
Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,396 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer worth booking?
Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer is a 3-hour experience in Crystal River, United States, from $79 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,396 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,396)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $79 per person
Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in th
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Get up close and personal with these amazing mammals and learn about the ecosystem and their habitat. Unlike many tours, these Captains will actually swim with you and your group to ensure that you have a memorable experience. While in the water, your captain/tour guide will take high-definition photos and videos of you and your group which you will be able to view and purchase at the end of your trip. Your price includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) and complimentary coffee or hot cocoa.
What's included
Included
- Wetsuits
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Coffee and hot cocoa
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Crystal River
Please arrive at your scheduled tour time. Our captains and guides will be busy with the previous tour and readying your boat and our shop for your trip. Please note: Our shop is in the residential area of Crystal river and looks as if it is a house, but it is, in fact, our shop so come on in!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive at your scheduled tour time. Our captains and guides will be busy with the previous tour and readying your boat and our shop for your trip. Please note: Our shop is in the residential area of Crystal river and looks as if it is a house, but it is, in fact, our shop so come on in!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gulf Coast Expeditions
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Guests with limited mobility are welcome, but must call us to make prior arrangements
- Single travelers may be required to change time or date of tour depending upon availability
- Use of a ladder is required to get into/out of the water. Please give us a call if you have any health related questions.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,396 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
1,396 verified traveler reviews for Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome experience for my mom and I!
It was so good! My mom and I came to Tampa for the first time and although we knew it wasn’t manatee season, we still got to see them! The tour team went above and beyond looking for them for us to see, and it was awesome. They are very respectful with the animals and very friendly to the group. Sarah was fantastic too! She was out tour guide, and was so passionate and caring; the ride was perfect because of her! If you’re thinking about going to the Crystal River this tour is fantastic!
Response from the operator: Thank you ladies so much! You were both a delight to have as our guests and I hope that you can make it back from Puerto Rico in the wintertime!
via Tripadvisor
Capt. Ron and Andy were...
Capt. Ron and Andy were great! We found a single manatee and swam with it. Then all aboard and he took us to Three Sisters Spring which was amazing! My grandson was awestruck by the clarity of the spring. After swimming in the springs we loaded up and Capt. Ron took us on a little tour and we saw an alligator sunning himself. But we noticed his jaw was missing and Ron, knew the whole story. We had a fantastic time and recommend to everyone as it’s quite the experience. Thank you again Ron and Andy for sun h an enjoyable time.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much! We had amazing time with you and Dallas. We love the excitement of showing our guests our manatees and other wildlife when we can find it.
via Viator
Arkansas Loves This Manatee Tour
The team was professional and personable. We had bad weather, and they were accommodating to us to ensure our little manatee-loving girl got her tour. Love this place, and highly recommend!
Response from the operator: I'm soooo glad you guys were able to be flexible. It all worked out great and we were very happy to make her wish come true!
via Viator
Highly highly recommend this amazing experience with this wonderful crew!
We had a wonderful experience. Although it was off season for the manatees, the crew made it thoroughly enjoyable, were knowledgeable regarding the manatees and area, and made sure we had a great time. They even recommended places for us to visit and eat as we were first timers there. As first time snorkelers, my wife and son really enjoyed the guidance set forth by our tour guide. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone and look forward to coming back with our family again.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the nice review. We try extra hard in the summers to find our manatees and it's not always easy, and patience on the part of our guests pays off in the end. We'd love to have you guys come back in the season!
via Viator
Very affordable and...
Very affordable and enjoyable tour! Ron was great at finding manatees even during the warm months and we had a blast!
Response from the operator: Thank you guys so much! Yeah, the warmer months can sometimes be a challenge, but finding manatees is what we do! We'd love to have you guys back in the season as well!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 489
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Crystal River.
How much does Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer cost?
+
Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Crystal River usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Crystal River is not rushed.
Is Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,396 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Crystal River, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer?
+
Around 489 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Crystal River can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Crystal River and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Crystal River within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Crystal River?
+
Crystal River is the one place in Florida with permitted in-water manatee tours: early-morning snorkel trips into Three Sisters Springs, scalloping in summer and spring-fed kayak paddles. On Outty we rank every Crystal River experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 3 Hour Small Group All Inclusive Manatee Swim with free Photo pkg, Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!, The 'OG' Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Crystal River?
+
November to March for manatee season, July to September for scalloping. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Crystal River?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer.
Pick your date




