USA · MANATEE ENCOUNTERS

The 15 Best Manatee Swims in Florida

25 tours  ·  from $59

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 manatee swims justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide! - The boat ride into Crystal River
Crystal River Tours, Guided, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!

1.Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,782 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Float beside wild manatees in Crystal River with an in-water guide such as Neal, Storm, or Zachary, depending on the day. Fun 2 Dive supplies your wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and noodle for this three-hour trip, with stops near Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

“Super neat experience! Everything ran very smoothly and the guide is very helpful. I was nervous as I've never been snorkeling but I had a great time!”

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Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour - Canals, bays, and mangrove edges
Cruises & Boat Tours, Manatee Encounters, Naples & Fort Myers Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wildlife

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

2.Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,590 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Set out from Port of the Islands Marina on a 90-minute covered boat ride through canals, bays, and mangroves. Captains such as Paul, Becky, Chris, Andi, and Storm explain the Everglades ecosystem while you look for manatees, alligators, birds, sharks, and fish. Polarized sunglasses and phone lenses are included.

“Captain Chris was an excellent tour guide with interesting information about the wildlife and the surrounding area. He knew which locations were most likely to have wildlife. We observed a manatee with her calf, alligators, and blue herons. Very enjoyable experience!”

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The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer - Cruising Kings Bay in a covered Coast Guard boat
Crystal River Tours, Guided, Manatee Encounters, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Tours

The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

3.The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,539 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76

Join River Ventures for a three-hour Crystal River manatee swim with a USCG captain, in-water guide, photographer, wetsuit, snorkel gear, and drinks. Cruise Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs, then float quietly near wild manatees while your guide helps you follow encounter rules and captures photos.

“Awesome experience, Nat & Capt. Rob was a blast to be with. They will make sure you see the manatees!!”

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Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach - Circling the island and passing seven bridges
Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

4.Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,328 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet Three Brothers Boards in Daytona Beach for a calm-water paddle beneath seven bridges, around an island, and through yacht-lined canals. Guides such as Brock, Dallas, Walker, and Fletcher teach first-timers, watch for dolphins and manatees, and offer kayaks if standing up proves uncomfortable.

“Awesome experience, the guide, Dallas, was knowledgeable and made it fun. We saw dolphins and would definitely recommend this tour.”

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Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer - Meeting the manatees in their own habitat
Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

5.Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,300 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Join Explorida in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee swim through Kings Bay. A US Coast Guard-certified boat, wetsuit, snorkel gear, float noodle, and in-water guide are included. Guides such as Faith, John, and Topher help you stay safe and capture photos, with downloads sold after the tour.

“Actually swimming alongside the manatees was a thrill. Our guide was very helpful in preparing us for this experience. He told us that the manatees may bump us intentionally and they did. Twice I tried to move out of their way and they very gently turned into me. Another time one came up from underneath me. That too had to be intentional because it knew I was there. It was a blast. Both the captain (Marty) and the guide (Adam) were pleasant and personal. Although the water was murky, our guide Adam sent out some good underwater photos. Thank you for a great experience. Al K”

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Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers - Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised
Manatee Encounters, Naples & Fort Myers Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

6.Dolphin and Manatee Adventure Tour of Fort Myers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,167 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet in Bonita Springs for a two-hour paddleboard outing through Fort Myers waterways. Guides such as Eric and Chase teach beginners, point out dolphins, manatees, turtles, pelicans, and mangroves, and stop at a white-sand beach for shells. Wildlife sightings vary.

“Eric was great!! Gave fantastic info on the tour!! Very helpful with teaching paddle board skills if you haven’t done it before. Great to talk with it!”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - April through November: paddling toward Three Sisters Springs
Canoes & Kayaks, Clear Kayak Tours, Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

7.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour clear kayak trip with guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami. From April through November, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim. From November through March, search for manatees from the kayak without entering the water.

“The tour is excellent. The Kayak is very easy to ride, stable, and safe. The guide was great, and we got to see the manatees up close, even passing below the glass kayak. The guide also took some fantastic pictures of us and shared them with us at the end of the tour.”

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3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg - What the swim feels like
3-Hour Experiences, Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews

3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

8.3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,692 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Join Go Local Manatee Tours for a three-hour swim in Crystal River’s Kings Bay, limited to six people. Captains Josh, Walter, Pete, and other local guides provide wetsuits, snorkel gear, wildlife guidance, and included photos and videos.

“I would give this 6 stars if I could. Knowledgeable captain and swimming guides who are local to the area and truly care about the health and safety of the manatees. They were both respectful and caring to us and the animals. I can't tell you enough how much people like this-small business, local, and ethical- make a difference in the community. They aren't focused on cramming as many people in the boat as possible, but a small group (altogether there were 5 of us) and letting us experience a natural, uninvasive glimpse into the life of the manatees. Please if you are looking for a tour here, look no…”

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Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer - Checking in at 226 NE 5th Street
Crystal River Tours, Guided, Manatee Encounters, Photography Sessions, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer

9.Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,336 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Meet at 226 NE 5th St in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee snorkel with Gulf Coast Expeditions. Guides such as Crystal, Celeste, Ron, and Mike provide gear, safety guidance, wildlife insight, and in-water photos. The six-person limit keeps the outing personal and flexible.

