Family Day Tour Sightseeing Manatees and Other Sealife in Crystal River

***PLEASE BE ADVISED OF CURRENT TOUR CONDITIONS***

Remember that once the weather starts to get warm in March, manatee begin their migration away from the springs and become more elusive. It is very important in the warm seasons to have REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS about how many animals you will see, under what conditions and how long it may take to find them. The COLD weather brings them to the area to enjoy our fresh water springs, but once the Gulf temps begin to warm, the manatee become more difficult to find and tend to be located closer to food sources where the water is not always clear. Also, spring brings hundreds of people to the area hoping for a glimpse of these amazing animals…COME EARLY MORNING if you hope to avoid the crowds. We add tours later in the day as capacity demands, but conditions deteriorate as the day goes on.  If you are hoping to see dozens of manatee in clear spring water, than a springtime visit may disappoint. We are always honest about conditions and encourage our visitors to do their research!

WHAT TO BRING
Make sure that each person brings a towel and wears their bathing suit under their clothes, that way you are ready for a quick change into optional wetsuits. When you arrive at the shop, you will be offered complimentary coffee, tea or cocoa then sit in for a short educational presentation and required video about the rules of the Wildlife Refuge if your family is interested in the manatee portion of the tour. Bottled water is provided on the boat and all the gear you need is included in your tour price.

You are welcome to bring a bag onboard for your dry towels and clothes, but ANYTHING OF VALUE THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO GET WET should be locked in your vehicle for safe keeping. If you are coming during the winter months, we recommend a jacket, sweatshirt or a full change of loose fitting, warm clothes for the short ride back to the dock. If you have small children coming in the cooler months, they WILL GET COLD, please prepare accordingly with towels, blankets, jackets, socks, etc...

Bottled water provided, parking and gear included in price!

PHOTOGRAPHY
You may bring a camera, but strobe lighting, high powered flash and ‘selfie-sticks’ are not allowed on our boats. These items can disrupt other guests’ experience, can disturb the manatee and can be considered a form of harassment. If you plan to use photos for a professional purpose, than a Special Use Permit from US Fish and Wildlife is required. Our Captains will take photos of your trip from beginning to end, these are available for purchase back at the shop after your tour on a USB or instant online access $39.00.  We also have 27 exp. underwater disposable cameras available for $19.95 in our gift shop.

CHILDREN & VISITORS
Our boats are Coast Guard Certified for a certain number of passengers, so your reservation should be for the EXACT NUMBER OF PEOPLE PLANNING TO RIDE THE BOAT. This number must include children and those who choose not to swim, as well. 

We welcome adults and children of all sizes, but moderate physical ability is needed to disembark onto the islands and into the springs!

All gift certificate sales are final and not refundable. Gift certificates can only be exchanged prior to redemption.

A full list of terms of sale of tickets and certificates can be viewed here.