Swim with Manatees Crystal River Florida Adventure Tour (All-Inclusive)

Spend a day on Florida’s Nature Coast! Enjoy the ultimate encounter on a Swim with Manatees Crystal River tour from Orlando! Your day begins with a 90-minute guided pontoon boat tour of Crystal River. You’ll have a rare opportunity to snorkel and swim with manatees–the gentle giants of Florida’s Everglades. Breakfast, lunch, and roundtrip transportation from the Orlando, Kissimmee, and Disney areas are provided on this all-inclusive tour.

After pickup from your selected location, enjoy a bagged breakfast on the 90-minute drive to the Withlacoochee River. Here, the day begins with an exhilarating 30-minute airboat ride.

The Withlacoochee River is unique because it’s only one of two rivers in Florida that runs north to the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to look at the gators, birds, eagles, trees, and plants that makeup Florida’s wetlands. And, hear fascinating tales from your expert local guide and certified US Coast Guard-approved captain.

The next stop on your trip is Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This protected habitat is home to one of the world’s largest populations of endangered West Indian manatees. Also known as Sea Cows, these gentle giants will often greet swimmers or roll over to be tickled.

Crystal River is lucky to have a group of approximately 80 manatees that stay all year round. During colder months, an additional 300 more join them! The constant 72-degree (F) temperature of the spring-fed Crystal River and the abundance of underwater plant life make it the perfect habitat for manatees.

Swimming in an area known as a Natural Manatee Habitat is an amazing experience! When you arrive, you’ll join a team of manatee experts for a narrated pontoon boat tour where you’ll learn how this large, docile aquatic mammal is under threat due to loss of habitat. You can choose to snorkel-and-swim, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural surroundings on the boat tour.

Learn about Florida’s ecosystem from a certified instructor as you explore the crystal-clear waters and swim with manatees. Complimentary snorkeling gear is provided including a mask, snorkel, and fins. Wetsuits are mandatory and can be rented at the Dive Shop for $15 each. Please keep in mind wetsuit availability is limited and pricing may be subject to change. We encourage guests to bring their own wetsuit, as well as a swimsuit, towels, and a change of clothes.

After your swim-and-snorkel experience, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your original pickup location in Orlando.

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