Swim with Manatees Adventure provided by Plantation Adventure Center
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Swim with Manatees Adventure
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COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this experience is taking.Read more
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C$82.41
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2 adults
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Travel safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during this experience
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Hand sanitizer available to travellers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Updated 20-06-17 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Updated 20-06-17 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
Overview
Come nose-to-nose with Florida manatees during this Crystal River snorkeling tour. Get outfitted with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel and receive an educational orientation before jumping in with the giant sea creatures. In addition, the in-water guide captures videos and photos, which are available for purchase. For maximum manatee sightings, book in the winter months.
Highlights
- Crystal River is home to a large endangered manatee population in winter
- Wetsuits, hot chocolate are included in the manatee adventure
- The in-water guide takes videos and photos that are available for purchase
- The on-site docks feature a heated changing facility with showers
What to Expect
Make your way to the Plantation on Crystal River. First, get a brief education about interacting with manatees, an important step as the federal government stipulates "passive observation" between manatees and people in Kings Bay.
Then, get suited up with a wetsuit, mask, and snorkel to explore the greater Kings Bay estuary and springs. Although manatees inhabit the area’s water year-round, more of them migrate to the warm springs during the winter months, starting in mid-November, when Florida water temperatures drop. In winter, the tour boats are fully enclosed to protect passengers from the cold elements. Plus, coffee, hot chocolate, water, and dry towels are provided.
As is the case with any animal- and water-related experiences, the amount of manatee interaction is dependent on weather, tides, time of the day, and the behavior of the other swimmers.
The tour ends at the starting point.
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Important Information
Departure Point
Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours, 9301 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA
Duration
3h
Return Details
Returns to original departure point
Inclusions
- Use of full 5mm wetsuits (for extra warmth), mask and snorkel
- Coffee and/or Tea, Hot chocolate, bottle water
- Towel Service
- US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase)
- Swimsuits
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wetsuits available in children's size 6 up to 3XL
- Use of full 5mm wetsuits (for extra warmth), mask and snorkel
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travellers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
707Reviews
26Q&A
Traveller rating
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Popular mentions
Had an amazing time with our captain John and our guide Dan. They got us right on the manatees. Dan made sure everyone in the group got positioned for close encounters with these incredible creatures. We had such a good experience we have booked again for a second swim before…
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Date of experience: March 2021
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We had a great group of 8 on our early morning tour. Even though it was a cold morning (46F), it turned out to be a great day, mainly because it's the colder days that there is more of a chance to interact closely with the manatees. Also, early morning is best since it is less…
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Date of experience: March 2021
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This was one of the most memorable trips of my life! We were able to interact with many of these awesome creatures. Captain Mike and Courtney took us to the best spots and made sure we were super comfortable with our gear.
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Date of experience: March 2021
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What a great experience! Took the 6:45 am tour. Four couples on pontoon boat. Because the water and the weather was warmer, most of the manatees had headed to the gulf. We did see two cows and their babies. My favorite part was going to a different spot to snorkel in crystal…
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Date of experience: March 2021
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Great time with Captain John and Ed. They were very entertaining and knowledgeable about the whole area, ecology and experience. They maintained a nicely paced tour and interacted with us to make sure all was good. The wet suits provided were great for helping us landlubber…
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Date of experience: March 2021
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Plantation Adventure Center
976rustyc
00Amazing experience
We went on a semi private manatee swim with Dan and Laura. It was an amazing experience! We saw a lot of manatees …
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adventureawaitsforme
00Another bucket list item checked off!
Great time with Courtney and Captain Mike. It was my adult daughter and I. Even better there were only four of us…
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TDryf
00Unforgettable experience!
Laura and Captain Todd chartered the BEST semi-private 6:30am tour! Although most manatees have already migrated …
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danmal1981
00Excellent time!
This trip exceeded our expectations. We were told we would not see manatees because the water was warm. But, there …
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carlymc14
00Enjoyable cruise on Crystal River.
It was a midday on the water and everyone wore masks. We saw some manatees, some alligators, many birds native to f…
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865emileeh
00It was awesome
Five from Columbus Ga had a fabulous time on a private manatee trip with Captains Steve and Misty this morning. Th…
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Coastal39850
00Dream team
OMG!!! We had an amazing day out on the water. An amazing crew with Misty and Steve. They were so much fun! And due…
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keithbE1404CN
00Greatest experience ever
This was our first time snorkeling and swimming with the Manatees. Cpt. John was so TOP NOTCH and helpful. He took …
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KYates2445
00Swimming with the Manatees crystal river
Swimming up close to the manatee’s.we were able to see five on the day we went. Dustin and Stephanie were both exc…
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340jeffreym
00Manatees with Captain Steve and Misty!!
Had a great trip with Captain Steve and Misty this morning. Not a lot of manatees, but the two Captains made it a v…
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KodiMatsuo
00Cool Experience!!!
Our trip was great! We had Captain Dustin and Stephanie and they made our experience amazing!! We were able to see …
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zumbaworld
00AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!
Our guide Dustin and Captain Stephanie were incredible hosts of our fabulous adventure! My husband is an injured mi…
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Mommanahm
00Super manatee experience
Came to view manatees and got the full experience! These are knowledgeable guides and the swim guides are certifie…
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bridgetteb704
00Making childhood dreams a reality
CAPTAIN JOHN & ED ARE AWESOME GUIDES!!!! The location was great. The whole staff was friendly and welcoming. The sm…
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MichelleMagro
00HIghly recommend this center and tour to anyone visiting Crystal River
We did an early morning swim with the manatees. I feel it was the best time to get out in the springs before it get…
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Key Details
- Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Plantation Adventure Center
- Duration: 3h
- Mobile Ticket Accepted
- Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Instant Confirmation
- Languages Offered: English
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Frequently Asked Questions about Swim with Manatees Adventure
How much is Swim with Manatees Adventure?
Swim with Manatees Adventure price starts from C$80.50. Discover and book Swim with Manatees Adventure on Tripadvisor
What is the Swim with Manatees Adventure cancellation policy?
Swim with Manatees Adventure cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Swim with Manatees Adventure on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Swim with Manatees Adventure?
Swim with Manatees Adventure is hosted by Plantation Adventure Center. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Plantation Adventure Center on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Swim with Manatees Adventure on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Swim with Manatees Adventure?
On average, this experience will take approximately 3h. Discover and book Swim with Manatees Adventure on Tripadvisor