Exploring the gentle manatees in their natural habitat is a captivating experience that many seek out. The private manatee tour offers a chance to do just that, providing an exclusive opportunity for up to 10 participants at a time. With snorkel gear and wetsuits provided, visitors can comfortably observe these fascinating marine mammals in the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation options. As for what makes this tour truly one-of-a-kind, you’ll have to discover that for yourself.
Key Points
- The private manatee tour accommodates up to 10 participants, including infants, and provides an exclusive experience without sharing the tour.
- Snorkel gear and wetsuits are included, ensuring comfortable exploration of Crystal River and protection from cool water temperatures.
- The tour typically lasts 2-3 hours, with the majority of time spent in the water with brief breaks on the boat.
- Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves extended periods of swimming and snorkeling, as well as getting in and out of the boat.
- Additional fees apply for optional photo and video services to capture memories of the manatee encounter.
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Meeting Point and Directions
The meeting point for the private manatee tour is located at the Explorida Adventure Center, which is the first building on the left when turning west on N. Citrus Avenue from Highway 19 in Crystal River, Florida.
The address is 545 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA.
Guests should look for the Explorida Adventure Center, as this is where they’ll meet their guide and get their snorkel gear and wetsuits before heading out on the tour.
The location is near public transportation, but it’s not wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues should plan accordingly.
With clear directions and an easily identifiable meeting point, guests can feel confident in finding the starting location for this private manatee adventure.
Inclusions and Gear
The private manatee tour includes snorkel gear and wetsuits for all participants.
Guests will receive bottled water to stay hydrated during the excursion.
While photos and videos aren’t included in the tour price, guests have the option to purchase these additional media for an extra fee.
The provided snorkel gear ensures guests can comfortably explore the Crystal River’s waters and observe the manatees in their natural habitat.
The wetsuits help insulate guests against the cool water temperatures, making for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Staying hydrated is crucial, and the complimentary bottled water supports this.
Tour Duration and Schedule
The tour typically lasts around 2-3 hours, allowing ample time for guests to snorkel with the manatees and explore the Crystal River’s serene waterways.
Participants can expect to spend the majority of the tour in the water, with brief breaks on the boat to rest and hydrate.
The exact schedule may vary depending on factors like weather conditions and the presence of manatees, but the operator works to maximize each guest’s opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle marine mammals during the allotted tour duration.
Guests should come prepared to be in the water for an extended period, as the tour’s focus is on providing a comprehensive manatee encounter experience within the scheduled timeframe.
Group Size and Capacity
This private manatee tour is designed to accommodate groups of up to 10 participants. The USCG Inspected Vessel has a maximum capacity that includes infants, so travelers should ensure they account for all members of their party when booking.
While the tour is private and exclusive to the reserving group, there’s a moderate physical fitness level required to fully enjoy the snorkeling experience with the manatees.
As an important note, infants are counted as a seat on the vessel, so they must be included in the overall group size.
This private tour ensures your group can explore the Crystal River at your own pace and enjoy the manatees without sharing the experience with others.
Physical Fitness Requirements
While the private manatee tour accommodates groups of up to 10 participants, it does require a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the snorkeling experience with the manatees.
The tour involves:
- Swimming and snorkeling in the water for an extended period
- Potentially encountering strong currents or waves
- Getting in and out of the boat multiple times
- Navigating uneven terrain and walking on the shore
Participants should be comfortable with basic swimming and snorkeling skills. Those with limited mobility or health conditions may find the tour challenging.
It’s important to consider your physical abilities before booking to ensure you can fully participate and have an enjoyable, safe experience.
Transportation and Accessibility
The tour meeting point is located at the Explorida Adventure Center, the first building on the left when turning west on N. Citrus Avenue from Highway 19 in Crystal River, Florida. While the tour is near public transportation, it is not wheelchair accessible, so participants with limited mobility may find the experience challenging.
| Transportation | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Near public transit | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Requires walking | Moderate physical fitness required |
| Short distance to meeting point | No special accommodations provided |
| Carpool/taxi options | Infants must sit on laps |
| Parking available at meeting point | No elevator or ramp access |
Infant and Lap-Sitting Policy
According to the information provided, infants must sit on laps during the private manatee tour.
The tour allows for infants to be included in the group size, though they’ll not have their own seat on the USCG Inspected Vessel. This policy ensures the safety and comfort of both the infant and the rest of the group.
Infants count as part of the group size, so they must be accounted for when booking the tour.
Lap-sitting is required to ensure infants are properly secured and supervised during the excursion.
This policy applies to all infants on the tour, regardless of age or size.
Parents or guardians are responsible for their infant’s safety and comfort while lap-sitting.
Additional Fees and Charges
Along With the core inclusions of snorkel gear, wetsuit, and bottled water, the private manatee tour also offers optional photo and video services for an additional fee. Guests can capture their memorable encounter with these gentle sea creatures through professional photography and videography. The pricing for these add-ons is presented in the table below, allowing customers to select the package that best suits their needs and budget.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Photo | $10 |
| 3-Photo Package | $25 |
| Video Highlights | $50 |
| Full Video | $100 |
| Photo & Video Bundle | $125 |
These optional services ensure guests can preserve their manatee adventure for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Time of Year Is the Best to See Manatees?
The best time to see manatees is typically during the cooler months of the year, from November through March, when they congregate in Florida’s warm coastal waters to stay warm. During this period, they’re more easily spotted by visitors.
How Close Can We Get to the Manatees During the Tour?
During manatee tours in Crystal River, visitors can typically get quite close to the manatees, within a few feet. Strict regulations ensure the manatees are not disturbed, and guides work to provide an up-close but responsible wildlife viewing experience.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
No, food and drinks are not needed for this tour. The tour includes bottled water, and visitors are not allowed to bring their own food or beverages. All necessary gear, such as snorkels and wetsuits, is provided.
Can We Interact or Touch the Manatees During the Tour?
Participants on this tour can observe manatees but cannot directly interact with or touch them. Strict guidelines are in place to protect the manatees and ensure a safe, responsible wildlife viewing experience for all guests.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?
The tour does not have a minimum number of participants required. It’s a private tour, so only the group size booked will participate. The maximum group size is 10 people, but there’s no minimum.
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Recap
The private manatee tour offers a unique opportunity to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
With snorkel gear and wetsuits provided, guests can comfortably explore Crystal River for 2-3 hours.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors.
Capture your memories with optional photo and video packages, and enjoy this exclusive experience with up to 10 participants.
