14 Crystal River Photo Tours & Photoshoots Worth Flying For

1.The ‘OG’ Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,539 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $76Our pick

Meet at River Ventures in Crystal River, learn how to behave around manatees, then cruise Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs with a USCG captain. Your in-water guide helps you float safely near the animals while a photographer records the experience. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, drinks, and hot cocoa are included.

“This was a great activity & value for the money. It was why we chose this activity over all others because of how long the tour was. Great gift shop with very affordable items.”

See open dates →The full review

2.Manatee Swim Tour with In Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,300 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Ride a US Coast Guard-certified boat through Kings Bay, then snorkel with wild manatees in Crystal River. Your in-water guide helps with the wetsuit, safety, and positioning, while also taking underwater photos. The three-hour trip includes gear, bottled water, and float noodles, with a maximum of 11 people.

“It was first time swimming with the manatees and the tour guides were awesome. Very friendly and made you feel comfortable getting in the water.”

See open dates →The full review

3.Guided Small Group Manatee Snorkeling Tour with In-Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,336 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $79

Meet at 226 NE 5th Street in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee tour led by a captain and in-water guide. You’ll watch a safety video, use provided wetsuits and snorkel gear, then swim near manatees in their natural habitat. Guides such as Crystal, Celeste, Ron, and Mike are praised for patient instruction, animal care, and helpful photos.

“Dress for swimming, bring a towel and wear a swimsuit. Great experience and one on one time with the manatees as there was alot of them. Go between November and April for the best time.”

See open dates →The full review

4.Small group Manatee Tour with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 751 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $98

Meet at Plantation Adventure Center in Crystal River for a roughly three-hour trip through Kings Bay. You receive a 5mm wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, then follow a US Coast Guard certified captain and in-water photographer such as Corey, Laura, Ross, or Tim to areas where manatees gather. Photos are available to purchase afterward.

“Dustin and Christian were awesome. Dustin made sure everyone had a great manatee experience. This wasn't peak season but they found the manatees!”

See open dates →The full review

5.Manatee Snorkel Tour w/ In-Water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

Join River Ventures in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee tour limited to 10 people. After a safety class, a Coast Guard captain takes you by covered pontoon to the springs, where an in-water guide helps you snorkel calmly near wild manatees. Wetsuits, gear, water, and parking are included. Photos cost extra.

“A wonderful experience! Dave and Captain Jayson went above and beyond to make our experience memorable.”

See open dates →The full review

6.Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with In-Water Guide and Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 574 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Meet at Salty Siren Tours in Crystal River for a three-hour manatee outing limited to six people. You’ll receive a wetsuit, safety briefing, boat ride, and in-water guidance from crew members such as Tyler, Robin, Kim, or Ed. The photographer captures underwater moments, with photos and videos available for purchase afterward.

“Siren tour guides LOVE manatees - a truly authentic experience with knowledgeable and patient guides led to a magical - almost spiritual - experience with these gentle giants. We spent c. 50 mins with a nursing mama and her calf watching them eat, play. Nurse and sleep in quick succession…truly amazing experience!”

See open dates →The full review

7.Private Manatee Swim for up to 6 with In-Water Divemaster/Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 317 reviews · from $600 per session (up to 6)

Spend about four hours in King’s Bay on a private manatee tour for up to six people. Your captain and in-water guide provide instruction, wetsuits, snorkeling gear, towels, hot drinks, and photo and video coverage available for purchase. Misty and Memphis are among the guides praised for patient, family-friendly service.

“It was a fun experience. Misty and Memphis were great! It was later in the season, so not many Manatee's to see, but Misty and Memphis made sure we saw the Manatee's that were there. We got great pictures of a mother and baby. In adRead more”

See open dates →The full review

8.VIP Manatee Swim w/ In-water Photographer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 184 reviews · 3 hours · from $119

Join a small group of up to six at 498 SE Kings Bay Drive for a three-hour manatee swim in King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge. A Coast Guard certified captain and in-water guide prepare you on land, then lead you by covered pontoon to the springs. Wetsuits, snorkels, drinks, and photo packages are available.

