Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photographer

Join our intimate Manatee Snorkel Tour in Crystal River. Swim with manatees, guided by experts, and capture memories with our photographer. Book your adventure today!

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Pete’s Pier Marina - Crystal River is considered the manatee capitol of the world, and we are fortunate enough to be in one of the only places where you can have the unique experience of swimming with these gentle giants in their own natural habitat!

​Once you arrive at Salty Siren Tours the adventure begins! After checking in, you will be fitted with one of our new high quality wetsuits. (Your masks and snorkels are also included in the cost of your charter.) From there, you’ll meet your in-water guide and photographer who will discuss your upcoming manatee interaction and answer any questions you may have.

After watching a short video that explains passive observation and how to properly interact in the water with our precious manatees, we will transport you to our departure location in our comfortable 15 passenger van. From there you will board your immaculately clean tour vessel for the experience of a lifetime!

After becoming comfortable in the water, your guide will escort you to passively observe and these majestic mammals. We also take underwater photos of your trip (which can be purchased for an additional fee) so you can share the manatee love!

What's Included
  • Heated Houseboat with Restroom Facility Onboard
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Wetsuit
  • Tea and coffee
  • Bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Towels, sunblock, sunglasses and hats are not included but highly encouraged.
Additional Information

Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our most famous residents - West Indian Manatees. During the Summer months, the Bay holds approximately 75 to 80 resident manatees.

Each winter between 700 and 1000 manatees migrate here seeking out our three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C). Even in the warm summer months, Crystal River has a local population of 70-100 manatees that remain here year round. Due to efforts by many local, state and federal entities, our manatee population is thriving. We feel that an in-water swim experience is an important part of this education and conservation effort. Our team of highly trained in-water guides ensure your experience with this cherished and threatened species is handled with the utmost care and respect by encouraging passive observation.

With only 6 passengers per boat you are guaranteed a special small group interaction.

  • Please Note: Children 6 and under must be under adult passenger supervision at all times. Children six (6) and under must wear a life vest at all times when the boat is in motion.
Location
439 NE 1st Terrace
Northeast 1st Terrace
Meeting point is at Salty Siren Tours, 439 NE 1st Terrace, Crystal River, FL 34429 (Located in the Crystal Terrace Plaza (behind Hardee's on US Highway 19). PLEASE SHOW AT YOUR DESIGNATED TOUR TIME. There is no need to arrive any earlier than your scheduled trip time.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(289 Ratings)
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Mjf07
Jul 3, 2024
Best manatee trip ever! - I cannot say enough, good things about this company and tour! Our Captain Jessica was so nice and knowledgeable and our guide Marissa was also simply the best! Both super knowledgeable and fun and kind. My daughter was a little scared and Marissa was super helpful and calming and understanding. We saw a mama and her baby as well as another sleeping manatee and went into the springs for a swim. I would give it 10 stars if I could! We will be back and I will request jessica and Marissa. They made sure to make a big deal about my daughter’s birthday and she had the best experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Denise
Jun 29, 2024
Wonderful manatee experience! - We absolutely had the best time! Captain Ed and our guide Megan were knowledgeable and so nice! I definitely highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dolson8264
Jun 28, 2024
Amazing Experience - I went on this guided tour with my family back in April! We are still taking about it and cannot wait to go back! The whole staff was great, and the tour guide is incredible! Highly recommendable!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G8553cydenisec
Jun 22, 2024
Awesome fun!!! - Marissa and Moe were great! We had so much fun! They were very knowledgeable about the area, the manatees and the company! Great experience!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brandi_t
Jun 22, 2024
5 stars!! - Captain Mo and Marissa were awesome. They made everyone feel comfortable in the water and out. Such a great experience!
Review provided by Viator
Passenger24553420639
Jun 19, 2024
Choose this company :) You won’t regret it. - We had a great experience! We went with Capt Ed and Megan last week. We saw several manatee and our pictures turned out excellent. I’ve went out with another company in the past and we had to meet at the marina. I loved Salty Siren’s storefront with restrooms and a clean place to change clothes before and after our tour. We had two children in our group and this was a huge plus for me. I also loved the drone footage and photos. That is another thing that makes this company stand out from the others. Mermaid Megan did an excellent job educating us on manatees prior to our trip. Overall, great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandaj74
Jun 18, 2024
Great experience! A must do! - This tour was amazing. We were outside of the prime manatee viewing window, but our guides Marissa and Moe were excellent at seeking out manatees for us to view. We had a group of 5 on the tour, 3 of which were celebrating 50th birthdays. From the time we walked in the door Marissa made us feel at ease and was really outgoing and fun. The entire trip was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it...even if you are a little apprehensive about squeezing into a wet suit, don't be! None of us had rock star bodies but it didn't matter. The experience was way worth it and the laughs we shared made for great memories. Marissa also took the best photos and videos of our excursion, so we were able just to sit back and enjoy the interaction with the manatees while she captured the moment. If you are on the fence about booking with the Salty Siren...just do it! You will not regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinefs8894nk
Jun 17, 2024
Small group is key - A very impressive operation! Booking through Viator very easy, store meeting place well-run & friendly! Safety session easy to follows & informative. Captains Ed & Jessica on the boat were highly competent & patient. We had a blast!! The in-water photos were awesome & worth $39.95, This Tour was different than the others because this boat only takes six out at a time versus 25!! Go have a great time!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
622tonyad
Jun 17, 2024
Manatee Kisses - We had the most amazing experience on this tour. Captain Ed took us right to a mama and her sweet little guy. He was able to easily guide us to their location. Once in the water, Captain Jessica made sure we felt confident all while making sure the manatees were safe. I will just call Jessica the “Manatee Whisperer” because they absolutely adored her and wanted to hang out with our group. The baby was so curious and eager to check us out. Our small tour size gave us each the opportunity to have a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judsonk2022
Jun 17, 2024
Crystal River intro tour - Moe and Marrissa were incredible. Marissa made sure that my 11 year old daughter found a manatee to observe. It was a beautiful experience and we will be back
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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