No swimming · Shared
Manatee Viewing Cruise
Watch from the boat rather than the water.
| Adult | $40 |
|---|---|
| Youth | $40 |
Editorial spotlight · 545 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River
2026 Sunshine Awards nomineeBest Conservation Practice
Explorida
A Crystal River operator that has gone further than most on the conservation side: federally permitted through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and, per its own account, the only company here running grassbed-friendly anchors and manatee-safe prop guards. Boats go out from six in the morning.
- Swim tour
- $64
- Private, 1–6
- $420
- 4.9
- Reviews
- 1,161
Editorial spotlight. Explorida is a nominee in the 2026 Sunshine Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.
The operation
Permits, prop guards and a 6 a.m. start
The About page says the company was started by local residents who treat swimming with manatees in their own backyard as a privilege rather than a product. It lists a federal permit through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and claims to be the only operator in Crystal River using grassbed-friendly anchors and manatee-safe prop guards, two details that matter in a bay where the seagrass and the animals are both under pressure.
Boats run from six in the morning to five in the evening, seven days. The company advertises no hidden upcharges and hassle-free cancellations. Alongside the manatee swims it offers a non-swimming seat at a lower rate for anyone who would rather stay dry, viewing cruises that never get in the water, and scalloping charters in season.
“When done responsibly these encounters can be a life-changing experience by facilitating a soulful connection with nature.”
The site does not publish a roster; reviewers name Captains Anthony, Dom, Gavin and GQ, and guides Grace, Crystal, Madeleine, Chloe, Meg and Ben.
The one to book
Manatee Swim Tour
The core trip: out across King’s Bay toward Three Sisters Springs, with wetsuits fitted at the shop and a guide in the water. Early departures get the quietest water and the best light.
$64 a person, or $55 for a non-swimming guest who wants to come along and stay on the boat. Private boats start at $420 for one to six.
| Adult or youth | $64 |
|---|---|
| Non-swimming guest | $55 |
| Private, 1–6 | $420 |
Checked against FareHarbor on October 2, 2026.
Check AvailabilityHow they run it
The conservation detail
Per the company’s About page.
Permit
- Authority
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Status
- Federally permitted
Gear on the boat
- Anchors
- Grassbed friendly
- Props
- Manatee-safe guards
Hours
- Open
- 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
- Phones
- Until 8 p.m.
Book it
Tours
Shared seats per person; private boats per charter. Checked against FareHarbor on October 2, 2026.
Private · Up to 6
King’s Bay Spring Swim, Private 1–6
The springs with the boat to yourselves.
| Group of 1–6 | $420 |
|---|
Seasonal · Private
Scalloping Charters
Summer scallop season on the Gulf flats.
| Rates | Seasonal |
|---|
Private · Up to 10
Private Manatee Swim Tour, 1–10
The larger private boat.
| Group of 1–10 | $540 |
|---|
Private · Up to 6
Private Manatee Viewing Cruise, Small Group
Private, and nobody has to get in.
| Group of 1–6 | $280 |
|---|
Private · Up to 6
Private Manatee Swim Tour, 1–6
The standard private swim.
| Group of 1–6 | $420 |
|---|
Before you go
Know before you go
Departure
545 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River. Wetsuits are fitted at the shop before you board.
Season
Winter brings the numbers, when the Gulf cools and manatees move into the warm springs.
Not swimming
A non-swimming seat is sold at $55 so the rest of the group can still come.
Conservation
Federally permitted, with grassbed-friendly anchors and manatee-safe prop guards, per the operator.
Reviews
What guests say
- 4.9Google1,161 reviews as of October 2, 2026
- USFWSPermitFederally permitted operator
- 6 a.m.OpensSeven days a week
Reviewers name Captains Anthony, Dom and GQ and guides Grace and Meg, mention complimentary hot drinks before early departures, and praise the wetsuit fitting and the in-water coaching.
Questions
Good to know
Where does it leave from?
545 N Citrus Avenue, Crystal River.
What does it cost?
$64 for the swim tour, $40 for the viewing cruise. Checked October 2, 2026.
Can someone come without swimming?
Yes. A non-swimming seat is $55.
When is the best time?
Winter, when manatees gather in the warm springs; a small population stays year-round.
Permitted, guarded, and early
Swim tours at $64, viewing cruises at $40, private boats from $420.
Check Availability