Hi, my name is Captain Ken

I had this idea about designing a boat specifically designed for an all day all inclusive Manatee Tour. Some say to swim with the Manatees is a spiritual experience. With that in mind I believe this tour will be everything you anticipated and more.

When you arrive for your departure at Crystal River Water Sports you will be fitted with all your snorkeling gear and watch your manatee video on the laws of swimming with the manatees. On your boat ride to the Wildlife refuge, you will be served a continental breakfast consisting of fresh coffee and doughnuts, fresh fruit, and fresh Florida orange juice ( all amenities are subject to change do to availability). During your tour there will be snacks, sandwiches’ and cold sodas or bottled water available on-board.

We will then proceed to explore some of the many springs, Rivers, and the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge and Museum in the Crystal River, Florida area in search of your Manatee Encounter.

Along the way you may see the abundant wildlife of the Nature Coast area such as Eagles, Osprey, Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Wood Ducks, Cormorants, Anhinga and maybe even a Wild Boar or Whitetail Deer on shore. Occasionally we also see Dolphins searching the river for dinner. After spending the morning interacting with the manatees you will take a nice boat ride to Shell Island located in the Gulf of Mexico.

The boat ride and the Manatee encounter is very calm and relaxing, we are inland, so we don’t have to worry about rough sea’s.

Since this is a very private Manatee Swim we will try to stay away from crowds and visit the areas where manatees are known to be. This is an all day tour so we will have time to do a lot of exploring.

Underwater, you may also see other marine life...such as Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Sheepshead, Jack Caravelle, Mullet, Blue Crabs, and many different species of turtle. While in the water your wetsuit provides you with warmth and comfort, so you will not expend much energy. Since the water temperature is a constant 72 degrees year around we highly recommend the wetsuit for comfort as well

Let the Manatee come to you. They are very curious by nature and will approach you. If you have an underwater camera take as many photos as you like. If you don’t have a underwater camera, no problem we have digital underwater cameras to rent that can take up to 400 photos. Often it seems as if they are posing for you. You can remain in the water as long as you like or we can explore another spring. It’s entirely up to your small group.