredible moments with great photos and videos. The highlight of the trip was definitely having an up-close, personal interaction with one of the gentle manatees. It was an awe-inspiring experience that we’ll never forget.

The entire crew went above and beyond to make sure every member of our group had a memorable time. Captain Todd was a huge hit with our 5-year-old daughter, who wasn’t quite ready to get in the water. Todd kept her entertained throughout the trip, making her feel included in the adventure. Additionally, Cindy, a lovely woman from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, went out of her way to give our daughter a special kayak ride so she could see the manatees without getting in the water—what an incredibly thoughtful touch.

The boat itself was also perfect. It was heated, ensuring we stayed warm on a cooler morning, and they provided everything we needed for the swim, including wetsuits and snorkeling gear. As an extra bonus, they served us hot chocolate to warm up after our time in the water, which was a delightful treat.

Overall, this was an amazing family-friendly experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and intimate way to interact with manatees. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking to share a special moment with loved ones, this tour offers something for everyone. Thank you to Ryan, Captain Todd, Cindy, and the entire team for making our...

Words cannot express how amazing this experience was! One of my dreams was swimming with the manatees. Before we arrived, I had called several different companies to ask about times for tours and if we would make it back to Orlando in time for a flight. Crystal River Manatee Adventure was the only one that took the time to check the tide to make sure we would have the best experience . We were there the second weekend in April. They told us that there might not be a lot to see, but told us we would be able to swim with at least one or two we saw at least 10 and swam With at least six, and even saw a pair mating,. They took the time to help us get ready and explained what we would be doing. They were patient with my son who was very unsure of the entire experience. Both the guide and the boat driver worked with us to make sure we had the best experience. My son was cold so they let him hang out on the boat so we could continue swimming. The driver, took the time to explain where the manatees were and what they were doing. On our way back they took us over to the springs where we got to see a once in a lifetime event, there was a Mom & twins. It was one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had! They had outdoor showers for us to use they were very clean and fun to use. They gave us suggestions on where to eat once we were done. I never felt like this was just a job for them or that they were just going through the motions. We will definitely be back! I know there are several different businesses that you can go through, but from what I saw, they definitely weren’t as engaging or excited as we were in the water with manatee as well. Thank you for making a mom’s dream...

My husband and our granddaughter (8 years old) and myself went on this excursion May 2025. We LOVED it!! My granddaughter is not a confident swimmer but hopped right in with her pool noodle and off she went. I, however, was less confident after a previous excursion elsewhere didn't go so well for me. Once in the water, I felt a little panicky and afraid to swim away from the boat. The Captain of the boat (sorry I forgot your name, even after all our talking) wouldn't let me give up and compassionately, but firmly encouraged me in the water. He called Leah, our guide, over and they both encouraged me enough that I was able to join the group in viewing and experiencing the manatees. Without their gentle, but firm encouragement, I would've missed out on an amazing experience. I really appreciated them pushing me to try harder and not give up on myself. This really was the above and extra that made this experience so fantastic. In the water, Leah often pointed out where the manatees were, as the water was a bit murky that day; and, even showed us that the one mandate was heavily pregnant and due any day. To anyone questioning if this is worth doing .. it absolutely is!! The experience and determination of the Captain and Leah to find the manatees and other wildlife of interest, and information they share makes this not just a fun and relaxing time, but an educational one for both young and old. We look forward to doing this again on our next trip to Florida. And our granddaughter says this was the best part of our trip .. beating Disney, hands...