5.0 (610) · Crystal River · By Waterfront Adventures; Swimming with the Manatees ▶ Watch the videoFree cancellation
As the leaders in the industry, we are committed to having all our tours conducted by professionals. Our Manatee snorkel tours are led by a USCG Captain and a licensed, insured dive professional. Our in-water professionals are trained first responders, holding certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED administration, and in-water rescue.
The captain and guides are also trained in manatee etiquette through the Manatee Eco Tourism Association, in coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This training allows us to lead the industry by operating the safest tours on the water for both our guests and the manatees.
We are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience while prioritizing the well-being of these gentle creatures and ensuring a safe and educational adventure for everyone involved.
✓ Mask and Snorkel✓ 5 MM Full Henderson Wetsuit✓ Coffee and/or TeaActivity Schedule
3 h
Join us as we explore the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge to find and swim alongside the gentle giants. As you embark on your journey, your Captain and In-Water Guide will teach you everything you need to know about interacting with these gentle creatures.
In addition to learning manatee facts and their behavioral patterns, our captains are extremely knowledgeable about the Crystal River and Florida’s manatees, so they’ll be able to answer any questions you may have.
Our tours include: full wet suits, mask, snorkel, and bottled water. All of our tours leave from our onsite private docks, with heated changing facility and hot showers.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
You will find us on the water at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in a 2 story white building.
Your tour time is the meet time, so no need to arrive early. Right on time is perfect.
You will find us on the water at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge in a 2 story white building.
Your tour time is the meet time, so no need to arrive early. Right on time is perfect.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals allowed. Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Suitable for all physical fitness levels. Arrive on time for your scheduled tour, as it is the designated meeting time. All necessary snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided. Professional guides will educate you on manatee behavior and interaction. The tour takes place in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Service animals are permitted on the tour. This tour is suitable for all fitness levels. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 450865P1
Activity offered by Waterfront Adventures; Swimming with the Manatees via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature enthusiasts Families Wildlife lovers Tourists seeking unique experiences Guided by USCG Captain and licensed dive professional First aid, CPR, AED, and in-water rescue trained guides Manatee etiquette training from recognized organizations Safe and educational tours for guests and manatees Includes wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and bottled water Convenient departure from private docks with facilities
Population 3,396 (2020)
Elevation 2 m
Currency United States dollar
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Washington, D.C. Average temperatures 13° Jan 15° Feb 18° Mar 22° Apr 25° May 27° Jun 28° Jul 28° Aug 26° Sept 23° Oct 18° Nov 15° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is included in the Manatee Swim Tour? + The tour includes a mask, snorkel, a 5mm full Henderson wetsuit, and bottled water. Coffee and/or tea are also provided.
Where does the tour depart from? + All tours depart from our onsite private docks at Paddletail Waterfront Lodge, located in a 2-story white building on the water.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Are there any health restrictions for this tour? + The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but it is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Manatee Swim Tour
kawadele4, October 2026
We booked the Manatee swim tour. We were so excited that we were able to see the manatees and swim with them! Celeste is a wonderful tour guide and Todd was a great captain!
What a fantastic time!! Highly recommend this tour!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Perfect morning Swimming with the Manatees
Brownpatricia123, October 2026
We had such a beautiful morning with our Captain and Dani, our guide and photographer. They were helpful ,patience , knowledgeable and down-right funny.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Bashful Manatees
Explore426279, October 2026
Boat ride was nice. Only saw some turtles and birds. Saw no manatees but it was explained to us that due to seawater incursion that happened last year that killed off the manatee food source that manatee sightings where at there lowest in 10yrs. Kinda wished I had known that before we booked but we made the best of it.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
PaddleTail Swim with the Manatees!
Voyager547553, October 2026
Had a fantastic time with Capt. Mark and Dani our guide and photographer! They put us on 2 sets of mom and baby manatees. Both have extensive knowledge of the manatees and the Kings Bay Area. Had a blast with them both! Well worth the money. Can’t wait to go back and do it again!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
PaddleTail Boat Tour
Voyager547553, October 2026
Captain Mark was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he loved what he does! Well worth the money. Beautiful scenery. Fantastic experience!
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