20 Best Swim with Manatees Tours in Florida
Are you looking for the best swimming with manatees tours? You’ve come to the right place!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, swimming with manatees is a must. As a native Floridian and lifelong boater, I have encountered many of these gentle giants over the years. There are so many swim with manatees tours to choose from, but I’m here to help you find the best one for you and your family!
My Top 3 Picks: Swim with Manatees
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
✅ Divemaster
✅ Photos/Videos ($)
✅ Equipment included
Crystal River Manatee Swim in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge
✅ Professional guide
✅ Beverages
✅ Equipment included
Best 20 Swim with Manatees Tours
1. Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | 📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Have you ever wanted to experience an up close and personal encounter with manatees? The Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer is the perfect adventure for you to try. You’ll get to swim alongside these gentle giants in Kings Bay and don’t worry, all gear is provided – including a 5mm wetsuit, snorkel, and mask. Plus, your divemaster will take photos and videos of your journey to capture the memories.
“Swimming with manatees was on our bucket list and the experience was just awesome.” -Chad K. (Read more reviews)
2. Crystal River Manatee Swim in Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
See natural Florida with this bucket list experience. This swim with manatees tour includes a professional guide, all the equipment you need such as masks and snorkels, and beverages. Like the other tours, it takes place in Kings Bay, and there will be photos and videos available for purchase after the tour. Take advantage of this fabulous family-friendly experience on your next Florida vacation.
“The entire experience from check in to end was exceptional…. Friendly , knowledgeable, and polite. We will definitely do it again” -Joann F. (Read more reviews)
3. Real Florida Manatee Swim Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours |📍 LOCATION: Kissimmee | ✅ Book it!
If you come all the way to Florida for vacation, it makes sense to experience one of the most unique tours in Florida – swimming with manatees. This tour makes it easy by picking you up near your hotel in Kissimmee, driving you the 2 hours to Crystal River, and providing additional adventures at Ellie Scherer Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park and an airboat ride. Lunch, masks and snorkels, and entry fees are included in the price.
“What an amazing day! 100% recommend.” -Charlotte F. (Read more reviews)
4. Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Experience the unique opportunity to swim alongside manatees in Kings Bay! The Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer offers you the chance to enjoy a magical experience while getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. The tour includes a 5mm wetsuit, snorkel, and mask, so you can get the best shots of your adventure! With a maximum of 10 participants, you’re sure to have a personalized experience to remember for years to come.
“Fantastic trip. Guide was fantastic- took us right where the manatees were. Would definitely do this trip again!” -Cheryl M. (Read more reviews)
5. Swim with Manatees – Trip Advisors “Travelers Choice Award”
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Ready to get up close and personal with majestic manatees? Try this once in a lifetime experience of swimming alongside gentle giants in their natural habitat with a maximum of 12 participants. You’ll be provided with all the necessary gear – wetsuit, snorkel and mask – to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. After your swim, you can take a scenic boat ride back to shore while admiring the beautiful Florida landscapes or visit the local gift shop for some souvenirs before heading home.
“The ease of everything. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. They made the trip fun and delivered as promised.” -Stephen C. (Read more reviews)
6. All Inclusive Manatee Swim with Free Photo Package
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
While other tours charge for photos and videos, those extras are included with this tour. To add even more to your experience, there are only six passengers making it a semi-private experience. Family owned and operated by a family native to Crystal River, their focus remains on protecting the area’s natural resources, keeping the wildlife wild, and “leaving nothing but footprints”.
“Great tour!! Informative, passionate guides; lots of knowledge; great photography and scenery; private and personal.” -Charles L. (Read more reviews)
7. Manatee Adventure with Airboat Ride & Lunch
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |📍 LOCATION: Kissimmee | ✅ Book it!
When you’re visiting central Florida and want something to do near Orlando besides theme parks, a swimming with manatees tour provides the perfect escape from the theme park capital of the world. This tour provides round-trip transportation from your hotel (or nearby) and includes a manatee adventure, a trip to Homosassa Springs State Park, an airboat ride on the wild Withlacoochee River, and lunch. This tour takes 12 hours altogether and is worth every minute of excitement.
“We had a great time getting away from the theme parks. Great trip!” -Laura M. (Read more reviews)
8. Small Group Manatee Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
On this small group tour, the captain navigates to the best manatee spotting locations. With the included snorkeling equipment on and a photographer/divemaster in the water, passengers experience swimming with the gentle river giants. To make the experience as comfortable as possible, wetsuits and boat coats are included for cold mornings. Coffee, hot cocoa, and water are also included.
