'The OG' Swim with Manatee Tour - Endangered Encounter - Crystal River

Join River Venture’s 5-star crew and dive into the ‘OG’ swim with manatee experience with our HD photographer and guide. Our full service, one-stop shop can guarantee manatees and more on this 3-hour adventure!

Why book with River Ventures? 

• The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee: Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!

• Manatee Guarantee Optional Upgrade($): No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.

• Tour options for any budget: Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.    

• Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats: Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins 

• Over 5000 5-star reviews online! Need we say more?  

• Your A-Team: Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards

• Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides. 

What’s Included 

• In – water Guide & Photographer 

• USCG Master Captain 

• Mask & Snorkel 

• Full length Wetsuit 

• Coffee & Hot Cocoa 

• Bottled Water 

Duration 

• 3 Hour Tour  

Meet-up 

• Arrive 15 minutes prior to tour time 

• Location: 498 SE Kings Bay Drive, Crystal River, FL 34429 

What to Expect  

• Meet and greet the most experienced Crew in town at River Ventures Tour Center 

• Learn about USFWS Manatee Encounter Rules and get fitted for a wetsuit in a classroom setting 

• Board coast guard boat with full isinglass enclosure during winter 

• Cruise Kings Bay, Three Sisters Springs and more while searching for manatees 

• Swim with Manatee while Guide captures your experience with top-of-the-line HD action camera 

• Return to Tour Center, sip on coffee and hot cocoa while shopping for souvenirs /photos 

Important Policies  

• Minimum of 3 people to operate, if the minimum is not met, you will be offered a different tour time. 

• Minimum Age to Participate in ‘OG’ Tour is 3 Years old, please book a private manatee tour to bring younger passengers. 

• Dogs are not allowed on ‘OG’ Tour, please book a private manatee tour to bring your furry friend. 

Expectations & Tour Conditions  

• Colder Weather = More manatees 

• Warmer Weather = Less manatees 

We prioritize both the satisfaction of our customers and the safety of the Crystal River manatees. It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations when engaging in encounters with wild manatees since we cannot control their behavior or migration patterns. Typically, colder weather attracts a greater number of manatees, while warmer weather results in fewer sightings and more time spent searching for these gentle giants. Each trip is distinct, offering a unique experience for every individual. For detailed information on current conditions, we encourage you to visit our conditions page or contact us directly for more details. 

THREE SISTERS SPRINGS is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service who reserves the right to close the area to swimmers at any time. During cold spells when the animals are thermoregulating in the spring area, it will be closed to avoid harassment and ensure the animals can rest. We May or may not be able to access this one-acre spring (part of the 600-acre refuge area) and that is something we cannot predict from day to day. 

The Manatee Guarantee  

River Ventures is now offering an optional manatee guarantee upgrade! With our Manatee Guarantee, we eliminate the risk from your tour by assuring you'll have the opportunity to swim with manatees. In the event that you are unable to swim with manatees during your tour and you have chosen the optional upgrade prior to your tour, River Ventures will provide you with a full refund! The guarantee does not cover situations where a guest is unable or unwilling to participate in the activity or fails to adhere to instructions and rules provided by the River Ventures crew. 

Additional Information 

Natural Encounters  

Join us for the original Manatee Swim Tour in Crystal River, FL. Our guided swim and snorkel manatee tours in Crystal River, FL are designed to provide a respectful and non-intrusive encounter with the Florida manatees. Our guides will help you follow the strict guidelines set by USFWS to ensure the well-being of the West Indian Manatee in their natural habitat throughout your swim with the manatee tour. 

All-inclusive Tours 

Meet us at River Ventures' full-service tour center, where your certified in-water guide and photographer will provide essential information on proper manatee manners in a classroom setting and help fit you for a wetsuit. Once ready, you'll join our USCG Master Captain on our covered pontoon boats and explore the world of manatees in the Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River, FL. 

Experienced Crew 

On the boat, our experienced crew will share their knowledge of manatee behavior and conservation efforts, adding depth to your Florida manatee encounter. As you submerge into the natural springs of Crystal River, FL, prepare for an unforgettable swim with the manatee experience. But it doesn't end there—be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife while enjoying your boat tour of King's Bay that may include Three Sisters Springs, a designated manatee sanctuary during manatee season, Hunter Springs Park, and other local springs. Starting with manatee encounters and ending with birds, fish, turtles, and maybe even a dolphin, this tour showcases the richness of our unique ecosystem which is home to the Crystal River manatee.  

Bucket List Experience 

Join us today for the best swim and snorkel with manatee experience in Crystal River, FL. Our commitment to small group sizes ensures an intimate and personalized adventure for every participant. Book your manatee swim tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime.