The 3-hour Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River, Florida, has become a popular bucket-list activity for visitors seeking an intimate encounter with these gentle sea giants. Led by experienced in-water guides, the tour promises a personalized and safe interaction, with snorkeling gear and professional photography included to capture unforgettable memories. While the scenic boat ride, transportation, and gratuities ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s the opportunity to swim alongside these captivating creatures in their natural habitat that truly sets this tour apart. With a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, it’s an exceptional way to discover why these manatees have captured the hearts of so many.
Just The Basics
- 3-hour guided manatee swim tour with an experienced in-water guide for safe and enjoyable interactions.
- Provision of all necessary snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and wetsuits.
- Small group sizes of up to 12 people for a personalized and intimate experience.
- Scenic boat ride to the manatee habitat and professional photo opportunities during the encounter.
- Full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the tour.
More tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Details
The tour offers visitors the opportunity to swim with manatees in their natural habitat, guided by an experienced in-water guide to ensure safe and enjoyable interactions.
Snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, is provided for all participants.
Tour groups are kept small, with a maximum of 12 people, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience.
Photographers are on hand to capture professional photos of your encounter with these gentle marine mammals, which you can purchase as a keepsake.
For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the tour company also offers semi-private and VIP tour options.
What’s Included
Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!
What’s Included
A comprehensive package of amenities is included in the Manatee Swim Tour. Travelers receive snorkeling gear consisting of a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, along with the guidance of an experienced in-water photographer and guide.
The tour also includes a scenic boat ride, transportation, and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience.
Plus, the tour includes:
- Small, intimate group sizes of no more than 12 people
- A fully-equipped, licensed facility with free parking
- The opportunity to capture professional photos during the encounter
Meeting and Pickup
Guests meet at the Fun 2 Dive – Swim with Manatees facility in Crystal River, Florida, where they’ll go through a check-in process and receive arrival instructions.
Once checked-in, guests are guided to the departure point for a scenic boat ride to the manatee habitat.
The tour ends at the same location as the meeting point, so guests can easily return to their cars after the adventure.
The meeting and pickup process is designed to be convenient and hassle-free, allowing guests to focus on the main attraction – swimming with the gentle manatees in their natural environment.
With clear instructions and a smooth transition, guests can look forward to a memorable and well-organized experience.
Additional Info
Typically, the manatee swim tour experience is weather-dependent, and participants receive full refunds if the tour is canceled due to inclement conditions. Regardless of age, the pricing remains consistent for both children and adults.
Though not wheelchair accessible, wetsuits in various sizes are available to accommodate different body types. Guests must be at least 3 years old to join the tour, which lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.
Professional photo packages can be purchased separately to capture memorable moments from the swim.
The tour offers several additional features:
- Small group sizes, with a maximum of 12 travelers per tour.
- A full-service tour facility with free parking.
- Gratuities included in the tour price.
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy, providing full refunds for any cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. However, no refunds are available for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour, and changes to bookings aren’t accepted during that same time frame.
Given the weather-dependent nature of the experience, guests should be aware that the tour may be canceled due to inclement conditions, in which case they’ll receive a full refund.
The company also provides a lowest price guarantee, ensuring that customers receive the best value for their money. With these policies in place, guests can book their manatee swim tour with confidence.
Swim With Manatees
With the cancellation policy details covered, let’s now explore the core experience of this manatee swim tour.
Guests can expect an up-close and personal encounter with these gentle sea creatures in their natural habitat, guided by experienced professionals who ensure safe and responsible interactions.
The tour includes:
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Snorkeling with manatees in small groups, with a maximum of 12 people, to minimize disturbance and maximize the chance of close encounters.
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An in-water guide who provides instructions and monitors the interactions, ensuring everyone follows the rules and remains safe.
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Provided snorkeling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and wetsuit, to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the experience.
These thoughtful inclusions make for an immersive and unforgettable manatee swim adventure.
Guided Interactions
Experienced in-water guides play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and responsible interaction between guests and manatees during the swim tours. These knowledgeable professionals use their expertise to educate participants on proper manatee etiquette and guide them through the encounter.
They carefully monitor the group’s proximity to the manatees, preventing any disturbance or interference with the animals’ natural behaviors. The guides also provide instruction on snorkeling techniques, ensuring guests can comfortably and safely observe the manatees in their natural habitat.
With the in-water guide’s watchful eye and gentle facilitation, guests can fully enjoy the magical experience of swimming alongside these gentle giants, creating lasting memories of their encounter with these protected marine mammals.
Photo Packages
The Manatee Swim Tour offers professional photo packages to capture guests’ memorable encounters with the manatees. These photo packages allow participants to purchase high-quality images taken by the tour’s dedicated photographers during the swim, ensuring they can forever cherish the magic of their interaction with these gentle sea creatures.
The photo package options include:
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Single-Image Package: Perfect for those who want a single stunning shot of their manatee encounter.
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Digital Photo Bundle: Offers a collection of digital images for sharing and printing.
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Premium Photo Package: Includes a USB drive with all photos from the tour, as well as printing rights.
Along With the guided in-water experience, the Manatee Swim Tour offers these professional photo packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Group Size Limit?
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people. This small group size ensures personalized attention and a safe, intimate experience for each participant to swim with the manatees in their natural habitat.
How Long Does the Boat Ride Last?
The tour includes a scenic boat ride, but the exact duration is not specified. The tour overall lasts 3 hours, which likely includes the boat transportation to the manatee viewing area.
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Water Activities?
Yes, the tour provides snorkeling gear, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. Life jackets are also provided to ensure the safety of participants during the in-water activities with the manatees in their natural habitat.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. However, the tour provider includes high-quality snorkeling equipment, such as masks, snorkels, and wetsuits, as part of the tour package. Using the provided gear is recommended to ensure proper fit and function.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour allows children 3 and up to participate. There are no age restrictions, but the pricing is the same for both children and adults. The small group size ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
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Final Words
The 3hr Manatee Swim Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
With experienced guides, included gear and photography, and a hassle-free package, it’s an exceptional way to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour provides a personalized and safe encounter with the manatees of Crystal River, Florida.