“Excellent guide on this tour. Great pictures too. We saw several manatees and got to swim in the springs. Our guide was so helpful and polite.” -Maureen R. (Read more reviews)
9. Deluxe Manatee Swim Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
This relaxing boat tour passes several unique parks – a national wildlife refuge, a state nature preserve, and an archaeological park – on the way to the swimming spots. This small-group tour includes snorkeling equipment, live commentary during the boat ride, and beverages.
“Swimming with the manatee was such a fun experience. They are amazing creatures. A super fun day!” -Lori T. (Read more reviews)
10. VIP Manatee Pontoon Tour in Crystal River
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
This half-day pontoon boat tour explores Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a marine refuge designed to protect the threatened Florida manatee. The fully narrated tour seeks out manatees and participants have the choice to swim with them or just observe from the boat. The small group ensures a more relaxing experience than larger group tours. Plus, snorkeling equipment, beverages, and snacks are included.
“Memory of a lifetime! This was an amazing experience. Although it was later in the season there were still manatees to see and swim with. I’d recommend this adventure to anyone!” -Jody B. (Read more reviews)
11. Manatees and Rainbow River by SCUBA or Snorkel
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
On this unique nature tour in Florida you’ll spend the entire day on the water, in the water, or getting to the water. Start the day swimming with manatees at Crystal River. After the three hour tour and a break for lunch (lunch not included), head a few miles north to the crystal clear Rainbow River in Dunnellon. You’ll suit up for snorkeling or scuba diving where you’ll see many species of wildlife including otters, birds, turtles, alligator gar, and more.
“The Manatee and Rainbow River tour was awesome. The entire team was welcoming and helpful. The dive was amazing! Thank you for making great memories.” -JJ (Read more reviews)
12. Private Manatee Swim
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Experience the wonders of nature and get up close and personal with manatees on this private group tour. All the necessary equipment is include, such as snorkeling gear and wetsuits. You can also expect boat coats on cold mornings and towel service to ensure your comfort throughout the tour. After the manatee swim, the boat trip passes by Crystal Spring where you can observe fish, turtles, and other animals in their natural habitat.
“A Dream Come True! You want to do this. It is a one of a kind experience you cannot get anywhere else and you will treasure the experience.” -Tara M. (Read more reviews)
13. 4 Hour Swim With Manatees
⭐️ RATING: #/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: hours OR 📍 LOCATION: locationhere | ✅ Book it!
Diving into the crystal clear waters of Kings Bay and exploring its beauty is an experience like no other. This 4-hour swim experience gets you up close and personal to the gentle giants while snorkeling in their natural habitat. The tour provides wetsuits, masks and snorkels to ensure safety during the entire adventure. Plus, there’s an exclusive treasure chest hunt just for kids! The little ones will love finding little ribbon-wrapped treasure chests hidden in the water for delighted little fingers to find. The tour swears they’re left by pirates, mermaids, or even the Manatee King.
“Great experience from start to finish. Best part of Tour was the Treasure chest. They were filled with coins and a gemstone. Great way to end the tour.” -Mark T. (Read more reviews)
14. Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 hours |📍 LOCATION: Kissimmee | ✅ Book it!
This manatee tour in Crystal River begins early with a pick-up at your hotel in Orlando and breakfast. Once in Crystal River, take a boat ride to swim and snorkel in an area known for manatee sightings. After working up an appetite, sit down for lunch at a local restaurant before taking an exciting airboat tour on the Withlacoochee River. The tour ends with a drop-off back in Orlando. Transportation, fees, meals, and snorkeling equipment are all included.
“Full day of fun, everything was taken care of.” -Penelope W. (Read more reviews)
15. Morning Swim and Snorkel with Manatees
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
This Swim, Snorkel, and Manatee Experience takes you on a boat ride near the manatees’ habitat on Crystal River. See the river’s stunning beauty, and snorkel in the area to see both manatees and other fish and creatures that call the river home. A US Coast Guard–certified captain keeps your experience safe, and all snorkel gear and a wetsuit is provided for you.
“It was the highlight of many trips to Florida. Knowledgeable, sensitive and seemed to have fun! Would do it again next time.” -Janie H. (Read more reviews)
16. Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours |📍 LOCATION: Kissimmee | ✅ Book it!
Take a break from the theme parks with this Nature Coast tour. With round-trip transportation taken care of, enjoy a boat ride to see and swim with manatees in Crystal River. After the manatee experience, the tour takes you down the road to Homosassa Springs where you’ll enjoy the wildlife park which includes alligators, otters, wading birds, and a hippo. This day-long tour returns you to your hotel or nearby in Orlando.
