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About 45 minutes from Hernando Beach, FL is Crystal River and Homosassa – home to manatees and many other fun things to do. This is the only place where you can legally swim with manatees in their natural habitat, right in the river!

There are many “swim with manatees” companies, the one we booked with was Snorkel With Manatees , 3 hour tours, $75/person, 6 people maximum per boat.

What They Show You on Their Website

Although the following scenarios are definitely possible, it is something that may happen, not something that will. You’re technically not supposed to touch the manatees (although they can touch you).

Note: when you book, there is an option to book a photographer to go with you.

Photo credits: Snorkelwithmanatees.com

What It’s Really Like

I’m not saying I don’t recommend this experience – if you really want to swim with the manatees you should do it, however keep in mind that most of the time we’re just “floating” above the surface of the water looking through cloudy water.

The water is not so “crystal” clear! It is still a very cool experience floating just a few feet right above this giant manatee. Just be aware that you’re floating on the water, face down, to see the manatees through cloudy water. Not so glamorous as pictures would have you believe!

Things To Expect From The Trip:

• You WILL see a manatee – it might be close to you but it might be deep underwater and you only see a shadowy figure of one.
• The water is 72 degrees year round. In the summer it feels cool and it’s not so bad. In the winter it can feel very cold very fast.
• You are wearing a wetsuit and floating with a noodle (and or a lifejacket, if desired).
• Snorkels are provided but you may also bring your own

Our Tips and Recommendations

• If you want pictures bring your own waterproof camera bag for your phone ($5 – $10 at the nearest CVS or Dollar General store). If you buy one here it’s around $30
• You won’t need a waterproof bag, don’t let the gift shop make you think you need one. We go out to the river on a boat, and all your dry stuff can safely stay on the pontoon with the captain. It will most likely not get wet. It might get wet if it’s very rainy that day.
• Make reservation ahead of time, especially if you’re planning on going here during school vacations or summer vacation. For most other times, you can probably book 1 to 2 days ahead of time without much trouble.

Overall Is It Worth It?

If this is your only chance to see a manatee, do it! Seeing a manatee in the wild is an incredible experience. However, I would definitely check Weeki Wachee river first, near Hospital Hole. The only cost to you would be a kayak rental for the day, around $35 per single kayak or $45 for a double, for an entire day.

For a family of 4, renting two doubles would cost $90 for the day. If you do this swim with manatee excursion, we’re looking at around $280 for 90 minutes. Read our article about Weeki Wachee and best practices to see manatees on our other article about Weeki Wachee. Since the river is very shallow at Weeki Wachee, you can see a manatee very clearly here! See photo taken at Weeki Wachee: