Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
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Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer
By Plantation Adventure Center
About
Floridaās Crystal River, with its warm springs, is one of the best-known spots for viewing and snorkeling with manatees. On this small-group manatee adventure you swim with West Indian manatees on a boat tour that gets you up close and personal with these friendly mammals. All snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are included, as are warm drinks and dry towels for maximum comfort.
from per adult
HK$789.48
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Swim and snorkel with the gentle West Indian manatees in Kings Bay
- Small group tour allows for face-to-face interaction with the manatees
- Wetsuits, mask, snorkels, towels, hot chocolate and hot showers available
- Guide photographs your experience, with photos available for purchase
- Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels
- Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water
- Towel Service
- US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!
- Boat Coats for cold mornings!
What's not included- Gratuities
- DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase)
- Swimsuits
- Meet your guide at Plantation on Crystal River for a brief education session at the dive shop to go over the rules of swimming with manatees and learn the best ways to approach the animals in the water. From here, a US Coast Guard-certified captain leads you out into Kings Bay. Once manatees are spotted, your guide leads you into the water where you have the chance to swim and snorkel alongside the gentle giants. Your guide photographs the highlights of your swimming with manatees experience, and photos are available for purchase after your tour. Only six people per boat guarantees a more personalized experience and all snorkeling equipment is provided with the tour. Complimentary dry towels, boat coats, hot chocolate, and coffee keep you warm on the boat. The tour ends at the departure point.
- Start:
- 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USADeparture Point: Plantation on Crystal River Address: Plantation Adventure Center
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, weād be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 62758P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wet-suits available in children's size 6 up to 3XL
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If itās cancelled due to poor weather, youāll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, weād be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 62758P3
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About the operator
Donāt take it from us ā hereās what people have to say about this operator:
- Katy L0 contributionsExcellent for families! Friendly and knowledgeable staffOnce in a lifetime trip! Everything was well organized and our guides had a wealth of knowledge about the area. We saw lots of manatees and our children (8 & 5 yrs old) had a blast, the water was calm and clear, no problem for the kids. They had hot drinks waiting when we got back on the boat and took excellent pictures for us! Reasonably priced for what we received and highly recommended for families!Written 18 March 2024
- sebiannt0 contributionsamazing experience with KendraIt was amazing. Staff is great. Awesome captain and the Divemaster kendra was just lovely. :) saw 3 Manatees and I loved itWritten 18 March 2024
- Nxacevedo0 contributionsGreat manatee experience!!!I had a great time today swimming with the manatees. Our guide, Melissa Stiegler and the boat driver (I forgot his name) were also very great. They worked well with each other and both made sure we all felt comfortable and happy. They both had a great sense of humor as well and made our time more enjoyable. The highlight of the whole experience had to be when we got a clearer view of the two manatees in the Three Sisters Spring area. As soon as we were all in the center of the spring area two manatees that were being rehabilitated into the wild and were tagged in order to help see their locations came out of their closed off sanctuary area into the middle of the spring and we all got a perfect clear view of them just swimming along and then they went back to their sanctuary area shortly after. That moment made the whole day for our group and we were all satisfied. Thank you for a great manager experience today.Written 17 March 2024
- PHeijerman0 contributionsVery nice šš»Very nice boat trip around the Kingsbay area. We had a nice day on the with a little breeze to cool down š Even spotted a bold eagle š¦Written 17 March 2024
- Bonny D0 contributionsBeautiful rideBeautiful boat ride, excellent personnel. Very knowledgeable staff that made the tour fun. Unfortunately, the weather (unseasonably hot) made it very difficult to find Manatees. Spotted a few, but the water was so murky they were hard to see. Overall, I'd like to try it again if I'm here during colder weather.Written 17 March 2024
- 244briannan0 contributionsAmazing Experience with Amanda & MarkAmazing experience! Our guide & photographer was Amanda and our boat captain was Mark. They were both amazing. Such patience with my kids, caring and kind souls who clearly love their work and the precious manatees. Highly recommend. I signed up with this company due to their guide Kendraās social media presence documenting these animals and am very happy with the decision!!Written 16 March 2024
- sgregory7110 contributionsWonderful experienceOur dive master Laura and boat captain Aaron were great. They went great places. Weāre very knowledgeable about the wild life and ecosystem of the area. They explained how to behave in the water to encourage a good result from the manatees. We also got to go to three sisters springs - which was amazing. It was just a wonderful experience and would love to do it again on a future tripWritten 15 March 2024
- DayTrip6719220 contributionsBucket List Item Completed!Just returned from our trip to Tampa and can't say enough about our tour experience at Plantation Adventure Center. Dave was our boat captain and Tristan was our Divemaster/Photographer--they were phenomenal! Due to the hurricane last year there weren't as many manatees as we had hoped to see but Dave and Tristan went our of their way to get us to as many spots as possible to catch some sightings. We loved every minute of our experience and are planning a future return so that we can do it again!Written 15 March 2024
