Manatee Tours — Local services in Crystal River

Captain Greg seemed a little taciturn at first but that was just "getting underway focus" after that he was an outstanding guide and shared a lot of great stories about the area, the history of the manatees, cool information about local birds. The swim with the manatees part was freaking incredible and I'm so glad we did it. The manatees seem super nice and like to swim around the humans in the water. Definitely an excellent time and would do the tour again.

Couple of notes:

1. Do NOT touch the manatees, they lose what little aversion to humans they have and that gets them dead when boats run in to them
2. Get back in to the Three Sisters Springs area like Captain Greg tells you to. The manatees will come right up to you and it's fantastic. Hanging out in the middle of the river where boats are active will get both you and the manatee killed so...

This place is a must come. We were here during the summer, so the manatee were not here in huge supply. Although in the winter months they heard here, in Crystal Springs. People snorkel and swim with them. Kayaking is allowed when the manatee are not there. Gorgeous see thru water. I plan on coming back when I can swim with them. You have to tie up your kayak outside their safe zone and swim or snorkel in. Can’t wait to return. There is a porch like runway that goes all around this area. Very friendly and knowledgeable volunteers to answer any questions...

We chartered one of their boats for a few days, we were right in the middle of the manatee season but that year not many made it to Crystal River as the waters of the Gulf of Mexico were pretty warm that winter. Our skipper still managed to find us some always in a very respectful way with the animals and their environment, highly recommended. We hope to...