Itinerary
This is an AMAZING 2.5 hour guided tour to swim with manatees, which is THE coolest thing to do in Crystal River! You will get to paddle peacefully through the waterways and explore different areas, unlike the local dive companies that only drop you off to swim and get back on the boat. You get to experience all of the local nature that Crystal River has to offer visitors.
This package comes with everything you need including a single kayak, a wetsuit, snorkel gear, paddle, life vest, and a fantastic local tour guide. The tour group follows one of our local guides through the beautiful waterways and will learn about the eco-system, see many various birds, fish, and of course some amazing manatees! There is an optional photo package to purchase at the end of your tour with photos taken by your guide along the way. This really is a bucket list trip for many people so reserve today.
We require you arrive 30 minutes prior to your start time to watch a video from the FWC and sign waivers. There is a $5.00 City of Crystal River launch fee per vessel rented. This will be collected at our shop before departure and you will receive a wristband to wear while on the water.
See Availability.
469 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
2 hours 30 minutes(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Moderate physical activity is required to kayak/paddleboard and swim with the manatees.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : jxlendon
This was an excellent tour in beautiful surroundings with some awesome creatures!! We booked onto the swimming tour which had a mix of kayaking and swimming which was just what we wanted. Huge thank you to our guide for giving us all the tips and tricks we needed!!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-25
Posted By : christieb530
Amazing experience swimming with a manatee! Our tour guide and boat captain made the experience even better! Can’t wait to try this again when the weather is colder to see even more manatees.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-11
Posted By : 449shainal
This was such an incredible experience! Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to get up close to a manatee in their natural habitat. This tour did not disappoint. Our tour guide Jon was very knowledgable and made the trip fun. He took a lot of great photos of us out on the water.
My only complaint...the tour wasn't nearly long enough! (which isn't even a bad thing, it just goes to show how much fun we had).
2.5 hours seems like a long time but I could have spent all day out on the water, kayaking and swimming through all the springs and channels. We had a great trip and can't wait to do it again :) Definitely a must see!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-08
Posted By : P6769RTrubens
What you see on YouTube is not what you see in person. The water is so murky that your mask and snorkel is basically worthless. We saw a few manatees but not underwater. Three Sisters Spring is where most of the manatees congregate and where the water is clear. Unfortunately it is closed to the public to protect the manatees. I have no complaints with the tour company. They were friendly, organized, and knowledgeable.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-02-11
Posted By : 631beccad
John was an amazing tour guide for our swim with the manatees today! He showed us around to all the best spots to scope out the manatees where we saw a bunch of calves with their mommas and got the most amazing pictures! Thanks for creating a core memory Paddles! We will definitely be back again soon!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-02-11
Posted By : C1705SPkeithm
Had the pleasure of being guided by Elizabeth and John today. Very knowledgeable about the area and of course the manatees. Saw numerous Manatees today from our Kayak and during our swim. John and Elizabeth made sure that all participants saw the Manatees up close while we were in the water. One of the best tours I have experienced. Many thanks!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-02-03
Posted By : X840FDdeannam
My sister and I came from out of state to visit and we booked a kayak trip to swim with the manatees, it was an unforgettable experience we will treasure forever. Our guide Jess was so knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and a great photographer. I would highly recommend this company! All the staff was friendly, answered all our questions and made sure we were safe as well as keeping the manatees safe. Thank you for all you do keep up the great work!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-01-03
Posted By : Traveller_Oldie
Regardless of chilly and busy waters, I would do this experience over and over again. Our guide, Jon, shared his extensive knowledge with us about the uniquely beautiful (in my opinion) creatures in such a way that we walked away with a better understanding of and appreciation for manatees.
I highly recommend kayaking too, being splashed by and drifting over a manatee is certainly a memory I won’t quickly forget!
Certainly an experience for all ages.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-01-03
Posted By : suebH364JM
The tour was fun! John our guide was professional and personable. Very helpful and made sure we were safe as well as keeping the manatees safe. Crowded in the snorkeling area so go early in the morning. Kayaking was great and fun way to see the manatees.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-29
Posted By : raystheman73
Tour was great, Jessica was an great guide and was mindful of the Manatees. She even reached out to those that were not following the guidelines to protect the sanctuary. Got to see a lot of Manatees and baby Manatees as well.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-29