- Emma N0 contributionsHad a great time!Came for spring break and had so much fun! We saw about five manatees when we went and the water was crystal clear in the spring! The guides are great and make sure you see at least one manatee during your trip!Written 14 March 2024
- smithkate140 contributionsCelebrating 22 Years of Friendship!We are three friends celebrating our 22nd year of friendship! Ryan and Mark were beyond fabulous. We saw three manatees up close and a baby rescue! We cannot recommend this company and experience enough. Also, they have 5mm wetsuits and they were a game changer in the colder weather!Written 13 March 2024
- pzkat0 contributionsFriendly staff, wonderful experience up on the waterWe had a great time on the early morning semi-private tour. It was beautiful to start out before sunrise and watch the sunrise from the water. We were able to tour the bay and swim in the 3 sisters springs and see these gentle giants up close and personal. Our guide was lovely and knowledgeable as was our boat captain. Warm drinks and parkas on board made for a cozy and comfortable experience. The staff couldnāt have been friendlier. Would highly reccommend!Written 13 March 2024
- johntJ1322QJ0 contributionsAwesome Manatee Tour!Awesome tour with Kendra and Cory. Highly recommend! Manatees were incredible and the tour was flexible to allow us to stay with the manatees since they were in a crystal clear location.Written 11 March 2024
- B4938VKamyj0 contributionsPrivate Manatee tour well worth the priceI went with my best friend on this trip. She has been a lover of manatees for most of her life. Her enthusiasm for them is contagious, and I have now been a fan for many years as well. We agreed that once we were retired we would āswim with the manatees.ā Retirement came, but so did COVID. That caused a delay, but finally the time was right. Being retired librarians we did our research before we picked a place. Once we discovered the Plantation we knew our search was ended. It had everything we wanted. Easy to get to, beautiful grounds, tranquil setting, pool, hot tub, restaurants, and a manatee tour operation right on the grounds of the resort. We booked it, and we were not disappointed. The dive shop and dock were just steps from our room. That made things so easy for us. I had booked us a private tour because I have Parkinsonās and didnāt want to spoil anyoneās trip in case my symptoms flared up. Not to worry, everything went just fine. I will say though the private tour was worth every penny. Ryan and Laura were our Captain and Dive Master and I simply canāt say enough good things about them. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. It was easy to see that they both loved their jobs, and that made for a terrific experience. My friend and I knew is was the end of the season, and that we wouldnāt see many manatees, but the ones we did see we had all to ourselves. So, if you are looking for a memorable experience amid beautiful surroundings, this is the place.Written 11 March 2024
- 895sherryk0 contributionsAwesome manatee experience!Captain Laura and Captain Dave were AWESOME! Had a great experience with them. Saw three manatees and got amazing photos of our group and the manatees. Both captains were a lot of fun and very knowledgeable. They were very respectful of the manatees as well. I will do this tour again when I return!Written 11 March 2024
- haileyw6940 contributionsManatee SnorkelingWe saw one Manatee but that DID NOT take away from our experience! Captain Mike and Orville were absolutely amazing. Knowledgeable and personable. Great guys. My only complain was that trip advisor sent us to the wrong address, the golf course up the road. Luckily we got directions and made it on time! Over all, 10/10 experience.Written 10 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
683 reviews
Excellent
673
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5
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Paul J
1 contribution
Apr 2022 ā¢ Family
First time we have ever swam with the manatees, Captian Mark and Diver Tim made it such a great experience. Tim was very patient with my 7 and 10 year old in the water. Captain Mark was able to answer any questions or concerns we had. Such a great time, we will definitely be back!
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad B
1 contribution
Apr 2021 ā¢ Family
Had a great time on this trip. Todd and Dustin did everything they could to accommodate us and ensure we had a great experience. They made sure we saw and wer able to get photos of the manatees. They were even great with my daughter that was getting use to snorkeling. Would definitely go back again.
Written 1 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
3 contributions
Feb 2022
Once in a lifetime experience, 100% recommend! Our divemaster Jake was excellent and very respectful of the manatees. He got us so close to them we were almost hugging! He also took amazing pictures we will cherish forever. Do not miss this opportunity you will not regret it!
Written 5 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A5176GMsusanr
Sharpsburg, GA1 contribution
Nov 2020
Fun Fun Fun. What an amazing time swimming with the manatee's. Captain John and Dustin were great tour guides. They were so knowledgeable about manatees and the area around Crystal River. They suited my group and I up with top of the line high quality wetsuits. we watched a video about rules and laws about manatee's. and off we went on an adventure of a lifetime... It was my birthday and what a day. Highly recommend this tour and Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River
Written 13 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JR
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Being able to get so close to these amazing animals was awesome. Our Captain, Eric, and our in-water dive master, John, made sure our group was not disappointed. Not only did we get close to the manatees, we also spent time with a playful young manatee that was unforgettable. My husband was not able to be in the water due to mobility issues, but, Eric made sure he felt included and entertained as well.
Itās very clear Eric and John are passionate about giving clients an excellent experience as well as educating everyone about the manatees and their beautiful environment.
Itās very clear Eric and John are passionate about giving clients an excellent experience as well as educating everyone about the manatees and their beautiful environment.
Written 3 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you so much for taking the time to write a 5 star review! Were so glad to hear everyone had such a great time!
