Swim with manatees in Crystal River
Our guided manatee swim lasts 3 hours, starts at $75 per person and runs year-round by appointment. Wetsuits, towels, snorkel gear and refreshments are provided, and groups are typically limited to 4 people. We run it through our partnership with Plantation Adventure Center.
What the swim includes
All ages are welcome, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own swim gear and sunscreen; we provide the rest of the gear.
The tour is guided, and it gives you an educational look at these gentle animals with an emphasis on safety and environmental conservation.
How you swim near manatees here
Crystal River and Kings Bay are the only area in Florida where swimmers are monitored around manatees, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only refuge created specifically to protect the Florida manatee.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service asks for passive observation: not starting contact with a manatee, and watching calmly from a distance and at the surface. FWC puts it in four words: look, but don't touch. In the water, that means snorkel gear and floating at the surface, because the bubbles from scuba gear can make manatees leave.
In all of Kings Bay, including Three Sisters Springs, federal rules prohibit:
- chasing or pursuing a manatee;
- disturbing or touching a manatee that is resting or feeding;
- diving from the surface onto a resting or feeding manatee;
- cornering or surrounding a manatee;
- riding, holding, grabbing, poking or prodding a manatee;
- separating a mother and calf, or a group of manatees;
- giving a manatee anything to eat or drink.
From November 15 through March 31, seven manatee sanctuaries in Kings Bay are closed to everyone, swimmers included.
Booking, weather and cancellations
Cancel at least 48 hours ahead and you get a full refund. If the weather is unsafe, we reschedule, and you can choose a new date or a full refund.
The Enchanted Swimstress was established by Laura, PADI Instructor #509873. To book, call Laura at +1 (850) 798-0064 or request a booking.
Read the rules yourself
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Manatee viewing guidelines