Swim and snorkel with amazing manatees at a stunning wildlife refuge in Crystal River. Explore the natural springs aboard a covered pontoon boat and get up close to the friendly sea cows.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instructor
- English
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
Experience
Itinerary
Starting location:
498 SE Kings Bay Dr
River Ventures - The Legends of Adventure
Class, Safety briefing (25 minutes)
Bus / coach
(5 minutes)
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Photo stop, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Swimming, Snorkeling, Marine life viewing (2.42 hours)
Bus / coach
(5 minutes)
River Ventures - The Legends of Adventure
Coffee, Tea, Shopping
Arrive back at:
498 SE Kings Bay Dr
Main stop
Other stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Snorkel with manatees in a 600-acre wildlife refuge
- Benefit from the services of a captain and instructor certified by the Coast Guard
- Explore the natural springs aboard a covered pontoon boat
Full description
Get back to nature and discover the home of the world’s largest population of endangered manatees in the winter on a pontoon boat tour to Three Sisters Springs. Get the chance to interact with the curious, gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Learn all about the animals in a classroom-type setting and get tips for your snorkel tour to make the most of your day. Hear about "passive interaction" that ensures that the animals enjoy the experience just as much as you do.
Then, journey to the estuary with a Coast Guard captain aboard a covered pontoon boat. Get your snorkeling gear on, marvel at the wildlife around you, and get up close to the sea cows as they move slowly through the water.
Head back to base camp to visit the one-of-a-kind gift shop and purchase unique souvenirs. Get tips on what to do in the Kings Bay area, along with directions from the well-informed staff to other local attractions and restaurants.
Includes
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Wetsuit
- Bottled water
- Parking
- Picture package
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Children under 3 years
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Meeting point
Meet at River Ventures tour center.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Towel
Not allowed
- Unaccompanied minors
Know before you go
- Children under 3 are allowed on a private tour
- Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Very young children must be calm and quiet in order to not scare the animals
- Children should be comfortable in the water and parents should stay close at all times for their safety
- Wetsuits are available in all sizes and there are snorkel vests and flotation noodles if kids need assistance staying at the surface without swimming
- It is important to have realistic expectations for a wild animal encounter. In the cooler weather, the animals migrate to the area and congregate in the warm springs. When the weather warms they can move about. These are wild animals and their migration cannot be controlled. Early mornings are the best time to find the animals and the best chance of seeing them is near the springs. Cold weather means many manatees, and warmer weather means fewer manatees