Written 11 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SharonMichael L
Madeira Beach, FL1 contribution
Jun 2020
My husband and I swam with the manatees under the guidance of Captain Dustin and Captain Mike in early June. They took us for a swim at 3 Sisters Spring and it was very refreshing and nobody was there - go early in the morning!! Captain Dustin was very patient at getting the right pics with the manatees. Thank you!
Written 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra W
2 contributions
Jul 2021
Our Day out with Dustin and Christian was exceptional. We were able to see a mother and baby manatee in a small cove. Momma was resting but baby was playful and engaging. Our view was clear after the instruction of how not to stir up or damage the environment.
We continued our time with some important sights and local history. The perfect ending was snorkeling and swimming over the springs.
Dustin was so attentive to get awesome group photos of each family/group. The day was a priceless adventure!
We continued our time with some important sights and local history. The perfect ending was snorkeling and swimming over the springs.
Dustin was so attentive to get awesome group photos of each family/group. The day was a priceless adventure!
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindsea by the sea
7 contributions
Jun 2021 ā¢ Family
The guides had an awesome disposition and were very calming and made sure you have a good experience. Very calm and enjoyable. They really make sure you get to see a manatee. You feel like you are out there for a very long time, not rushed. Loved swimming the sisters springs too.
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy S
5 contributions
Mar 2021 ā¢ Family
Laura and Memphis were awesome today!! We saw 4 manatees on our trip. We even saw a mom and her baby and swam with them for 30 minutes. Laura made sure my super scared daughter had an amazing experience. Thank you Plantation Adventure for a once in a life time experience
Written 26 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HockeyDanceMom14
Philadelphia suburbs6 contributions
Feb 2020
This has been a dream of mine, husband - not so much. We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion! Dallas and Steve were excellent! It wasn't that hard to wake up for the 6:30 tour as we were so excited. Saw so many manatees! The thicker wetsuits were great and helped us to float (the pool noodles are always a plus as well). Dallas is the manatee whisperer! He made sure we all had very interactive experiences with the manatees -- they are silly looking beautiful creatures. Loved it so much i'm sending my son and his girlfriend next winter! Thank you again for an unforgettable experience!!
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Betsy L
Glencoe, IL48 contributions
Can my husband who will not be in the water, ride on the boat?
Kimberly T
6 contributions
Yes. There will be a fee for that, though.
Billie Jo T
Pennington, NJ40 contributions
Why is the cost cheaper for semi private tour on tripadvisor than on their actual site?
Elaine C
Orlando, FL2 contributions
Same here. I booked through the Plantation Adventure Center not through TripAdvisor-perhaps they negotiated a lower rate.
Can we book a private swim? We are a family of 4 and some folks are super nervous about Covid.
Lisa C
12 contributions
Yes I remember reading the option to book a private swim. I believe the cost was a bit more.
My family of 4 is divided....2 of us want to swim and 2 want to be in a kayak. Can we do this on the same tour?
knickie
Louisiana11 contributions
One member of our tour stayed on the boat and had a delightful time. I would suggest that you contact the tour company directly.
Rachael H
1 contribution
Iāve seen that some tours include kayaks. Would it be possible to include some kayaks with the tour so we can kayak after?
Lisa C
12 contributions
I believe they offer kayak tours also. I would check with them prior to booking. However if not, there are several kayak rentals within a short drive.
Ian S
2 contributions
Does the 10:30 trip get very busy? We are hoping to come down in mid/late September 2020. Staying around 1.5 hours away means the 6:30 am trip might be a bit difficult!
Tom S
Brunswick, United States2 contributions
Early bird gets the worm! I was very pleased with the 6:30 trip. We were in the water before sunrise. Saw lots of manatee. As the morning came on saw lots more boats and more people. Itās a stretch to get up that early but we were super charged to swim with the manatee so it was really easy. Had and early supper the night before and went to bed by ten. Stayed close by, arose early and had an unbelievable experience..
BigSur2
Big Sur10 contributions
Hi, BigSur2. What would you like to know about this attraction? How much time did you get to spend actually in water with the manatees? Did you go out to the springs that everyone talks about? Is this tour long enough? There are some with other vendors that are 5-hour trips.
Thanks
S427PQgeorgec
Stuart, FL38 contributions
Hi, the tour took at least 3 hours on the water and most of the time we were in the water with manatee. We were there in August but still saw about a dozen manatee, some with their babies. We were told that about 800 manatee spend the winter months there. Hope this helps.
gbenn
Martinsville, IN78 contributions
Can you bring your own gopro to take pics?
Cindy C
Stuart, FL290 contributions
Yes! Many folks had them. You can also purchase a thumb drive with photos that the water guide takes. I went that route and his pictures were very nice! Plus I was in some of them. Great fun!
Jodie M
Ramsgate 11 contributions
Hi, is there a photo package or waterproof camera rental available with this package? Are floatation aids available onboard? Thanks
Michael C
11 contributions
They take a series of photos and video images which you can purchase at the end of the trip. While I typically never buy these packages, we had so many close encounters that I couldn't resist. There is a gift shop so they may well have underwater cameras. You wear life preservers when in the water provided by the company. Hope that is helpful