Crystal River tours, things to do and tickets

Since 1995, Fun 2 Dive has guided tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world on this most special experience. We are one of the pioneers.
Our captains are all U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captains and all of our staff and guides are enrolled in a national drug consortium and are subjected to random drug screening.
Our location is a full service brick and mortar tour center with manatee gift shop. Our gift shop is unlike any other with over 99% of the gifts found in our gift shop strictly manatee related. You wont find a larger selection of manatee merchandise in one place anywhere, not even online.
We commit to you to do everying in our power to deliver a 5 star experience that you and your family will never forget. Thank you for chosing to make your vacation special with us.

Our Manatee Swim tour at Explorida was Voted Trip Advisors 2022 "Top Ten Bucket List Experience in THE WORLD!" Swimming with the manatees is a once in a lifetime experience so do it right! Dont cram into a small dive shop. Spread out and enjoy plenty of space at Explorida! The Explorida Adventure Center offers a large, top notch facility that is climate controlled with indoor changing rooms for your privacy. Our boats are U.S. Coast Guard inspected and certified, which means they are allowed to carry more than 6 passengers, have all necessary safety equipment, and are in tip top shape. Dont get stuck on a clunker! Book with Explorida! We are dedicated to the customer experience and will not disappoint! Let us prove it!

Join River Venture’s 5-star crew and dive into the ‘OG’ swim with manatee experience with our HD photographer. Our full service, one-stop shop can guarantee manatees and more!

The ‘OG’ of Swim with Manatee:
Dive into the world of manatees with the largest and most experienced center in Crystal River and Homosassa – since 2004!

Manatee Guarantee Optional Upgrade($):
No manatees? No worries, we’ll refund you.

Tour options for any budget:
Save money or splurge, we have a tour for you.

Manatees, Dolphins & Airboats:
Combo-Tours, book for the manatee and stay with the dolphins

Over 5000 5-star reviews online!
Need we say more? 

Your A-Team:
Expert guides, pirate captains, underwater photographers and booking wizards

Eco-Edutainment: In-classroom presentation. Learn from our passionate guides.

Enjoy a close, personal encounter with the West Indian Manatee as you snorkel with them under the guidance of a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain. Our small group (no more than six guests) tours are conducted daily in the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Get up close and personal with these amazing mammals and learn about the ecosystem and their habitat. 

Unlike many tours, these Captains will actually swim with you and your group to ensure that you have a memorable experience. While in the water, your captain/tour guide will take high-definition photos and videos of you and your group which you will be able to view and purchase at the end of your trip. 

Your price includes all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit) and complimentary coffee or hot cocoa.

Join us for a 100% clear kayak tour through the active waterways of Crystal River! Hundreds of manatees make Crystal River their home during the colder months on our Manatee Tour (November 14 - March 31), and some stick around all year to enjoy the refreshing water from Hunter Springs. Our 2 different tour options each give a unique perspective on this incredibly popular location. Come paddle with us!

* Due to the Canal Stabilization Project, Three Sisters Springs will be closed this season (April 1st - November 14th), we still expect an incredible season and are excited to share several of the many beautiful springs in Kings Bay. This season, you will get the opportunity to visit Hunter Springs, Jurassic Springs, and House Springs on your clear kayak tour!*

*tandem kayaks only unless there is an odd numbered party*

*weight limit is 250 lbs per person AND no more than 425 lbs per kayak*

Swim and snorkel with amazing manatees at a stunning wildlife refuge in Crystal River. Explore the natural springs aboard a covered pontoon boat and get up close to the friendly sea cows.

We will let you in on a secret! You can get the high-end experience, with an affordable price tag! Our new heated (during winter), luxury pontoon aims to amp up the manatee sighting and deliver a more personal event! Observe the endangered West Indian Manatee in Crystal River’s idyllic Kings Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Your US Coast Guard licensed captains and guides will take you into the 600 acre spring fed refuge waters for viewing and snorkeling with these slow moving wild giants. All equipment, fees, snacks and beverages are included.

Go Local Manatee Tours offers unforgettable, up-close and personal manatee encounters in Crystal River, Florida. Our daily 6-passenger semi-private tours prioritize responsible tourism and minimize the impact on the manatees and their environment. By keeping our tour groups small, we provide a comfortable and relaxing experience while protecting the locals (aka manatees). We are committed to being environmentally conscious while delivering an exciting and educational experience. As an owner-operated small business, we have a deep connection to Crystal River and a passion for keeping the wildlife wild. Can't wait to join you on this incredible adventure!

Just like our regular tours, you can swim alongside manatees for even longer. Only 6 people per vessel allows for a more personal experience The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility.

This tour is the perfect way to stay dry and view the wild manatees of the Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Hop aboard our US Coast Guard certified vessel where you will join your Master Captain to embark on a journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. On this tour, you and the group will join us for one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!

