FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Like most wildlife tours, getting out early is generally the best option, and swimming with the manatees is no exception. We always recommend our early morning tour for those who would like to get out early and beat the crowds.

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 are welcome to join on private trips.

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. The wetsuits that we give to you provide buoyancy, and we also give each person a foam swim noodle so that we all have a little additional floatation. It’s good to get children in the water if possible prior to your trip so that they can work on floating skills and just being comfortable. 

Yes, all of the equipment that you need for the tour is provided at no additional cost. That includes the mask, snorkel, and wetsuit.

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

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

We do not allow furry friends in our group tours. Service dogs with documentation are welcome on private tours with advanced notice. If you have a service dog, please contact us at 352-228-2279 to discuss your options. Dogs must be documented as service animals and must be well behaved and able to not bark and disrupt the manatees in the refuge. 

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).