Manatee Snorkel Tour With In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

The Manatee Snorkel Tour offers an exclusive opportunity to encounter the gentle giants of the waterways up close. Led by a seasoned captain and professional in-water guide, this small-group experience provides all necessary equipment and stunning photography to capture the unforgettable moments. With a remarkable 5.0 rating and over 2,194 glowing reviews, this tour has become a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an intimate and thrilling connection with the majestic manatees. However, the true allure of this adventure lies in the stories visitors are bound to take home – tales of awe-inspiring encounters that will leave a lasting impression.

Just The Basics

• Small-group manatee snorkel tour led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and professionally insured in-water guide.
• Includes necessary equipment like 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, as well as complimentary refreshments and towel service.
• Offers intimate encounters with manatees in their natural habitat of Kings Bay, with opportunities for photo/video capture.
• Requires moderate physical fitness level for swimming and snorkeling, with a maximum group size of 11 guests.
• Provides a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance, and the operator reserves the right to reschedule or refund due to poor weather conditions.

Tour Details

The Manatee Snorkel Tour offers a small-group snorkeling adventure where participants can swim with manatees in the crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay.

Led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide, the tour provides all necessary equipment, including 5mm wetsuits, masks, and snorkels.

During the excursion, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water, as well as take advantage of the towel service and on-site showers.

For an additional fee, visitors can purchase photos and videos captured by the divemaster/photographer to commemorate their up-close encounters with these gentle marine mammals.

The tour departs from and returns to the Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours in Crystal River, Florida.

Inclusions

The Manatee Snorkel Tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the snorkeling experience. Guests can enjoy a 5mm wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, as well as complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water.

Plus, towel service and access to showers are provided, and the tour is led by a US Coast Guard certified captain and a professionally insured in-water guide.

The tour also includes:

1. Taxes, fees, and handling charges
2. Gratuities
3. The option to purchase a DVD or flash drive of the experience
4. Swimsuits for guests

These inclusions ensure a comfortable, convenient, and safe manatee snorkeling adventure.

Meeting and Pickup

Guests meet for the Manatee Snorkel Tour at the Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours, located at 9301 W Fort Island Trail in Crystal River, Florida.

This is the tour’s meeting point and the end point as well. The center is situated on the Plantation on Crystal River, providing a convenient and accessible starting location.

Travelers will check in here and receive their necessary gear, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. The knowledgeable and professional staff will ensure a smooth check-in process before embarking on the adventure to swim with the manatees in Kings Bay.

With the meeting point and end point being the same, it’s a seamless experience for guests.

Additional Information

Travelers must have a moderate physical fitness level to participate in the Manatee Snorkel Tour, as the experience involves swimming and snorkeling in the water. Children under 6 years old aren’t permitted on the tour, which has a maximum group size of 11 people.

Service animals are allowed, but the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible. Wetsuits are provided in various sizes to ensure a comfortable and warm snorkeling experience.

The tour includes the following:

1. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and bottled water
2. Towel service
3. A US Coast Guard certified captain
4. A professionally insured in-water guide

This weather-dependent experience offers a full refund or rescheduling if poor conditions occur, and confirmation is provided upon booking.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance are eligible for a full refund, while no refunds are provided for cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled tour.

This policy reflects the tour operator’s need to plan and prepare for each small-group excursion. Changes to reservations are also not accepted within 24 hours of the scheduled tour.

Since the manatee snorkel experience is weather-dependent, the operator reserves the right to either refund or reschedule the tour in the event of poor weather conditions. This ensures guests have the best chance of safely encountering and swimming with the gentle marine mammals.

Adherence to the cancellation policy helps maintain the operational integrity of these popular tours.

Traveler Reviews

With a remarkable 5.0 rating based on over 2,194 reviews, the Manatee Snorkel Tour has consistently impressed guests with its exceptional guides, memorable encounters, and overall experience.

Travelers routinely praise the professionalism and expertise of the in-water guides, who seamlessly facilitate intimate interactions with the gentle manatees.

Many highlight the thrill of swimming alongside these magnificent creatures in Kings Bay.

While a few note occasional water visibility challenges, the majority emphasize the tour’s ability to deliver on its promises.

The experience is further elevated by thoughtful inclusions like wetsuits, towels, and refreshments.

Ultimately, the Manatee Snorkel Tour earns glowing reviews for its ability to create unforgettable wildlife adventures.

Highlights of the Experience

A thrilling encounter with manatees in their natural habitat lies at the heart of this small-group snorkeling adventure.

Guests will have the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in the crystal-clear waters of Kings Bay.

Led by a highly experienced, professionally insured divemaster/photographer, the tour provides wetsuits, masks, and snorkels, ensuring maximum comfort as you explore the underwater world.

Complimentary hot beverages and towel service further enhance the experience.

While in the water, the guide will capture stunning photos and videos, which can be purchased as a memento of this unforgettable adventure.

With a maximum of 11 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and personalized encounter with the manatees in their natural environment.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the manatee snorkel tour, guests should arrive at the Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours meeting point with enough time to get ready for their adventure.

Upon arrival, they’ll be provided with the necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. It’s important to note that the wetsuits come in a variety of sizes to ensure a comfortable fit.

Before entering the water, guests should:

1. Review the safety instructions provided by the certified captain and insured in-water guide.
2. Familiarize themselves with the snorkeling gear and how to use it effectively.
3. Hydrate and fuel up with the complimentary coffee, tea, or bottled water.
4. Double-check that they’ve their swimsuits on and are ready to enjoy the magical world of the manatees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Touch or Feed the Manatees?

Guests are generally not allowed to touch or feed wild manatees. Manatees are protected under federal law, and interfering with them can be harmful to the animals. Interacting with manatees should only be done with the guidance of trained professionals.

What Should We Bring Besides the Provided Items?

Besides the provided wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and towel, guests should bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture their experience with the manatees. It’s also recommended to wear water shoes and bring a change of clothes.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography?

The tour allows photography, but there may be restrictions to protect the wildlife. Guests should consult the tour provider for specific guidelines on acceptable camera use and any limitations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

How Long Is the Duration of the Tour?

The duration of the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, the details indicate this is a small-group snorkeling adventure, suggesting it likely lasts several hours to allow participants to swim and interact with the manatees.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Could Prevent Participation?

Yes, certain medical conditions like respiratory issues or heart problems could prevent participation in the water-based activity. The tour operator requires a moderate level of physical fitness and may have additional restrictions for safety reasons.

Final Words

The Manatee Snorkel Tour offers a unique opportunity to swim with these gentle giants in Kings Bay.

Led by experienced guides, the tour provides all necessary equipment and stunning photography to capture the memorable encounter.

With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this adventure is a must-do for nature enthusiasts seeking an intimate experience with manatees.