“I really enjoyed this experience with a small group of 3! Learned about the manatees from our guide Crystal and captain Ron. It’s a small operation but full of care and passion! Super grateful to get to meet some very social manatees in their natural habitat!”

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Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise - Pete’s Pier and the boat ride into Kings Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews

Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise

10.Crystal River Manatee Viewing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,133 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Cruise Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge from a US Coast Guard certified boat, watching wild manatees without swimming or paddling. Captains such as GQ, Gavin, Chris, John, and Devon share facts about manatee behavior while pointing out birds, turtles, and the occasional dolphin. The 90-minute tour serves up to 12 people.

“This was an amazing experience, Gavin was very knowledgeable. I will definitely be back. I love Chubby Mermaids”

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Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour - River Ventures prepares you before the boat leaves
Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour

11.Exclusive Small Group VIP Heated Manatee Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,023 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Meet the River Ventures crew in Crystal River for a small-group manatee tour capped at six people. You’ll watch an instructional video, suit up, ride a heated covered pontoon into Kings Bay, and snorkel near wild manatees under careful passive-interaction rules. Guides such as Sheila, Troy, Melissa, and JJ have earned high praise.

“Great way to spend the morning. Crew were professional, personable and knowledgeable about the area and manatees.”

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Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking - Beginning at 5000 Tom Warriner Boulevard
Canoes & Kayaks, Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

12.Thousand Island Mangrove Tunnel, Manatee & Dolphin Kayak Tour w/Cocoa Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 923 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Spend about 2.5 hours kayaking Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands with guides such as James, Ian, Susie, or Michael. Paddle open lagoons and narrow mangrove tunnels while watching for manatees, dolphins, tarpon, stingrays, crabs, and Florida birds. Groups are capped at 10, and photos are included.

“My family is 14mo, 14yo, 19, 32 and 39 and we all enjoyed it! The guide was very accommodating to our speed and the other guests abilities and helped us all get the kayaking down. We got to see the beautiful Mangroves, a 4 foot Tarpon and a family of Manatee. Great Adventure.”

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Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach - Dolphins, manatees, birds, and smaller creatures
Cocoa Beach & Cape Canaveral Tours, Manatee Encounters, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

13.Mangrove Tunnels, Dolphins, Manatee Tour #1 Rated in Cocoa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 836 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Best value

You’ll paddle about two miles through Cocoa Beach’s calm waterways and narrow mangrove tunnels with a guide such as Holly, Erin, Jordyn, or Ian. Single and tandem kayaks, instruction, and equipment are included. Wildlife sightings vary, but dolphins, manatees, birds, comb jellies, and tree crabs may appear.

“Gabby was a great guide and we got to see many dolphins on our tour and going through the "tunnels" was really cool”

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All-Inclusive Small Group Manatee Swim with Free Photos - Arriving at Nature’s Discovery
Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews

All-Inclusive Small Group Manatee Swim with Free Photos

14.All-Inclusive Small Group Manatee Swim with Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 810 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Join Nature’s Discovery in Crystal River for a three-hour, six-person manatee swim in Kings Bay. Your guide provides wetsuits, snorkel gear, wildlife instruction, hot chocolate on cold days, and an included photo package while you watch wild manatees in the water.

“This experience was absolutely fantastic! Hina and Jake were amazing! Super friendly, explaining everything with a smile on their face and doing their best for us to have the best experience possible… and Wow! What an experience! The energy was so good even the manatees noticed and followed us around, played, and were super curious! Absolutely exceeded my expectations!”

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Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer - Why the small group changes the experience
Crystal River Tours, Manatee Encounters, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

15.Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $98

Join a small group in Crystal River’s Kings Bay for a three-hour manatee encounter. Your captain finds the animals while an in-water divemaster helps you snorkel calmly and captures photos for purchase. Wetsuits, gear, towels, showers, hot drinks, and boat coats are provided.

“My husband and I went out 11/12/21 with the 9:45 group with Laura and Cory and had the best time! They made sure to get us the most time with the manatees as possible. Would definitely go back again!”

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New in Manatee Encounters

★ 5.0Orlando Manatee EncountersFrom $80366 reviews
★ 5.0New Smyrna Dolphin and Manatee Kayak and SUP Adventure TourFrom $65457 reviews
★ 5.0Crystal River: Semi-Private Manatee Swim Tour With Heated BoatFrom $74417 reviews
★ 4.7Crystal River: Manatee Swim Group TourFrom $69484 reviews

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