Central Florida · MANATEE ENCOUNTER TOURS
126 tours
Between November and March the Gulf turns cold and the manatees crowd into the warm spring vents at Crystal River and Homosassa. Below are the 15 best trips out to meet them: which put a guide in the water beside you, which supply wetsuits and photographs, what each morning costs and how early the boat leaves.
Swim with wild manatees in Crystal River for 3 hours, with wetsuits, small groups, and an in-water guide plus photos available.
“Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable. All around fun time. The guide and captain. Were fantastic. Great gift shop as well”
Small-group Crystal River manatee snorkeling with wetsuit and snorkel gear, plus an in-water guide/photographer and HD photos.
“Absolutely worth every penny! The entire 3 hour experience from start to finish was both fun and professional. Maleah and Captain Wade were very nice, knowledgeable people who truly love and respect these creatures. Within minutes of being in the springs, we found a mom/calf duo and spent so much time in the water than my fingers were pruning! Being so close to these gentle giants is a life changing experience.”
SUP tour in Daytona Beach for manatees and dolphins, with easy lessons, calm waters, scenic bridges, and gear included.
“I actually ended up cancelling my tour, they kindly got in touch with me to let me know id be the only person and offered me another time slot. As I could only make the morning and I wasn't keen on doing it on my own (I was also feeling a little unwell) they let me cancel for a refund. I would love to try and stay longer in daytona and book again!”
Swim with manatees in Crystal River’s Kings Bay with a guide-photographer, wetsuits and snorkel gear included, small-group tour.
“Christian and Gavin were awesome! Great personalities and great at what they do! We had a great time.”
Crystal River clear kayak tour in Kings Bay Park, choose Three Sisters Springs or manatee season. Small group, gear included, wildlife under glass.
“I chose wrong date, still waiting to hear back from your company. Send numerous emails and talked to 2 separate folks. Still no call back. 9314349803”
3-hour small-group Crystal River manatee swim with wetsuits, snorkel gear, and a free photo and video package.
“It was the most amazing experience with nice captain Josh and photographer Lindsey. They are such a great local team! We were professionally guided for our best experience, Lindsey was guiding us in the water. We are extremely happy !”
Small-group manatee snorkeling in Crystal River with wetsuits, gear, in-water photos, and hot cocoa after. 3 hours.
“What a great experience! Although our group was a bit larger than it should’ve been due to staffing issues, our guide Crystal, managed it all amazingly. She lead us to pockets of areas to see the list manatees and away from the crowds as much as possible. We saw so many beautiful floaty potatoes up close and personal. Highly recommend this tour and definitely ask for Crystal!”
Dry, one and a half hour manatee viewing cruise in Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge with a USCG licensed captain in Crystal River.
“Cruise is on canals in residential areas where manatees hang out in winter. Guide was very informative.”
Small VIP manatee snorkel in Crystal River with a heated pontoon, wetsuits, snacks, and a guide who teaches calm, passive encounters.
“We had a such a great time we booked a second trip for the next day. Our first outing was with Morgan and JJ and Morgan was so patient with our youngest child. The manatees were friendly and curious so it was wonderful! Our second trip was with Trish and Wade and I can't say enough about how much we loved the experience! Trish was very attentive and took lots of videos and pictures so we could focus on enjoying our time with the manatees. The VIP experience is worth it because the boat is comfortable, the group is small and intimate, and snacks and drinks are included. 100% recommend…”
Paddle Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands mangrove tunnels on a small-group kayak tour for manatees, dolphins, and birds, with guide photos.
“My family is 14mo, 14yo, 19, 32 and 39 and we all enjoyed it! The guide was very accommodating to our speed and the other guests abilities and helped us all get the kayaking down. We got to see the beautiful Mangroves, a 4 foot Tarpon and a family of Manatee. Great Adventure.”
Paddle Cocoa Beach mangrove tunnels in a small group, searching for dolphins and manatees. Gear, instruction, and single or tandem kayaks included.
“We had the best time on this trip. It was so peaceful and we were able to see manatees up close! Our tour guide Holly was excellent!”
Swim with Florida manatees in Kings Bay on a small-group tour. Gear, wetsuit, and in-water photos are included.
“This was an amazing experience.Both the tour guide and boat captain were very knowledgeable and ensured that we got to encounter the manatees. I would highly recommend”
Small-group Crystal River manatee swim with 5mm wetsuits and in-water photo guide. Hot drinks, showers, 3 hours in Kings Bay.
“We wwwanted to do something different for our 31st anniversary. So glad we did this. The 1st time I saw them upclose in their home was an unbelievable incredible experience. Loved it! Our guide, Jake, was also very knowledgeable, friendly and made the experience even better. Thanks Jake!”
Glide a clear kayak through Crystal River on a small-group manatee eco tour, with gear, guide, and wildlife sightings.
“You don’t need to wear a bathing suit because you don’t really get wet! You’re able to see the manatees swimming right next to or under your kayak. You’ll see mothers with babies. It’s an amazing experience.”
Crystal River manatee snorkeling in a 600-acre refuge, Three Sisters Springs, small groups, Coast Guard certified crew, and optional in-water photos.
“Well organised and guide plus captain worked together to get the best outcome.”
