FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There really isn’t a “best” time to get out on the refuge, the best time would be the best that fits your schedule. That being said, the earlier you get out, the less number of people that will be out on the water. If you want to avoid large groups of people think about coming on a weekday and/or taking an early morning tour.

We allow children from 3 years old and up on our group tours as long as they are comfortable in the water, are well behaved, and can follow basic instructions given by the guide. Children under the age of 3, unruly or not lol, are welcome to join on private trips where it is just your family on board.

Yes, we do require that you are able to swim and that you are comfortable in the water. The majority of the time we are just floating with the manatees and not exerting a lot of energy. The wetsuits that we give to you will provide some buoyancy and we also give each person a foam swim/pool noodle so that we all have a little additional floatation. It’s good if possible to get children and those with lesser swimming experience some time in the water prior to your trip so that they can work on floating skills and just being comfortable. If you have a mask and snorkel, have them practice with those if you can as it will help them to have a better experience come tour day.

Yes, all of the equipment that you need for the tour is provided at no additional cost. That includes the mask, snorkel, and wetsuit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not want us using swim fins in the refuge around the manatees so those are not allowed on our tours. You may bring your own mask, snorkel, and wetsuit if you desire. Those with children who are accustomed to their own mask and snorkel may want to consider bringing them along as it may be better for them to use what they are comfortable with already.

We stock our wetsuits in sizes up to adult 4x.

Our wetsuit sizes start at 3-year-old toddler and go up from there.

Pets: We don’t allow pets on our group tours however, we will allow your well behaved and house trained pet on a private tour. Please inform us in advance if you intend to bring a pet on a private tour.

Service Dogs: Service dogs are welcome on all of our tours with advanced notice. Please note that per ADA regulations the handler is required to remain with the service dog at all times during the tour and the service dog must remain leashed and under control of the handler at all times throughout the tour. Service dogs will be required to be well behaved and potty trained per ADA regulations.

Emotional Support Animals: ESA’a are not recognized by the ADA and therefore fall under the pet category. Please see the above requirements pertaining to bringing a pet on a tour.

We are not able to take children under the age of 3 on our group tours. Children under the age of 3 are welcome on private manatee trips where it is just your family onboard the boat. Private trips are bookable online from our tour page. 

We are located one and a half hours Northwest of the Orlando attractions area. The drive is easy, just hop on the Florida Turnpike North for 1 hour and then take Highway 44 West for 30 minutes right into Crystal River. 

There are no shuttle services between Orlando and Crystal River. The most economical way is to rent a car for the day and make the easy drive. You also have the option of hiring Uber or Lyft, but the cost will be a bit higher than renting a car. 

1. Well, we don’t want to sound like we are bragging but, we are the #1 rated manatee tour company in Crystal River.
2. We have been conducting tours in Crystal River since 1995 and have guided well over 150,000 visitors into the refuge waters in that time.
3. We price our small group tours to be competitive with companies operating boats with over 25 swimmers onboard. At Fun 2 Dive there is no need to pay a premium for a small group trip.
4. We offer early morning tours to beat the crowds.
5. Our swim with manatees tours are legally conducted under permit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). We operate with Federal oversight and we do it right.
6. All of our tours to swim with manatees are semi-private, small group tours with no more than 6-12 participants per boat or private tours where it’s just your firends and family on board along with our staff.
7. Our manatee swim tour boats are enclosed in the winter months to keep you comfortable, warm and out of the elements while to and from the springs .
8. Our advertised pricing includes everything that you need for your tour, there are no hidden fees or upcharges for gear, parking, fuel, etc! No gimmics.
9. Our quality snorkel gear and wetsuits are cleaned, sanitized, and dried after each use. We upgrade our gear regularly throughout the seasons.
10. Our captains are Master Captains licensed by the United States Coast Guard.
11. All of our staff is randomly drug tested and enrolled in national drug testing programs.
12. Our manatee tour guides are in the water with you to assist and to take photographs of you throughout the duration of your manatee tour. Photographs from your trip are available immediately and electronically upon conclusion of your manatee tour — no need to wait.
13. Our manatee swim tours are prioritized for quality and quantity. We are a five-star rated tour facility dedicated to providing our guests the experience of a lifetime.
14. Indoor climate controlled changing rooms, full gift shop, free parking, free hot chocolate, coffee,tea and a smiling and welcoming crew upon your arrival.

Most importantly, we love manatees, and we love sharing this amazing privilege with you!

The Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tour center and gift shop is located in the heart of downtown Crystal River, Florida, along the shores of the beautiful spring-fed Kings Bay Manatee Refuge. You can find us at 135 NE 3rd St in the historic Bay-Side district and just 2 blocks outside of the beautiful Hunters Springs Park. 

All of our tours can be easily and securely reserved right here from our website using our secure and encrypted reservation booking system. You can view availability, consider the different manatee tour options available, and book your trip quickly just by clicking the Book Your Adventure button found directly below.

The staff at Fun 2 Dive Manatee Tours would like to thank you for considering us as your guide on this most amazing and special manatee adventure. If you have any unanswered questions, feel free to contact us by email, use the contact form to the right, or call during business hours at 866-922-DIVE (3483).

Our tours are all 3 hours in length from the time you arrive to our shop until you return from the boat. You can expect to be on the boat for approximately 2.5 hours with anywhere from 1-2 hours of that time being in the water. The amount of in water time is dependent on conditions and the receptiveness of the manatees. The manatees we swim with are wild and in their own natural habitat so there are many factors beyond our control that will affect how much time we spend in the water. Things like how long it takes to locate the manatees, the weather and tides at the time of your tour, the time of year, and even our own behavior while in the water around the manatees can have an impact on how much time the manatees will be tolerant of us and not swim away. As a rule of thumb expect 1 hour of water time and chances are you wont be disappointed with what we get.