During this trip we will search for our world famous wild manatees that give Crystal River the title of "The Manatee Capital of the World." There is also a chance to see many other species of birds, turtles, and even a dolphin every now and then so be on the lookout for the impressive variety of wildlife that calls the refuge "home".

What to Bring
Polarized Sunglasses

IMPORTANT
For this Manatee Viewing Cruise, you will be meeting our Captain at Pete's Pier. The meet time is 3:45 pm. There is an additional $5 parking fee per vehicle at Pete's Pier, that you are required to pay upon arrival.

Pete's Pier
1 SW 1st Place
Crystal River, FL 34429

Our owner-operated tours specialize in small group family-oriented excursions!!

Our locally owned operation runs maximum 6 passenger vessels, ensuring as private of an experience possible for you and your loved ones! Our tour guides have countless years of experience working in the water with guests of all ages around the world and specialize in family oriented groups to give you the highest quality experience swimming with these wild manatees! As a small operating tour company our guides are able to work closely one on one with you to ensure a fun stress free experience that you deserve. If your group is smaller, you can rent out the whole boat to ensure that you have a more private experience!

As a small, locally-owned company, quality is everything to us and our seasoned crew will make sure that you and your family have the best experience possible with us!

All necessary gear is included with the tour, so all you have to do is arrive ready for an incredible adventure!

The one-hour scenic cruise departs daily. This beautiful boat ride explores Kings Bay, Florida. A great way to get out on the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge without getting wet!

Join us on a guided eco-tour of Crystal River on ALL clear kayaks! Throughout the expedition, you will have the opportunity to view the beautiful nature and wildlife that we are known for including over 70 freshwater springs. You will have the opportunity to possibly view dolphins, pelicans, tarpon, turtles, otters, various species of birds, and our beloved manatees. There will be plenty of chances to take pictures on our guided tours and a picture package will be available for purchase at the end of your tour.

THIS TOUR DOES NOT GO INSIDE THREE SISTERS SPRINGS! Three Sisters Springs is closed during manatee season and it will remained closed during the Summer months in 2023 for maintenance. Three Sisters Springs will not reopen until April 1st of 2024 for kayaking.

An experience of a lifetime awaits you on this exciting 3 hour snorkeling tour to Swim with Manatees in their natural habitat. Located just 1.5 hours from the attractions area of Orlando, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only place in the U.S. where you can experience the manatees up close and face to face. On this Semi-Private Manatee Snorkel Tour, you will enjoy the benefits of a small group. This tour is our most popular as it is limited to a maximum of only 6 participants.

This private manatee snorkle tour may only be 3 hours, but the memories for your group will last a lifetime! Your very own USCG certified captain will embark with your private group to explore the refuge and get you up close with our ‘gentle giants’!

There is nothing better than having the boat to yourself for a manatee snorkel tour! Swim alongside the gentle giants on our professionally guide snorkel tours. The price includes all equipment, full 5mm wet suits, mask, snorkel, towel service, hot chocolate, coffee, hot showers, boat coats and heated changing facility. This tour is for up to 6 people, call us for pricing on larger groups.

Crystal River is home to beautiful fresh water springs, a large variety of wildlife, and or course our most famous residents - West Indian Manatees. During the Summer months, the Bay holds approximately 75 to 80 resident manatees.

Each winter between 700 and 1000 manatees migrate here seeking out our three first magnitude spring systems, each with a constant temperature of 72° to 74° F (23° C). Even in the warm summer months, Crystal River has a local population of 70-100 manatees that remain here year round. Due to efforts by many local, state and federal entities, our manatee population is thriving. We feel that an in-water swim experience is an important part of this education and conservation effort. Our team of highly trained in-water guides ensure your experience with this cherished and threatened species is handled with the utmost care and respect by encouraging passive observation.

With only 6 passengers per boat you are guaranteed a special small group interaction.

Enjoy a high-end experience at an affordable price and explore the home of manatees aboard a luxury pontoon boat. Embark on a 3-hour cruise through King's Bay Wildlife Refuge and encounter the gentle giants up close and personal.

Your Deluxe Manatee Swim Tour provides a unique opportunity to view Florida's Nature Coast.  CRWS is a proud member of the Save the Manatee Club Guardian Guide Program - promoting passive observation and responsible eco tourism. Your tour will take you past a state Archaeological Park, a State Nature Preserve and to a National Wildlife Refuge. You may view up to 57 varieties of birds, river otters, deer, pigs dolphins, a variety of fish and turtles besides the opportunity to swim in the area of the gentle giants manatees.

Explore one of the only places on Earth where you can get up close and personal with manatees. Snorkel next to these gentle giants on this three-hour Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge tour.