Crystal River Manatee Adventures - Crystal River, Florida

Justina F.

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 trip so special!

Chris K.

Capt. Todd & Leah made a fun day one to remember. The trip and equipment, including the custom pontoon was perfect. We stayed comfortable and warm. We had tons of time with manatees, got great pictures and had the best adventure. THANK YOU, for doing such a fine job.

Darcy M.

I would highly recommend this tour. Captain Todd and in-water guide Leah knew where to find the manatees and kept us amused the whole time. We had a great trip with fabulous pictures to remember it by!

Amber M.

We had an excellent tour with this group. Leah was our in water guide and Todd was our captain. We had a wonderful experience and many laughs. I would highly recommend this tour. They know where to find the manatees.

Kenneth S.

My wife and I took our kids to swim with manatees to celebrate the birthday of one of our kids. We all had a blast. This company has very professional staff, from the booking on-line to the telephone response to the store staff (Leah is great) to the team aboard. We had Captain Todd Hopkins guide us through the beautiful crystalline waters explaining how we must care for the environment and its plants and animals and of course, the fragile and endangered manatees. We got in the water with our superb guide Natalie Wright. She was incredibly warm with our kids, extremely vigilant and careful, and would not loose sight for a second of any of us. We had many encounters with several manatees, but also saw lots of beautiful dish and even turtle and a ray. Todd’s boat has enclosed areas with heat, so when we came out of the water we were able to warm up as the day was cold. Water was 72°F, but the air temperature was 60°F. So it was nice to have the hot drinks and snacks inside the warm boat cabin. And the pictures than Natalie and Todd took of us will be fantastic memories for this great adventure never to forget. We recommend this company without any hesitation.

Christian L.

We had a great time snorkeling with the manatees. Captain Todd and Leah got us into some incredible manatee scenes. Both very personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

Sandra V.

This Manatee adventure is awesome! We had so much fun. Capt Mike and Shawn do everything they can to ensure you have a great time. At a max of 6 passengers, its so much better than those boats with 40.

They provide everything you need, including a wetsuit. Pool noodles are provided so you just float along and take in the wonder. All you need is a swimsuit and a pair of shoes (no socks), and be ready for a once in a lifetime experience. They have lockers for your valuables and changing rooms.

High season for Manatees is Jan/early Feb. Cool nights bring the Manatees to the hot springs, so watch the weather.

After the swim, there is hot cocoa and coffee waiting to warm you up. The boat is enclosed by clear plastic, and they have a portable heater.

An unforgettable experience!

Annie P.

Had an amazing adventure! Captain Mike and Shawn were excellent. Took very good care of the guests. Everything was provided including the wetsuits. There was even hot cocoa on the return trip. All details taken care of. Well organized.
We snorkeled at Kings Bay. Wow! Many close manatees, some inches from you! And many fish too.
A very enjoyable adventure that will bring smiles every time I reminisce. Highly recommended!