Join River Venture’s 5-star crew and dive into the ‘OG’ swim with manatee experience with our HD photographer. Our full service, one-stop shop can guarantee manatees and more!
The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee: Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!
Manatee Guarantee Optional Upgrade($): No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.
Tour options for any budget: Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.
Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats: Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins.
Over 5000 5-star reviews online! Need we say more?
Your A-Team: Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards.
Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides.
✓ Bottled water✓ In-water Guide & Photographer✓ Hot Cocoa✓ USCG Master Captain✓ Mask, Snorkel & Full-length Wetsuit✓ Introductory/instructional video offered in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish✕ Gratuities✕ Photo Package✕ Towel and swimsuitActivity Schedule
3 h
Immerse yourself in the 'OG' swim with manatee tour at River Ventures’ full-service, one-stop adventure shop. Connect with our 5-star crew and absorb manatee facts while our photographer documents your adventure in high definition.
Meet the most experienced crew in town at the River Ventures Tour Center. Familiarize yourself with USFWS Manatee Encounter Rules and get fitted for a wetsuit in a classroom setting.
Board the Coast Guard-approved boat, equipped with a full isinglass enclosure for comfort during winter months.
Cruise through Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs, and other scenic areas while actively searching for manatees.
Enjoy swimming with the manatees while your guide captures your experience with a top-of-the-line HD action camera.
Upon returning to the Tour Center, relax with coffee and hot cocoa while browsing souvenirs and photos.
Expectations & Conditions: We prioritize both customer satisfaction and the well-being of the Crystal River manatees. It's important to have realistic expectations when encountering wild manatees, as their behavior and migration patterns are beyond our control. Every trip offers a unique experience. For the latest conditions, please contact us directly.
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge River Ventures
Your mobile or paper ticket is accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
River Ventures Manatee Tour and Education Center. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
River Ventures Manatee Tour and Education Center. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wetsuits are available in all sizes, from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to size 5X.
For a smoother check-in process, it is recommended to wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing.
Please bring a towel and a plastic bag for your belongings.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels. Adult pricing applies to all travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wetsuits are available in all sizes, from toddlers (2 years old and up) to adults up to size 5X. For a smoother check-in process, it is recommended to wear your swimsuit underneath your clothing. Please bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your tour. Children under 3 years old are not permitted on this tour. Please contact us for alternative options. Manatee Swim Tour This is a 3-hour group tour where you can dive into the 'OG' swim with manatee experience at River Ventures’ comprehensive adventure facility. Guaranteed Manatee Swim Tour This option includes a Manatee Guarantee. Upgrade now to remove the risk of not encountering a manatee. If no manatees are spotted, you will receive a full refund! Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for convenience. Bring a towel and warm clothing for after the tour. Wetsuits are provided in all sizes. Manage expectations as manatee encounters depend on wild animal behavior. Consider the 'Guaranteed Manatee Swim Tour' for peace of mind. To receive a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 7336P2
Activity offered by River Ventures via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Nature enthusiasts Wildlife lovers Tourists seeking unique experiences Experience the original 'OG' manatee swim tour. Professional in-water guide and photographer included. Guaranteed manatee encounters or your money back (optional upgrade). All necessary gear provided: mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. Educational in-classroom presentation before the tour. Over 5000 5-star online reviews.
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 the 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour? + The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour is River Ventures' original and most experienced swim with manatee experience, operating since 2004.
What is included in the tour? + The tour includes bottled water, an in-water guide and photographer, hot cocoa, a USCG Master Captain, mask, snorkel, full-length wetsuit, and an introductory video.
What should I bring? + You should bring a towel and a plastic bag for your belongings. It is also advised to wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes.
Are there any age restrictions? + Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wetsuits are available for toddlers aged 2 and up. Children under 3 years old are not allowed on this specific tour.
What happens if we don't see any manatees? + With the optional 'Guaranteed Manatee Swim Tour' upgrade, if you do not encounter any manatees, you will receive a full refund.
How long is the tour? + The tour duration is 3 hours.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Snorkeling with Manatees!
markhX7766SN, October 2026
Gary and Brian were great as well as everyone in the office! 1st timer and will definitely do it again! Within 20-30 mins on the boat we were swimming above a Momma and baby sleeping! Great experience and we will be back!!! Thanks all!!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Bucket list swim with the manatee’s
781mickeyf, October 2026
Experience of a lifetime!! Natilee was an awesome guide and the manitee’s were awesome as well, up close and personal!! Couldn’t ask for better!! Huge thank you!!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Manatee tour
RyanB3302, October 2026
Had a great time on tour. Staff was amazing and very knowledgeable. I went at slow time of year and we saw one Manatee, but it was worth it, an amazing experience!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing
louisehN5388NA, October 2026
It was amazing experience. The tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and simply the best. It was so good we are thinking of coming back in January just to see the manatees.
★★★★★ Viator review
Don't expect to see a...
Julie_A, October 2026
Don't expect to see a whole lot of manatees. Expect to search for quite a while and maybe find one or two
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