“King guide Ryan … also Captain James Jimmy Kirk!!!! Manatees not so good 😉”

See open dates →The full review

9.Private Manatee Swim With Heated Boat(Free Photos)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 111 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $500 per session (up to 6)

Spend about three hours with your private group, a captain, and an in-water guide near Crystal River’s manatees. Heated boat rides, wetsuits, snorkel gear, towels, drinks, and photos are included. Guides such as Captain Todd, Leah, Morgan, Amanda, and Chris have helped families handle cold water, hesitant swimmers, and changing manatee conditions.

“Captain Todd gave us a great tour. Even on a windy day he was able to find a manatee for us to swim with! The enclosed boat was also great for our infant who traveled with us.”

See open dates →The full review

10.3 Hour Small Group Manatee Swim Heated Boats Free Photos All Inc

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 3 hours 1 minute (approx.) · from $75Best value

Meet at Pete’s Pier Marina for a three-hour Crystal River manatee trip limited to six people. Captain Alan and guides such as Joanna or Crystal may lead the outing, with a heated boat, wetsuit, snorkel gear, in-water guidance, free photos, hot drinks, and a scenic ride past Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

“Fabulous attention to detail. They worked hard at making everyone on the trip satisfied. They went above and beyond with my special needs adult son, making sure that we all had the best time!”

See open dates →The full review

11.Private Manatee Swim Crystal River FL 6 Passenger Max Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $350 per session (up to 6)

Meet Captain Al and guide Carlos at Pete’s Pier Marina for a private Crystal River manatee trip. You’ll ride to Hunter Springs Park, learn respectful manatee viewing, then snorkel with the animals and explore springs filled with fish and turtles. Wetsuits, gear, drinks, hot chocolate, and free photos are included.

“Best experience! Knowledgeable tour guides. It was absolutely amazing swimming along the beautiful gentle giants. It was so surreal to be so close, and see them in their natural environment. The mommy and baby were just the sweetest.”

See open dates →The full review

12.Guided Semi-Private Snorkel Tour (w/ FREE Photos!)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79

Meet at Paddletail Lodge for a roughly 2.5-hour Crystal River outing limited to six people. Guides such as Jake, Casey, Sandy, and Tiffany take you by boat through Kings Bay, help you snorkel near manatees and springs, provide wetsuits and gear, and share free photos. Conditions shape the route, but the plan often includes two swim sites.

See open dates →The full review

13.Manatee Snorkeling Tour with in water Guide and photographer

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 7 reviews · 3 hours · from $83

Join Gulf Coast Expeditions for a three-hour Crystal River manatee tour limited to six people. Captains take you into the refuge, where guides such as Ron, Crystal, or Celeste swim beside you, explain manatee etiquette, and take photos and video. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels, water, coffee, and hot cocoa are included.

“We booked the afternoon tour which was perfect! Gulf Coast Expeditions only takes 6 pax per trip. That is a perfect number of people, because it felt more like a tour with friends. Ron and Crystal are wonderful guides with a lot of knowledge about the wildlife. We had a lot of close- up encounters with the manatees due to Crystals experience to spot them. We loved it and would for sure came back.”

See open dates →The full review

14.Swim with Manatees Private Tour Free Photos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 3 hours · from $350 per session (up to 6)

Meet Captain Al and the crew at Pete’s Pier Marina for a private three-hour Crystal River manatee tour. You’ll ride to the warm springs, learn about manatees, and swim or snorkel with them using provided gear. Photos, videos, snacks, drinks, and a children’s treasure chest hunt are included.

“Very accommodating, had kids with anxiety and they were wonderful with them. It was cold and the boat was closed in and heated. Great experience.”

See open dates →The full review