Manatee Tour and Dive

36 NE 4th St, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA

Address:	36 NE 4th St, Crystal River, FL 34428, USA
Phone:	+1 352-795-1333
Site:	manateetoursusa.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM 8AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Madison Estevez

So incredibly lucky to have had the day we had today! My husband and I rented kayaks in the morning and did that until around 11:30. We saw 1 manatee that kept swimming under us. It was really cool! But the BEST part was we got to swim with a baby manatee and its mom! It was the most precious thing ever!! It was so curious and came right up to all of us... Sucking and sniffing our faces, feet, hands and hair. It came up right beside me and sniffed in my ear. It was so cute!!! Mom stayed on the bottom feeding but we did get to see her. She was massive!!! Very very cool to see this in real time and so close. Best experience of our lives. Watching it move with its little fins was so cute! Our tour guides Kate & Captain Alex were AMAZING!! They both were so incredibly knowledgable about the manatees. I learned so many facts about them I never knew. They were very informative and helpful for someone like me whos only snorkeled one other time (not with manatees). Alex knew exactly what he was talking about and taught us A LOT about these sea creatures. He made it clear that this was a very rare occasion (the baby getting so up close and personal, especially this time of year), so we were very very lucky. Kate was seriously wonderful. She was great at guiding us while in the water. My favorite part was when she helped me over so I could get some good photos with the baby. She was very encouraging and friendly. I felt completely safe in the water with her. Shes also hilarious :-) We will definitely be back here soon!!! Maybe in October when its a little cooler. It was so much fun and we got to meet some really cool people!!!!! Maybe well bring the whole family next time. Our niece and nephew would love it!!!! Keep in mind when coming here, the water is always different. I know it is pricey, but if you have 1 bad experience, dont let it ruin your thoughts about this place. We were super fortunate to have such an amazing first time, but Alex was very informative about how the water conditions can sometimes be bad and you may not see anything. Unlikely, but likely, especially in the warmer months. Some of the bad reviews on here make it sound like its always like that and its not. Definitely definitely give this place a shot! Its so much fun and seriously an amazing life changing experience!!!!

Andrew Hill

Weve booked with these guys twice now and have had stellar experiences on both occasions. We went ourselves and most recently, returned when family was visiting. Wed absolutely rebook with these guys whenever other family/friends come to town. What we loved: - The price - super reasonable for 2 hours out on a boat with 2 of their staff (a captain and manatee spotter) - The vibe - weve had different captains and manatee spotters on each of our visits, and both times, their personalities and attitudes have made the trip that much better. Everyone is very laid back AND want to ensure you and your group have the best experience possible. - The service - related to the previous point, the people here really strive to make the most of the 2 hours youre out on the boat. They do their best to place you and your group in the best spot for observing and swimming with the manatees. - The above and beyond - on our most recent trip, it was a bit chilly (water was hovering just below 70 or so), especially after getting back in the boat after being in water for over an hour straight. The ride back to the dock wouldve been much chillier and uncomfortable but the crew was ready - they had hot chocolate waiting for us when we got out of the water and back onto the boat. It was a small thing but the attention to detail/empathy spoke volumes. What wasnt ideal: - This truly isnt even a "complaint" but more so an fyi - Its a solid 1.5+ hour drive from St. Petersburg - for anyone traveling up from the Tampa/St. Pete area - give yourself time to get there.

Morgan Ardy

Going on a manatee tour with Crystal Rivers Manatee Tour and Dive was the most incredible experience of my life. Ive always had a love and respect for manatees and have had swimming with them at the top of my bucket list from the time I was 5 years old. Today Captain Glen and Shelly truly made my dreams come true. They were fantastic tour guides, they explained everything thoroughly so the manatees and swimmers can have the best experience possible. They know the area and the animals so well it made the tour even more interesting, they were kind and just a blast to be around. My husband and 2 year old rode the boat while I went in the water and they had a ball too. We swam to an underwater spring that was absolutely breathtaking. We also swam with about 7 different manatees. It is NOT okay to reach out and touch them as to not interrupt or stress them, but many times they brushed by me and the experience I had was beyond better than I could have hoped for. It was just so beautiful, I truly feel honored to have this experience and to be able to enjoy an animal who just recently was taken off the endangered species list. The team at Manatee Tour and Dive is top notch. The entire staff was awesome, they are also approved by fish and game and truly respect the manatees in their natural habitat. I plan to come back again one day and will only use their company, Captain Glen and Shelly better still be there too! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!!

Judi Derickson

I have done this tour three times before this last one and will tell you that I was extremely disappointed with this last one. They did not take us to Three Sisters where the water is clear and you can actually see the Manatees under the water and from above. I went to Three Sisters after our dive and sure enough the water was "crystal" clear in there. Instead they took us to some cove where the water visibility was barely 3 ft, and had many leaves and other things on the surface. We spotted one or two manatees, but the visibility was so poor it was definitely not worth the effort. Captain Casey was very knowledgable about Manatees and the environment, but he kept saying that they no longer allowed boats to go to that area, which is not true. They do allow boats to go there as there were several there when I went there right after our dive. When I called to let them know my disappointment, there was no concern for satisfaction. Before this trip I would highly recommend their organization, but now I would not recommend it. It was definitely not worth the money we spent. Or, if you do go, be sure they take you to Three Sisters.

Florida Salon

I wouldnt have thought to try something like this. A friend recommended I book a tour and request Captain Alex to entertain family from out of town. I am so glad I did. Captain Alex and our guide Kate took special care of every member of the tour. Captain Alex did a fantastic job of locating the Manatee. Kate was amazing and swam with us to view the Manatees underwater. They showed great knowledge and respect for the Manatee while still providing an up close encounter. It was an experience of a lifetime. Whether your a local or just visiting Florida I highly recommend you book a tour and request Captain Alex and Guide Kate. They are absolutely wonderful. My only regret was not bringing more money to buy a CD of the Manatee pictures Kate took during our tour and a larger tip for Captain Alex and Kate. They went out of their way to take care of us. I should have compensated them more appropriately. I could have skipped buying an waterproof camera altogether. More fun to let Kate worry about taking pictures underwater and just enjoy the experience. Great people...Great tour....Great time.