America · MANATEE ENCOUNTERS
The good manatee encounters tours fill up early and the best go first. Below: the 15 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
Small-group snorkeling and swimming with Crystal River manatees, complete with wetsuits, a guide in the water, and photo options.
“It was a great experience! I had a great time snorkeling with the manatees. We immediately found one and got to enjoy swimming next to her while she was munching away on grass. It was the best experience.”
Spot manatees and Florida wildlife on a covered 90-minute boat tour from Naples, with polarized sunglasses and photo lenses included.
“It was fun, informative, relaxing, and we saw a lot of wildlife. Manatee Alligator Blue heron plus other birds”
Swim and snorkel with Crystal River manatees on a 3-hour small-group tour with wetsuits, an in-water guide, and HD photo moments.
“Great day excursion: professionally run operation; Underwater guide was superb at locating manatees and guiding participants for optimum interaction. Boat Captain. Added his experience with facts and stories.”
Guided SUP tour in Daytona Beach for dolphins and manatees, includes a first-timer lesson, calm-bay paddling, and scenic seven-bridge routes.
“We were very excited about the trip, but learned that the water was too cold for manatees just before going out on the board. Would have preferred to know what to expect before we booked the outing.”
Swim with Crystal River manatees in Kings Bay with an in-water guide and photographer, small groups, USCG-certified boat, gear included.
“Actually swimming alongside the manatees was a thrill. Our guide was very helpful in preparing us for this experience. He told us that the manatees may bump us intentionally and they did. Twice I tried to move out of their way and they very gently turned into me. Another time one came up from underneath me. That too had to be intentional because it knew I was there. It was a blast. Both the captain (Marty) and the guide (Adam) were pleasant and personal. Although the water was murky, our guide Adam sent out some good underwater photos. Thank you for a great experience. Al K”
Two-hour paddleboard SUP adventure in Fort Myers waterways with included gear, mangroves, seashell hunting, and wildlife chances.
“Had an incredible time. Eric gave thorough instructions about paddle boarding through the area. A pleasant surprise is that he gave quite a history experience also.! Saw some dolphins only about 30 feet away from us. Had time of our life. I highly recommend going on this paddle boarding adventure. Definitely request Eric.!!”
Crystal River clear kayak tours with front-row views of manatees and springs, small-group paddling, and a swim option in Three Sisters.
“Had a great tour w/ Crosby he was awesome great personality. We saw alot of manatees. Definitely a bucket list trip.”
3 hours in Crystal River for a small-group manatee snorkel, wetsuits included, plus free photo and video package with your best moments.
“Guides knew where to go to experience the manatees up close. The weather was beautiful and the water was warm.”
Crystal River manatee snorkeling with wetsuits, gear, warm drinks, and an in-water photographer, small group tour for $79.
“My aunt and I decided to do the manatee swim unknowingly on Manatee festival weekend so the crowds were at their peak. It made booking with a small group all the more better as we had so many more opportunities to see the manatees with less water disturbance from a big group and making it easy to move from area to area. Our guides gave us plenty of time and when we were ready to get out we didn’t have to sit on the water and wait in the cold. We were ready to head back to the dock with our park and warm drinks.”
Guided kayak through Tavernier Creek mangroves in Key Largo, with real chances to spot manatees, turtles, rays, and more on a 2-hour tour.
“The google directions take you to the wrong spot and the company does not provide clear instructions as to where to meet.”
90-minute Crystal River manatee cruise in Kings Bay, with a USCG-certified captain, dry comfort, and chances at lots of wildlife.
“We were given a lot of information about the manatees and we saw probably up to 10 of them. It was very cool to see them and learn about their behavior and habits.”
Small-group VIP heated pontoon snorkel tour in Crystal River to see manatees in their habitat, with gear, drinks, and guided spotting tips.
“Snorkeling with the manatees and watching them eat, surface to catch a breath and then submerging again to forage for food.”
Paddle Cocoa Beach Thousand Islands mangrove tunnels with a small guide team, aiming for manatees and dolphins, with gear, photos, and dry storage.
“This was a great kayak trip. Our guide James was very helpful and knowledgeable about the local wildlife and ecosystem. We were lucky enough to see stingrays, dolphin, and manatees. Beautiful day out in the water. Would totally book this trip again!!!”
Paddle Cocoa Beach mangrove tunnels for dolphin and manatee chances with expert guides, calm water, and single or tandem kayaks.
“Jordyn our guide was excellent and responded to Ann unexpected problem with one of the kayaks with calm and maturity. Cannot find our pictures though”
Small-group manatee swim in Crystal River’s Kings Bay, with wetsuit and snorkel gear included, plus a guided free photo package.
“They were friendly and helpful and we spent some time with a large mother Manatee and her baby pup. Very nice experience”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
