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Home / Guides

Manatee swim guides

Crystal River is the one place in the U.S. where you can swim with wild manatees. These guides cover tour prices, the best time to go, Three Sisters Springs, the rules in the water, getting there from Orlando or Tampa and going with kids.

Crystal River Manatee Tours 2026: Prices, Inclusions & PicksWhat a manatee swim costs, and what the price leaves out.Read the guide →Best Time to Swim with Manatees 2026: Crystal River by MonthCold mornings, crowded springs, and what summer really gets you.Read the guide →Three Sisters Springs 2026: Tickets, Hours & SwimmingBoardwalk tickets, the shuttle, and how to get in the water.Read the guide →Can You Touch Manatees in Crystal River 2026: The Swim RulesHands to yourself, float, and let the manatee choose.Read the guide →Swim with Manatees from Orlando 2026: Day Trip or DriveTwo hours from the parks: drive, or take the day trip.Read the guide →Swim with Manatees with Kids 2026: Ages, Gear & ToursAges by tour, small wetsuits, warm boats and plan B.Read the guide →

Tickets

Popular Crystal River manatee tours

Booked through Viator, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before on these tours. Wetsuits and snorkel gear are included on every swim.

The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour by River Ventures The original ★ 4.93 hours2,676 reviewsFree cancellation

The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour by River Ventures
Full wetsuitHot drinksVideo in 5 languages

A long-running Kings Bay swim with a USCG captain and an in-water guide who also takes photos. The safety video plays in English, French, German, Spanish or Japanese.

What's included
  • About three hours from the River Ventures education centre on Kings Bay
  • Mask, snorkel and a full-length wetsuit
  • In-water guide and photographer, USCG master captain
  • Bottled water, coffee or tea on board
  • Not included: tips, the photo package, towel and swimsuit
From$76per person Reserve
3-Hour Manatee Swim Tour with In-Water Guide Most booked ★ 4.93 hours3,104 reviewsFree cancellation

3-Hour Manatee Swim Tour with In-Water Guide
WetsuitIn-water guideParking

The most booked manatee swim in Crystal River: a boat ride into Kings Bay, then snorkeling with a guide beside you in the water. Mask, snorkel and wetsuit are in the price.

What's included
  • About three hours from the Fun 2 Dive shop on NE 3rd Street
  • Mask, snorkel and wetsuit, plus an in-water guide and photographer
  • Small groups of no more than 12 on the boat
  • Parking on site at the shop
  • Not included: tips, swimsuit and towel; photos are sold after the tour
From$76per person Reserve
Small-Group Manatee Swim with Photo & Video Package Photos included ★ 5.03 hours2,034 reviewsFree cancellation

Small-Group Manatee Swim with Photo & Video Package
Max 6 guestsPhotos & videoWetsuit

Six guests at most with a local captain and guide, and the photo and video package is already paid for. Wetsuit, snorkel gear and water are included too.

What's included
  • About three hours from the gift shop at Pete's Pier Marina
  • Six guests at most on the boat
  • Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, defog and bottled water
  • Photo and video package from your guide
  • Not included: tips, towels and the $10 marina parking fee
From$95per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

Three hours in Kings Bay with an in-water guide, the wetsuit and snorkel gear included, and parking at the shop.

Check dates for the 3-hour Fun 2 Dive manatee swim