About Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour With In Water Guide

Book Direct with the Owner at Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour With In Water Guide with Accommodation Missouri in Crystal River, for all your Attraction and travel needs.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, 1502 SE Kings Bay Dr, Crystal River, FL 34429-4661

Enjoy the beautiful and wildlife rich Crystal River NWR up close and personal!

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Gulf Coast Expeditions, 406 NE 1st Street, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

Upon arrival at the dive shop, guests will be fitted for wetsuits (included in price) and asked to watch a brief video from US Fish and Wildlife outlining their encounter with the manatees. The captain and guide will then take the group to the boat and embark all passengers and give a short safety brief. Once underway, the guide will further explain how to interact with the manatees once in the water and fit the guests with their masks and snorkels. While transiting to the swim areas, the captain and guide will present information about the area wildlife and what guests can expect to see during your tour. They will also answer questions and take pictures along the way. Once the vessel sights manatees, the captain will anchor the vessel and the group and guide will proceed into the water for your encounter. The guide will stay with the group the entire time, ensuring that the guests get the most out of their experience, all while taking photos and videos of your adventure!

Duration: 3 hours

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OPERATES

Daily

INCLUSIONS

Professional guide
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuits
Coffee and hot cocoa
Entry/Admission - Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

EXCLUSIONS

Gratuities
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Guests with limited mobility are welcome, but must call us to make prior arrangements
Most travelers can participate
Single travelers may be required to change time or date of tour depending upon availability
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
All tours are small group, 6 people or less. Custom private tours are available for parties not comfortable with sharing a boat with other groups.

DEPARTURE & RETURN

406 NE 1st St, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Reviews

Katecellphone 5
06 Feb 2022
Definitely do this!!! We had Captain Mike and Leah- they were both awesome! Leah took amazing photos of us (worth the $30 for a flash drive full of over 100 pics and videos) Captain Mike had awful puns (in a good way!!!) He was funny, personable and brought us everywhere. He called the night before to suggest a time change for more manatees we’re glad we did! I was worried they wouldn’t have a wet suit big enough for me but they did (I’m a women’s size 16/18) They were super nice, took us in a heated van just two blocks away. We met manatees and went to multiple places on the river. Leah was very nice and knowledgeable. 20 out of 10 stars!
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Molly G 5
05 Feb 2022
What an amazing experience! The entire team (Ron, Mike, Todd, Lauren, and Leah) were all exceptional! Leah was our guide and Captain Mike took us to 3 Sister’s Springs. Not only were they both extremely knowledgeable, the reverence and respect they had for the manatees was evident as they showed us how to share the water space. The company as a whole clearly takes their role as educators and conservationists to heart, as they guide your swim and answer your questions. The whole team has an obvious love for the area and they are passionate about their responsibility to create a fantastic experience, while still maintaining ethical and conscientious guidelines. I hope that they become the standard of accountability for other tour groups and individuals who visit the area in hopes of learning more about this wonderful but endangered species.
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Freedom45548424373 5
04 Feb 2022
What an awesome experience!!! The staff with thier knowledge made this trip so wonderful ... we can't wait to come back and we will be back
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Shelley P 5
02 Feb 2022
Encountering the manatees was an enchanted experience. There were dozens to see. The babies would lay their chin on my chest and hug my thich with their flippers. The water guide caught it all on camera. The 2 ladies conducting the tour for Gulf Coast Expeditions were fun to be with. I look forward to doing this tour again.
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ShazzaDelhi 5
27 Jan 2022
I've worked and traveled abroad for 20 years, so I'm not easily impressed. That said, this experience ranked up there as one of my all-time favorite! We watched a video about how to passively observe the manatees without disturbing them, and then Captain Ron piloted the boat out to the bay. Lauren was my guide, and she immediately spotted several manatees. We dropped anchor and climbed down the ladder into the water. Based on what I'd seen in the video, I assumed we would watch the manatees from a distance. However, they approached us and seemed curious. Although the video had emphasized NOT touching them, it was impossible. They bumped into me from all angles. Lauren suggested stroking them with two fingers. If they don't like it, they'll swim away, she said. One actually rolled over in the water so I could give her a tummy rub! Lauren slowly worked her way back to the boat, and the group followed. They gnawed on the anchor's rope, which feels good on their mouths (like a dog's chew toy), Ron explained. They played around the boat's ladder, took turns with the ropes, and hung out with us for more than an hour. So many parts of this experience were memorable. We saw a baby manatee, which would have been enough to make the 6:30 a.m. start time totally worth it. Also, I loved when the manatees hovered face to face with me. They are weird looking and endearing at the same time with the most gentle expressions in their eyes. Ron and Lauren both shared heaps of interesting information about the manatees, and Lauren took some great photos and videos. I know there's no guarantee that manatees will make an appearance at every visit, so I felt extremely fortunate for this experience!
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platypusmama 5
25 Jan 2022
We were the only group booked for an early morning 6:30 am tour, my mom (64) my son (17) and me went out in 27 degree weather. We were a little nervous to get in the water with it being so cold, but the wetsuits and dive jackets provided kept us warm and capt lauren and Leah had hot cocoa and coffee waiting on the ride back. We could not have asked for a better crew, they answered all of our questions, found a perfect spot with a bunch of friendly manatees who were very happy to swim right up to us and be our new friends. Leah took pictures of the whole experience so we could just focus on interacting with the manatees. This was a lifetime experience, and I left wanting to book another trip. We will definitely be back!
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Sherry_Z 5
24 Jan 2022
The tour guide was so knowledgeable, kind, and talkative. It felt like hanging out with a group of friends. She had great recommendations on what we should try next in the area. The hot chocolate at the end was very appreciated.
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Anna_B 5
24 Jan 2022
Amazing experience! We met at the office. The provided us with the skin suits. The changing area was very clean. Lauren our tour guide in the water was very sweet and helped us stay close to the manatees and keep them safe at the same time. She had a progo camera and took pictures and videos with us. I highly recommend them!!!
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holomat3146 5
22 Jan 2022
Loved it ! Fun, easy, and educational. Captain and crew were friendly and fun. We recommend it to anyone.
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Leah_V 5
21 Jan 2022
The entire staff was friendly and helpful we had an awesome time out on the boat and saw many Manatees. I highly recommend them and when family and friends come to visit me I will be booking again!
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