Free Concierge Service
    Text or call 1-877-GREET-WELL
    Ask AIAI
    Ask AIAI
    1. Local experiences
    2. /Things to do in Crystal River…
    3. /Water Activities
    4. /Kayaking Tours
    5. /Swim With Manatees Kayak Tour in Crystal River
    Why travelers choose Greetwell

    Curated by our team

    Every experience is hand selected and approved by Greetwell.

    Personal concierge

    Real humans available to help before, during, and after your booking.

    Intimate & authentic

    Including unique in-home experiences you won't find anywhere else.

    Easy booking & cancellation

    Reserve in minutes with free cancellation on most experiences.

    Greetwell

    Experiences that stay with you long after the trip

    Greetwell curates authentic local experiences and provides personal concierge support in over 500 destinations, helping you explore confidently wherever you go.

    About

    • Our Story
    • For Experience Providers
    • For Hospitality Partners
    • For Developers

    Resources

    • Travel Guides
    • Experience Gift Cards
    • Help Center
    [email protected]1-877-GREET-WELL

    Safe & Secure Payments

    © 2026 Greetwell, Inc. All rights reserved.
    Privacy PolicyTerms
    Product image 1
    Product image 2
    Product image 3
    Product image 4
    Product image 5
    Product image 6
    Product image 7
    Product image 8
    Gallery image
    Gallery image 1
    Gallery image 2
    Gallery image 3
    Gallery image 5

    Swim With Manatees Kayak Tour in Crystal River

    Kayak or paddleboard, then swim with manatees on a guided Crystal River tour

    4.9 stars• 3.7K reviews

    Duration

    2.5 Hours

    Includes

    Kayak or paddleboard, guide

    Highlights

    Paddle by kayak or paddleboard with a local guide, then get in the water for a manatee swim in Crystal River. Your 2.5-hour tour includes the gear you need for time on the water.

    • Choose a kayak or paddleboard for your guided outing
    • Swim with manatees as conditions allow
    • Learn about the local ecosystem from your guide
    • Spot wildlife like birds, dolphins, turtles, and otters in their natural habitat
    • Tour operates seasonally from November 15 through February 28

    What's Included

    • Kayak or paddleboard
    • Wetsuit
    • Snorkel
    • Mask
    • Local guide

    Things to know

    Arrive 30 minutes early to watch a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) required video and sign waivers. Minimum age is 3 and no pets are allowed. Extra fees may apply: a $5.00 per vessel launch fee charged at checkout, or a $7.50 per person marina launch fee charged at checkout plus a $10 parking fee per vehicle upon arrival.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel or reschedule with at least 24 hours notice. If you do not give 24 hours notice there will be no reschedule, refund, or credit. Arrive 30 minutes prior to your reservation time; arriving at start time may cause you to miss your tour.

    Product ID: QUW755

    FAQs

    Plan for extra fees. You may be charged a $5.00 per vessel launch fee at checkout. In some cases, there is a $7.50 per person marina launch fee at checkout, plus a $10 parking fee per vehicle charged upon arrival.

    Arrive 30 minutes early to watch a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) required video and sign waivers. Tours leave at the scheduled reservation time, and your on-water time starts at your booking time.

    Bring a bathing suit or comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, a towel, and dry clothes.

    Experience provided by Paddles Outdoor Rentals

    Related locations

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Single Kayak

    $101.48

    Single Rider up to 325 pounds (Ages 12 and up)

    0

    Tandem Kayak

    $202.98

    Two Riders up to 525 pounds total

    0

    Standard Paddleboard

    $101.48

    Single Rider up 250 pounds (Ages 12 and up)

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.9
    Excellent
    3.7K reviews•Google Maps
    3,437
    92
    32
    13
    39

    Guides like Jax, Cyprus, John, and Ayana are name-dropped constantly in these reviews, which tells you something about how personally invested the staff are in making tours memorable. Jax in particular gets praised for her wildlife knowledge and the genuine care she brings to the experience, setting realistic expectations while somehow delivering more than promised. That combination of expertise and warmth seems to be the standard here, not the exception. The tours center around the Three Sisters Springs area, where paddlers encounter manatees, turtles, and the occasional alligator in crystal-clear water. There are even nighttime glow tours for those wanting something a little different. The operation runs smoothly, with a quick and easy sign-in process and guides who keep groups together and moving without making it feel rushed. With a near-perfect rating across thousands of reviews, the consistency here is hard to argue with. This works well for all skill levels, the natural setting is genuinely stunning, and the staff clearly love what they do. If you're visiting the area and want a water-based wildlife experience that feels intimate rather than touristy, this one is worth putting at the top of your list.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    Had so much fun. Everyone was really nice & we saw Manatees 🤩

    Photo of Regina Waag

    Regina Waag

    August 30, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    Had so much fun. Everyone was really nice & we saw Manatees 🤩

    Photo of Regina Waag

    Regina Waag

    August 30, 2026

    Nearby activities

    Self-Guided Kayak Rental at Weeki Wachee
    Kayaking Tours

    Self-Guided Kayak Rental at Weeki Wachee

    Paddle a Clear, Spring-Fed River on a 2.8-Mile Float

    4.4 • 4.3K reviews
    $44/ kayak
    Weeki Wachee Sunset Clear Kayak Tour
    Kayaking Tours

    Weeki Wachee Sunset Clear Kayak Tour

    Paddle a clear kayak through the Weeki Wachee estuary at sunset

    4.9 • 5.5K reviews
    $80/ person
    Paddleboard Rental in Homosassa
    Stand Up Paddle Boarding

    Paddleboard Rental in Homosassa

    Rent a paddleboard and explore Homosassa Springs or the Halls River

    4.8 • 259 reviews
    $28& up
    Crystal River Nature Center Aquarium Admission
    Aquarium Visits

    Crystal River Nature Center Aquarium Admission

    Learn about manatee conservation through interactive, family-friendly exhibits

    4.7 • 983 reviews
    $10/ person
    Kayak & SUP Rental in Crystal River for Up to 4 Hours
    Kayaking Tours

    Kayak & SUP Rental in Crystal River for Up to 4 Hours

    Paddle Kings Bay’s springs at your own pace

    5.0 • 3.8K reviews
    $50& up
    2-Hour Kayak & Paddleboard Rental at Rainbow Springs
    Kayaking Tours

    2-Hour Kayak & Paddleboard Rental at Rainbow Springs

    Paddle Rainbow River with a clear view below

    5.0 • 281 reviews
    $96& up