About Us

Swim With Manatees has been providing quality manatee tours and snorkeling tours for over 26 years every day. Not just in the migratory months (winter, when the seasonal tour guides show up) but every day, rain, sleet or snow. Ok, you know we don’t have snow — right? Ok, just checking…  Well now that I have your attention, please read on and enjoy. 

 We always welcome you to call and get the latest in conditions so you can make an educated decision. Here at Swim with Manatees and Sea Daddys Dive Team our motto is that ‘Honesty is the best Policy’. There is always an element of surprise, chance and conditions are variable from HOUR TO HOUR, but we will do our best to be understanding when it comes to what you can expect at any given time when scouting and searching for manatees.

We can never guarantee a manatee encounter. Rarely do we not find any animals, but it does happen occasionally. Do not expect a clear water experience, regardless of season. They are wild animals and move around freely. We can never predict how close you will get or how many you will see. this is not a theme park adventure or attraction.

– Captain Parker

When starting this business, 26 years ago, it was from the love of water and interacting with wildlife. We love to introduce Mother Nature to families from around the world to our local residents (manatees and dolphins), which support our conduct.    This business is designed to educate the public about the wildlife and its habitat in Citrus County.

As with some tour operators that cater to mass quantities of people all at once, we choose to cater to the mass quantities of people a little at a time. However, our prices might be a little more (2 to 3 bucks) than other tour guides. The reason is, we cater to small groups as with other operators that charge less, might have you on a boat with up to 18 or more passengers. 

By keeping our boat capacities small ( private 6 passengers only on a 10 – 15 passenger boat) it allows the customer to have the entire boat instead of a little spot to sit. This also allows us to keep our cost of operation consistent to pass it along to you. This also keeps so many people from congregating around manatees ( See Good Neighbors Policy) and allows for a better personal encounter and less impact on the manatees’ habitat. However, we can not control what other tour guides may do.

But since we are with a small group we can relocate to another area to get away from so many people if need be. You do not need 6 passengers to book a tour. If you have more than 6 passengers, we can arrange 2 boats to accommodate. Boats will travel separate but be together for the swimming portion of your tour.

The captains and crews that are contracted by our business always ensure the safety for our passengers and the habitat, to allow our future generations to be able to enjoy in the future. We would like to thank you in advance for your support and encouragement of this wonderful opportunity to explore this wildlife soft manatee encounter.

The transitional seasons can be hard to predict and we are really in the hands of God and Mother Nature. Conditions are variable and tomorrow almost certainly WILL NOT be like yesterday! Please be understanding and patient, have realistic expectations and we will have a great time! The Official “Great Manatee Migratory Season” begins middle of October and runs through the end of April, but keep in mind that these are wild animals that do not have a calendar or smart phone to remind them when the time is coming! We DO have resident manatees that live here all year, but it is funny to see the resident manatee prepare for their migratory friends, come September.

Having our “Resident Manatee” (all year) combined with our “Migratory Manatees” is what really sets off the Magic of “Citrus County Florida” and its Manatees apart from other Manatee destinations. A combination of mothers with calves (they often times do no teach migratory patterns the first year of life), rehabilitated animals that enjoy the protection of the Bay Water in Citrus County, a few social, wacky manatee that never leave and orphaned animals denied the lesson of migration means, that we can consistently find at least a few manatee even on the warmest days all year. “The Magic of Manatees”.

When visiting be fully informed and DO NOT expect to find the animals near the clear water of the springs. In warm weather, there is no reason for them to be near the springs and they tend to be on the move munching away where water is not always so clear.

Manatees require 10% OF THEIR BODY WEIGHT in food to survive everyday. That is a ton of greens. Health Statistics have always said “Eat Greens and Supersize Exercise to lose weight” have YOU SEEN a Manatee? They are huge, and all they do is eat greens and swim all day, I do not see much weight lose here. Local guide humor.

WE understand that ON that rare occasion that we may not see a manatee, your going to feel frustrated. We do not plan for this because, it rarely happens. In such case of this rarity, we DO NOT offer any monetary compensations. BUT we maybe able to get you on another tour on a different day based on availability.

-Parker

Shared Boat or Private Boat: Know What You Are Booking

The term “semi private” generally means a shared boat with a smaller number of passengers. It does not mean that the entire boat is reserved exclusively for your group.

Our three hour shared manatee tour is limited to no more than six guests per boat. If your party has fewer than six people, other guests may share the boat with you.

If you want the boat reserved exclusively for your family or group, choose one of our private experiences:

Four Hour Private Manatee Tour
More time on the water with a private boat, captain, and guide for up to six guests.

Six Hour Private Manatee Tour with Dockside Lunch
Our most complete private adventure, including extended time on the water, snorkeling equipment, and lunch with your captain and crew.

You can also compare all available private manatee charters before booking.

Shared means you are reserving seats. Private means you are reserving the entire boat.

This boat tour is recommended for all ages, however we recommend ages from two years old and up. You can choose to swim/snorkel or just ride on the boat. This manatee encounter is one of many Bucket List items and people travel from all over the world to interact with these majestic giants. This is not like snorkeling on a pretty reef in the Keys or the Bahamas where you have to hold your breath to go underwater. You just float using a mask ( if you choose) and snorkel (No Fins) to view these wonderful animals…

Experience Snorkeling With The Manatees, for an experience of a lifetime, the way nature intended.    Below is what you can expect when you visit us for your Manatee swim experience.

