Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you may touch a manatee, but limit it to using one hand without holding on or hugging. Manatees are classified as an endangered species and are protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Therefore, we kindly request adherence to specific rules and regulations during manatee encounters. Activities such as chasing, poking, prodding, feeding, riding, or capturing a manatee are strictly prohibited to prevent any form of harassment. By complying with these guidelines, not only will you contribute to the protection of these gentle creatures, but your encounter will also become a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Boat riders or “bubble watchers” are also welcome. As the manatees surface for breath, you can observe their noses, and there’s even an opportunity to occasionally touch them from the boat! The Crystal River tour is particularly recommended for those who prefer a boat-centric experience.

The optimal time to observe manatees has expanded over the last twelve years, with successful trips occurring year-round. Historically, November through April was the primary period for manatees to stay in Crystal River. However, regardless of the season, a substantial number of resident manatees can be encountered. Choosing an experienced in-water guide is crucial for a successful manatee tour. For the best experience, consider scheduling your tour on Tuesday through Thursday mornings, as rivers tend to be less crowded with other boaters during these times.

Living in the Nature Coast provides the advantage of brief thunder and lightning storms that typically last only around fifteen minutes before moving inland. During such instances, our tours may require a short wait at the shop or marina until the weather clears. The spring water maintains a consistent temperature throughout the year, ensuring smooth and calm seas. In case of rain, our boats are covered, but it’s important to note that, given the nature of snorkel adventures, getting wet is part of the experience. Fortunately, rain rarely affects water visibility, and even on overcast days, the surface-level manatee tour allows for great-looking pictures.

Absolutely! Enhance your experience by driving in the day before and enjoy a comfortable night’s stay at Holiday Inn Express. Our affiliated lodging partner cares for our customers. Feel free to reach out to us via phone or email for detailed rates. Additional information is available on our lodging page.

Approximate driving times (depending on traffic)
Orlando – 1.5 hrs, Tampa – 1.2 to 1.5 hrs, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami – 4.5 hrs, Jacksonville – 2.5 hours, Ft. Meyers – 4 hours, Sarasota – 2.5 hours, St. Petersburg – 2 to 2.5hrs.

Our manatee boat tours feature U.S. Coast Guard certified vessels, each with varying maximum capacities ranging from 12 to 22 passengers. The maximum capacity is typically reserved for group bookings, with groups scheduled separately from regular tours to meet their specific needs and timeframes. This arrangement, with multiple boats, multiple time frames and fewer people, ensures the best possible encounter. Notably, our slower days are Tuesday through Thursday.

A wetsuit is essential for our spring waters, where the water temperature remains a constant 72 degrees F (25 C). We recommend a 3mm or better full wetsuit due to the extended time spent in the water. Most people may feel chilled at the end of the tour, but there’s no need to worry – we provide hot chocolate to warm you up during the winter months! If you don’t have a wetsuit, we offer wetsuit rentals for your convenience.

The depths of our trips vary, ranging from waist-high water to fifteen feet deep. Each manatee excursion may take place at a different location within the Crystal River, which encompasses five hundred acres of spring water. The specific location depends on where we find the manatees, and it’s important to note that we snorkel at the surface with the manatee, so there’s no need to worry about diving.

From children to seniors, all ages are welcome. There are no age limits – it’s open to everyone, young to old! However, it’s essential to feel comfortable in the water. Keep in mind that wearing a wetsuit not only provides warmth but also aids in floating. Additionally, an American Pro Diving Center guide will be in the water, ready to assist with any snorkeling needs.

Absolutely! Manatees enjoy having their pictures taken and often seem to pose for you. You can purchase an underwater case for your smart phone at our Dive Center. Also, don’t forget that our guide captures your encounter on video – so be sure to smile! After your tour, you can view the video, and a jump drive copy is available for purchase.

When deciding between the Crystal River and Rainbow River tours, we highly recommend experiencing both. The Crystal River tour offers the opportunity to swim with manatees, while the Rainbow River tour showcases abundant fish and turtles, with the added option of scuba diving. Each tour offers a unique and memorable experience, making them both worthwhile to explore. If your visit coincides with a weekend, explore our discounted snorkel or dive packages, discount lodging and take advantage of the savings. It’s a great way to maximize your experience while saving money.