Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise

Embark on a Manatee Viewing Cruise in Crystal River, FL to explore the Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge. Spot wild manatees, birds, turtles, and dolphins on this unforgettable journey!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pete’s Pier - Pete’s Pier is the Marina where you will meet your Captain to board the boat.
What's Included
  • USCG Licensed Captain
  • Bottled Water
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Parking Fees $5
Additional Information

This expedition offers the ideal way to appreciate the wild manatees of Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge, from the comfort of our vessel, away from the elements.

Jump on board our vessel, certified by the US Coast Guard, to accompany your seasoned Captain on a voyage into the Kings Bay refuge waters. This adventure is set to create lasting impressions with you and your group.

As we traverse the waters, we will keep an eye out for the renowned wild manatees that have brought the title of ‘The Manatee Capital of the World’ to Crystal River. Additionally, there’s a possibility of sighting a myriad of other birds, turtles, and the occasional dolphin encounter. Hence, take advantage of the diverse ecosystem that is home to the animals in the refuge.

Essentials to Carry
Polarized Sunglasses

IMPORTANT
The assembly point for this particular Manatee Sighting Cruise is Pete’s Pier. Please adhere to the meeting time of 3:45 pm. Be informed that there’s an extra $5 parking fee per vehicle at Pete’s Pier, required to be paid upon arrival.

Pete’s Pier
1 SW 1st Place
Crystal River, FL 34429

  • You will meet your Captain by the Bait Shop at the end of the dock just past the boat ramp. Your Captain will be wearing a bright green Explorida Shirt.
Location
1 SW 1st Pl
Southwest 1st Place
Pete's Pier Marina, Crystal River, Florida 34429 If you arrive at Pete's Pier before your scheduled time, your Captain may not be ready for you to board the boat just yet. Your tour will be departing exactly at the scheduled reservation time chosen.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(690 Ratings)
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1 star
Danielle_p
Jul 26, 2024
Great tour - We had a great experience, the Captain was very knowledgeable and we saw several manatees even a momma and baby. Even though the ratio of manatees were limited at this time of year, we still got to see them. Thank you for a great experience it was lots of fun!!!
Review provided by Viator
Kenneth_h
Jul 24, 2024
Great things to See - Seeing the manatee with baby, birds, and gator. Liked that various boats shared locations of the manatees. The ride around the lake had great viewing of the fabulous homes. Really cold water was provided. The tour guide was excellent telling us what to look for and answering questions about the springs and water temperature and how it affects the animals. Enjoyed his depth of knowledge about the ell grass and how it is cared for.
Review provided by Viator
J2515palindas
Jul 19, 2024
Amazing experience - You talk about an amazing adventure!! Captain Chris and Keri were awesome. We were hoping to see one manatee and we saw 4!! And the crystal river…I have never seen water so clear. Just beautiful. Thank you so much for giving our family so much fun and excitement.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jornb513
Jul 16, 2024
Amazing experience, highly recommended!! - What an amazing experience. We would highly recommend this to anyone! The crew was super nice and friendly. Excellent!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dlhosh
Jul 8, 2024
Great time! - Captain Taylor was awesome! He took us to 2 locations to view a couple of manatees. We knew it wasn't the season to see many. It was a busy day with lots of boats and kayaks due to holiday weekend. We will come back in the winter to see more!
Review provided by Viator
I3468kqbrandonb
Jul 7, 2024
Exploria Expedition - We absolutely had a Blast! Madeleine and Captain Marty were Super fun and very informative. They went above and Beyond to make sure we had a great Experience. 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L_w
Jul 3, 2024
Luv them manatees - The cruise was really enjoyable. The captain was very personable knowledgeable and very polite and friendly. Totally enjoyed. We saw a good amount of manatees and other wildlife
Review provided by Viator
Passport196750
Jul 1, 2024
Awesome experience - I enjoyed the tour with my son and daughter. Gavin made the experience fun and informative! I would recommend this cruise!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
632micahm
Jul 1, 2024
AMAZING Manatees Cruise - We had an amazing time! Our tour guide/captain was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions! He made it extremely fun and pleasant despite the heat! Would 10/10 recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suncruiser
Jun 30, 2024
Great Afternoon. - The team was very organized. Our guide was very informative and gave us so many opportunities to see the manatees even though it is totally out of season currently. We did see several during our trip, along with many birds and some turtles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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