Upon arrival, and after signing the necessary paperwork, each guest will change into the rental wetsuits, or their own wetsuits.  After ensuring all the wet suits fit properly, we will play a short DVD, (filmed in cooperation with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service) which demonstrates how you must behave on a your tour while interacting with manatees in their natural habitat in the water.

Next, all guests and their US Coast Guard Certified Captain/Tour Guide will proceed to the “Landing” area and board our boats to embark on your manatee tour.

While touring the bays and rivers in search of manatees, your Captain/Instructor/guide will teach you about manatees and their habitat, and answer any questions you may have. You may also expect to see: Monkeys, Bald Eagles, dolphins, otters, wild pigs, raccoons and a large array of local snowbirds. 

Once the captain has found some friendly manatees, the anchor will be dropped and everyone will quietly enter the water to interact properly with the manatees. You may be allowed to take pictures, swim/snorkel with the manatees, and even, if the manatees allow, touching these amazing creatures, that is like winning the LOTTO.

Share your memories and thoughts of your Manatee encounter on your way back to the “Landing”.

When Is the Best Time to Swim With Manatees?

The spring waters of Citrus County remain approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or 21 degrees Celsius, throughout the year.

From the middle of October through late April, migratory manatees generally visit the warm spring waters to help maintain their body temperature. The cooler months often provide the greatest number of manatees gathered near the springs.

During the warmer months, resident manatees remain throughout the area. The surrounding river and bay waters may reach 80 degrees or warmer, providing the manatees with comfortable water and access to the vegetation they need. Summer water clarity may vary, but meaningful manatee sightings are still possible.

Learn more about manatee seasons and sightings.

Two Incredible Manatee Areas

Our year round manatee tours explore the inland waterways of the Old Homosassa River and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Our captains monitor manatee activity, water clarity, weather, and overall conditions each day. This allows us to select the best available area for your tour, particularly during the warmer, nonmigratory season.

Explore our Homosassa Springs manatee tours

What About Rain and Thunderstorms?

Our tours take place in protected inland rivers, springs, and canals rather than the open Gulf of Mexico. Brief and localized Florida rain showers do not always affect our tours.

However, guest and crew safety always comes first. Our captains continuously monitor lightning, wind, visibility, and changing weather conditions. Tours may be adjusted, delayed, or rescheduled when conditions are unsafe.

Are Morning Tours Better?

Manatees are wild animals with no fixed daily schedule. Their location and behavior can change depending on water temperature, tides, feeding, travel, weather, and what they did the night before.

Early morning, midday, and afternoon tours can all provide wonderful manatee encounters. No two tours are ever exactly alike, and no particular departure time can guarantee more activity or interaction.

We limit each boat to six guests, creating a quieter and more personal experience. Our passive observation approach allows the manatee to choose the distance, pace, and duration of each encounter.

Tour Times Designed Around Your Day

We offer multiple daily departure times from early morning through the afternoon. These choices allow guests to plan around theme parks, flights, family activities, and the rest of their Florida vacation.

Your selected start time does not change the advertised length of your tour. View our current manatee tours and departure times or visit our frequently asked questions for additional planning information.

This is the magic of manatees. They are like the hippies or gypsies of the river. They come and go as they please.

Captain Parker

A Complete Manatee Experience at a Fair Price

Our tour prices are designed to give guests a complete and memorable experience at a fair value. When selecting your tour, look beyond the starting price and consider everything included with your experience.

Our tours include small groups, professional captains and guides, wetsuits, masks, snorkels, water noodles, manatee education, and approximately three hours exploring Florida’s beautiful spring fed waterways.

Explore our three hour shared manatee tour or view our private manatee charters to find the experience that best fits your family.

Small Groups Make a Difference

We limit every boat to no more than six passengers. Smaller groups create fewer distractions, provide a more personal experience, and help reduce the impact of crowds around the manatees.

Our approach is based on passive observation. We enter their environment quietly, give them space, and allow each manatee to determine the encounter.

Departure Times That Fit Your Day

We offer multiple daily departure times because every guest’s schedule is different. Some visitors have afternoon plans at Disney or SeaWorld, flights to catch, family activities, or simply want more time to explore Florida after their tour.

Every departure time can provide an incredible experience. Our captains monitor manatee activity, weather, and water conditions each day to select the best available location for your adventure.

View our manatee tour options and current availability. You can also visit our frequently asked questions or contact us if you need help choosing your tour.

The manatees are a lifestyle to us, not just a tourist attraction.

Captain Parker

Preparing for Your Manatee Swim

Getting ready for your manatee tour is simple. Please follow the site map and arrival instructions included in your confirmation email. Your assigned captain will meet you at the dock and guide you from there.

To make check in faster, please arrive with your bathing suit already on and bring the following items to the dock:

• Towels
• Cameras and personal devices
• Personal belongings needed for the tour
• A sweatshirt or hoodie during the cooler months

Please complete all required waivers before arriving (Click Here for Waivers) and have them available to display on your personal device. Restrooms are available when you arrive.

We ask that you arrive on time or a few minutes early. After a brief check in, your captain will provide your manatee awareness and safety instructions before beginning your adventure.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family!

Swim With Manatees has clear and firm booking and cancellation policies. These policies ensure that every confirmed reservation has a boat and professional crew assigned and ready for the guest’s adventure.

Without these policies, last minute changes and cancellations could disrupt our guests, captains, guides, and daily operations.

We may be a locally owned Mom and Pop business, but we proudly serve hundreds of manatee enthusiasts. We are not a chain or corporate operation. We are a dedicated local team committed to providing personal, dependable, and memorable manatee experiences.