“What an amazing we experience!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ADVENTURE!!” -Jerri U. (Read more reviews)
17. Swim With Manatees In Crystal River
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
If you’re pressed for time, this is the manatee swim tour for you! At just 2.5 hours, it’s one of the shortest on this list, but it’s unique from the others. On this tour, you don’t take a boat ride to snorkel with manatees; you kayak out to them. Kayaking is one of the best ways to see the river and its inhabitants close up. Plus, the slower pace means you’ll really get to immerse yourself in the entire experience. Snorkel equipment, life vests, and kayak or paddleboard are included.
“Our tour guide was excellent. We had a wonderful time kayaking and swimming with the manatees. Worth the trip.” -Kristine A. (Read more reviews)
18. Private Manatee Swim Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Experience the Florida manatee up close and personal with a private tour! Enjoy the beauty of these gentle giants in their natural habitat with just your group. This exclusive tour offers you and your group the chance to have an unforgettable experience, with all gear included. Plus, you can take advantage of our indoor changing rooms for your privacy as well as a selection of beverages including tea and coffee.
“Very knowledgeable in all regards. Would def recommend this group to anyone. ” -Chrissy H. (Read more reviews)
19. Manatee Snorkel Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the five star PADI dive and snorkel facilities at American Pro Diving Center. Take a journey through the manatee water world and experience the beauty of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. All snorkel gear is included, so all that’s left to do is book your tour and show up! Parking fees are extra, but well worth it for a once in a lifetime experience!
“Exciting experience. Captains were very knowledgable and took perfect care of the tourists.” -Cezary K. (Read more reviews)
20. Semi-Private Manatee Snorkeling
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours |📍 LOCATION: Crystal River | ✅ Book it!
For an unforgettable experience, try this semi-private manatee snorkeling adventure! The knowledgeable guides provide guests with a personalized experience as they explore the peaceful refuge of the manatees. All of the necessary snorkeling equipment included, and participants will also sit through an educational presentation and safety briefing. Come and explore their world, learn about them up close, and make memories to last a lifetime.
“It was an awesome experience. I definitely recommend going when it’s cold to get the best experience.” -Ilyanna (Read more reviews)
What month is best to swim with manatees?
November through April, when water temperatures drop, are the best months to swim with manatees.
Can you legally swim with manatees?
The only place where you can legally swim with manatees in North America is in Crystal River, Florida.
How much does it cost to swim with manatees?
Swim with manatees tours cost as little as $65 for a standard tour to over $400 for private group tours.
Can you touch a manatee if it touches you first?
No. Look, but don’t touch manatees.
Is it worth swimming with manatees in Florida?
Swimming with manatees is one of the most unique experiences in Florida and worth it if you are visiting central Florida.
Do I need a wetsuit to swim with manatees?
It’s recommended to use a wetsuit when swimming with manatees as floating in the 72° water can sap your body heat very quickly.
⭐️9.2/10 Wonderful
✅ Pet-friendly
✅ Minutes to manatee tours
✅ Breakfast included
Final Thoughts: Swimming with Manatees Tours
Swimming with manatees is a unique and unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss. These gentle giants will make you feel welcome in their natural habitat, and you will learn a lot about their behavior, conservation, and history. Plus, they are super cute and cuddly, unlike some other marine animals we won’t name (looking at you, sharks). No matter which manatee swim tour you choose, you will have a blast with these amazing creatures.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our post about nearby Homosassa Springs State Park. Featured in some of the tours mentioned here, this zoo-turned-state-park is a great place to see more of Florida’s unique wildlife. Or take a look at this post about places where you can see manatees (though not swim with them).
Let’s Connect!
Follow me on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. And if you’re looking for a great community for sharing travel tips, discounts, secret spots, and hidden gems, go join my Facebook group, Florida Travel Tips & Secret Spots.
Travel Resources:
These are the places I first go when planning or booking travel. They ARE affiliate links so if you use one I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) and (bonus!) it’ll help me keep running this site. Visit my travel resources page to see all of the services and gear I recommend.
Flights: We always check flight prices and information on Way Away first.
Hotels: We use Expedia to compare and book hotels. We also love Booking.com for boutique hotels and B&Bs.
Vacation Rentals: For vacation rentals and other non-traditional lodging options, VRBO is our go-to.
Tours & Tickets: We use Viator for private tours and unique experiences.
Rental Cars: Though we prefer to experience a city through its public transportation, there are times when a rental car is needed and in those instances, we use Discover Cars.
Travel Insurance: No one wants to need it, but it’s great to have when you do. VisitorsCoverage is our go-to provider.
