
Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/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 331 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer worth booking?
Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer is a 4-hour experience in Crystal River, United States, from $600 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 331 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (331)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $600 per person
There is nothing better than having the boat to yourself for a manatee snorkel tour! Swim alongside the gentle giants on our professionally guide snorkel tours. The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask,
What you get
About this experience
There is nothing better than having the boat to yourself for a manatee snorkel tour! Swim alongside the gentle giants on our professionally guide snorkel tours. The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility. This tour is for up to 6 people, call us for pricing on larger groups.
What's included
Included
- Boat Coats for cold mornings!
- US Coast Guard certified captain and Professionally Insured in water guide!
- Use of Full 5mm wet-suits (for extra warmth), Mask & Snorkels
- Towel Service
- Coffee, Hot Chocolate, bottle water
Not included
- Gratuities
- DVD or Flash Drive (available to purchase)
- Swimsuits
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Crystal River
Departure Point: Plantation on Crystal River Address: Plantation Adventure Center
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: Plantation on Crystal River Address: Plantation Adventure Center
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
- Plantation Adventure Center
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wet suits available in children's size 6 up to 3XL
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 331 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
5 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
331 verified traveler reviews for Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing!!!
I took my 11 yr old granddaughter swimming with the manatees. It was an amazing experience. We had Captain Michelle and diver crystal. They both went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best trip ever I highly recommend this place and this team this is an amazing adventure, for both young children and older. We will be returning. The entire staff was super& very friendly
via Tripadvisor
Plantation Adventure Center Manatee Cruise
We booked the 3-hour manatee snorkel cruise with Dan as our captain and Celeste as our guide and photographer. Both were knowledgeable, friendly, and just nice people. While we went when there were few Manatee, they still made the experience noteworthy and memorable for us. Ask for these two professionals if you want the most out of your cruise.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience!
Bucket list item that did not disappoint! Celeste and Dave were knowledgeable, friendly and patient as this was our first time. They did find a small group of manatees and even a mother and calf that we were able to float with. It’s more difficult during the late winter/early spring to find large groups so if you want to see a lot of them I suggest going in January or February, the colder water months. We will be back!!
via Tripadvisor
Great time on Manatee tour in Kings Bay!!
Captain Dan and Guide Celeste were great. Warm day so a lot of boats and people in the springs. They did a great job of getting places where we could see manatees in the water as well as from the boat. They were professional and fun too. We thoroughly enjoyed our time / tour. I would definitely tour with Plantation Adventure center again. Thanks!!!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
We booked the semi- private tour with Tyler as our dive master and Dave as our captain and had a fabulous time! Both guys were awesome with my kids. The manatees were a definite “bucket list” adventure. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 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
- 116
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Crystal River.
How much does Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer cost?
+
Prices start at $600 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 Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer take?
+
Plan for about 4 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 Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 331 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 Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/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 Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer?
+
Around 116 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/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, Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer, Most Popular 3hr Manatee Swim Tour + In-Water Guide!. 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 Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer.
Pick your date




