Cruise Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge and look for wild manatees
1 Hour and 30 Minutes
Up to 12 people
Stay dry on a 1.5-hour cruise through the Kings Bay Wildlife Refuge as you search for wild manatees in Crystal River. Ride on a US Coast Guard certified vessel with a Master Captain and keep an eye out for other local wildlife.
This is a wildlife tour, so sightings can vary by day. Ages 3+.
Cancel at least 3 days prior for a full refund; 2 days prior for a 50% refund. If the operator cancels due to bad weather conditions, boat issues, or other circumstances beyond their personal control, you can reschedule or receive a full reimbursement.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled start time. The group leaves the check-in location 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time, and departures run on a set schedule.
Check in at the gift shop first. About 5 minutes before the tour begins, the team gathers guests onto a passenger bus and takes the group to the marina to meet the Master Captain and board the US Coast Guard certified vessel.
Park in the designated car area of the parking lot. You can also use on-street parking on Citrus Avenue or the gravel lot behind the building.
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.
We had an amazing experience on our private manatee swim with Explorida in Crystal River! Our boat captain, Dom, and in-water guide, Topher, were fantastic—so friendly, knowledgeable, and great with our kids (ages 7 and 10). They made everyone feel comfortable and safe from the start. We were lucky enough to spend over an hour with a very friendly manatee, which was such an unforgettable experience for our family. Dom and Topher shared so much interesting information along the way, and it was clear how much they care about the manatees and protecting Florida’s wildlife. We really appreciated Explorida’s focus on conservation and education—it made the whole experience even more meaningful. Highly recommend this tour for families looking for something truly special in Crystal River!
Kristina Smith
April 11, 2026
We had an amazing experience on our private manatee swim with Explorida in Crystal River! Our boat captain, Dom, and in-water guide, Topher, were fantastic—so friendly, knowledgeable, and great with our kids (ages 7 and 10). They made everyone feel comfortable and safe from the start. We were lucky enough to spend over an hour with a very friendly manatee, which was such an unforgettable experience for our family. Dom and Topher shared so much interesting information along the way, and it was clear how much they care about the manatees and protecting Florida’s wildlife. We really appreciated Explorida’s focus on conservation and education—it made the whole experience even more meaningful. Highly recommend this tour for families looking for something truly special in Crystal River!
Kristina Smith
April 11, 2026