Explorida welcomes you into Crystal River’s shimmering springs for a rare chance to meet Florida’s gentle manatees in their natural home. Family owned, fully U.S. Fish & Wildlife permitted, and sailing on Coast Guard certified boa...
Travelers consistently praise the professionalism and genuine care shown by the entire crew here. Captain John, Ben, Faith, Dom, Grace, Tyler, Topher, and Captain Kelly all get specific shoutouts for being knowledgeable, friendly, and making guests feel safe and welcome. What stands out is how the staff handles challenging conditions – when freak cold weather hit during one group's visit, the guides adapted seamlessly and still delivered an incredible experience. The team clearly prioritizes respect for the manatees, with thorough education about proper interaction that sets them apart from other tour operators in the area. Multiple reviewers mention this being a bucket list experience, and the guides seem to understand that significance. They're skilled at finding the best spots for water clarity and manatee sightings, with some guests reporting they saw more manatees than they could count. The staff takes extra care with nervous swimmers and works hard to ensure everyone gets those memorable photos and close encounters. From the welcoming office staff to the captains and dive guides, there's a consistent thread of people who genuinely love what they do and want guests to have an amazing time while respecting the marine life.
Booked this tour months in advance just to arrive and be greeted by 20 degree weather. This experience could have been ruined by forces beyond anyone’s control, but the Explorida crew was so incredibly professional, kind, caring, funny, knowledgeable, and above all, patient! They all worked incredibly hard to ensure that we had the best time, stayed safe, saw the most manatees, and got some incredible memories and pictures to keep forever. Captain John and our guide Ben were fantastic on the boat and in the water. I’m so glad to have chosen them, and will absolutely choose them again for my next visit.
Victoria Tjemsland
February 4, 2026
Booked this tour months in advance just to arrive and be greeted by 20 degree weather. This experience could have been ruined by forces beyond anyone’s control, but the Explorida crew was so incredibly professional, kind, caring, funny, knowledgeable, and above all, patient! They all worked incredibly hard to ensure that we had the best time, stayed safe, saw the most manatees, and got some incredible memories and pictures to keep forever. Captain John and our guide Ben were fantastic on the boat and in the water. I’m so glad to have chosen them, and will absolutely choose them again for my next visit.
Victoria Tjemsland
February 4, 2026