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Manatees
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Crystal River Adventures

Close Encounters With a Gentle Giant

With guided tours taking off from right behind the Adventure Center, you can take a unique opportunity to swim with the majestic Crystal River, Florida manatees and - with proper precautions taken for their safety - practice passive observance, which helps you come face-to-face (or face-to-snout) with these one-of-a-kind marine mammals!

Book a Manatee Tour

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About The Experience

As part of these Crystal River adventures, we provide detailed pre-tour education and instruction in our full-service facility, as well as snorkels and wetsuits for your use in the water. From there, our captains will take you out onto Kings Bay by boat and guide you through passive observance in the water as soon as a manatee is spotted!

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What To Expect

During this exciting eco-adventure, you can come across 40-50 manatees that stay in the water year-round. However, during the winter months - particularly in November and December, when waters elsewhere become colder - you’ll find hundreds of manatees migrating to the springs, which are at a constant temperature flow of 72°F.

Cruise Tours and Offers

Our cruises are the perfect way to experience Florida's Nature Coast without getting in the water. Opt into one of these special tours and see some local wildlife with picturesque views out on the water. Plus, save on a one-of-a-kind experience in adventure when you book one of our special offers.

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Scenic Cruise

Available daily, approximately 60 minutes

The scenic cruise is our one-hour dry tour of Kings Bay. Cruise through the bay with the captain as your guide while you keep your eye out for wildlife and highlights of the area. In addition to manatees, you can take your chance at seeing dolphins, otters, turtles, and a wide variety of birds and fish. Every tour is unique!

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Kings Bay Sunset Cruise

Available on weekends, (Fridays & Saturdays) approximately 100 minutes

At just over an hour and a half, this guided tour gives you a special glimpse at Florida’s unique wildlife, culminating in an evening sunset that you can enjoy out on the water. While you enjoy a memorable trip through the Nature Coast’s most vibrant habitats, you also have the option to bring drinks and snacks aboard!

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Spring Weekday Tours Offer

We’ll let you in on a secret: Adventure Center tours are even better during the week! With fewer crowds around, you'll have more time to swim with the manatees on your own. And to make sure you don’t miss out, we’re offering 20% off weekday tours (Monday - Thursday) when you book with promo code MidWeekMANA through December 31, 2023.

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What Makes Us Unique

We set ourselves apart from other manatee tours in the area, providing 5mm wetsuits that give additional warmth, buoyancy, and comfort for your tour. This allows you to stay in the water longer and with greater ease! Our tours also include free parking (for non-guests), towels, hot chocolate on the boat, and a shower in the dive shop for you to use after returning.

Q&A

What is the best time to go on a tour?

What time do you arrive for manatee tours?

How many people do you take out?

What is the dive experience like?

What age is required for kids?

How cold is the water?

How close are you to the manatee?

Are we safe swimming with the manatees?

Is there a fee for parking?

Do you go to Three Sisters on your tours?