Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours

I've had the pleasure of visiting The Adventure Center Plantation on Crystal River twice this winter. The first time was a birthday surprise, and it was so wonderful that I booked the same tour for the following weekend. Both times I did the small group at 9:45am, and both times we had Captain Dave at the helm and Tyler as our dive master, manatee guide, and photographer. We also had a lovely interaction with the manager, Henry. Our first weekend, Jan 26, was at the tail end of a significant cold front which meant there were a lot of manatees (and people swimming with the manatees). Tyler was great at navigating our little group and ensuring we had a terrific experience. He gave excellent guidance throughout and really helped all of us relax and appreciate the moment. He got great photos for us so we didn't need to do anything other than be present. When the press of less-than-polite snorklers from other outfits started to get to be too much, Dave and Tyler brought us to an alternate location where the visibility under water was less, but we were the only humans in the water with about 6 manatees as they fed. It was breath-taking. The next week, just 6 days difference, was a completely different experience, manatee-wise. The weather had warmed enough that almost all of the manatees had left for the gulf. Despite the lack of animals, Tyler and Dave managed to find two that were happy to hang out near us. What we lacked the quantity they helped us make up in quality and we four spent a lot of time in the shallows watching a big male manatee munch on the shoots on the bottom. I look forward to going again next winter and I do recommend them happily. They are a small shop and they did suffer damage from the hurricanes, so we are extra glad to give them our business.

Had a great experience today. Dave and Mermaid Amanda were fun and knowledgeable. It was late in the afternoon so manatee sightings were minimal but the information that Amanda was able to give about the wildlife, the habitat and the history of the location was great.

Great experience from start to finish. Laura and cory were amazing guides and provides everything we needed. The 3 hour tour was the perfect amount of time. Although not guaranteed, I got to see over 5 manatee... including a mama and he calf. I would give 10 stars if I could.

Absolutely LOVED swimming with the manatees. This is an experience that everybody should put on their bucket list. I truly appreciated the way our guides Dave and Tyler respected the manatees’ space but made sure that we were still able to safely view them. The small group setting was perfect. Once we were out where the manatees hang out, there were a lot of groups but Tyler made sure we each had a chance to view some manatees before moving aside to let other groups have their turn. Dave then led us over to a different spot that had less manatees but we were the only group there so the manatee to person ratio was awesome. We also saw dolphins, birds, and a few different kinds of fish. We went in January so it was a little chilly but the wetsuits kept us warm in the water and the hot chocolate warmed us up on the boat. Again, I’d highly recommend this to anybody who is seeking a nature experience in Florida!

Fun experience! We saw about five manatees and the wetsuit made it easy to float along while keeping us warm. Our tour guide Amanda was very informative.

My best friend in the world and I went out on Sunday with the Enchanted Swimstress Laura and Captain Aaron to swim with manatees . We encountered at least 5 manatees that we got to get close with . The whole experience was awesome !!! Laura was so nice and helpful . This was my friend’s first time snorkeling and was a little bit nervous but Laura and Aaron helped make her feel confident and she did awesome . We bought the pictures which came out fantastic … worth every penny !!! We are coming back in colder weather to enjoy more of these amazing creatures !! Great store for merch also.

We had a nice swimming with manatees tour with captain Baygull and tour guide Amandatee 😉 Snorkelling in the blurry water of Homosassa in low season, it was still nice to see the manatees from up and close. The trip was finalised with a visit to the Three Sisters Springs with crystal clear water. We bought the photos and videos that Amanda made during the trip as a good memory to a nice morning.

We had so much fun! Got to see 2 manatees and they were HUGE they didn't mind us at all. Beautiful gentle Giants. I recommend bringing your own GoPro or under water camera but don't expect too much from the murky water. You'll see manatees though. Laura was our guide and she was the sweetest and most patient person, our captain was a little aggressive but it came in handy when a boater went flying by our group

Title: Unforgettable Manatee Adventure with Captain Dave and Dive Master Ryan! Our experience with the Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center Manatee Tour was nothing short of extraordinary! From start to finish, Captain Dave and Dive Master Ryan went above and beyond to ensure that our tour was not only thrilling but also educational and unforgettable.Captain Dave's extensive knowledge of the area and its majestic manatees was truly impressive. He provided fascinating insights into the behavior and habitat of these gentle giants, making the entire excursion both informative and enriching. His passion for conservation and respect for wildlife shone through in every aspect of the tour.Dive Master Ryan's expertise added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure. His guidance and professionalism instilled confidence in our group as we embarked on our underwater exploration. Ryan's keen eye for spotting wildlife beneath the surface ensured that we didn't miss a single moment of the awe-inspiring marine life surrounding us.The tour itself was a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility. From the exhilarating moments of swimming alongside manatees to the peaceful encounters with other aquatic creatures, every moment was filled with wonder and excitement. The Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center provided top-notch equipment and amenities, ensuring our comfort and safety throughout the tour.Overall, our experience with Captain Dave, and Ryan, and exceeded all expectations. Their dedication to providing an exceptional adventure while fostering a deep appreciation for nature is truly commendable. We left the tour with a newfound love for manatees and memories that will last a lifetime. If you're looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, look no further than the Crystal River Plantation Adventure Center Manatee Tour - it's an adventure you won't soon forget!

In March we traveled to Crystal River, FL to celebrate my birthday and to see the manatees. It has always been on my bucket list. Our guides were Captain Michelle and Laura. They were fantastic!!! They took us all around the area, spotting and pointing out wildlife along the way. The manatees were sparse and the water was murky due to the recent hurricanes but they worked with other boat captains and still managed to locate them for us. Swimming with the manatees was an experience none of us will ever forget! I loved the small intimate group size and Michelle and Laura were awesome! Great personalities for this kind of adventure. They worked very well together and helped make us feel comfortable in this unique first time experience. This was something I would definitely love to do again, next time when the water is more clear. If I had the chance I would request Captain Michelle and Laura again!

Plantation Adventure Center offers a wide variety of fun water activities. You can swim, kayak, or just ride a boat to check out the manatees and other wildlife in the area. Captain Mark was very knowledgeable and had much experience with the boat tour. We learned that just seven years ago, there were very few manatees coming into the Springs due to lack of vegetation. They started dredging the bottom and planting greens that the manatees liked to eat. Now, there are more manatees than you can count. There were several areas restricted for boats, kayaks and swimmers to keep the manatees safe. That's why it's very important to select an adventure company that understands the federal rules and regulations. Otherwise, you may end up with a hefty fine. We saw several manatees as well as many species of birds. The area was so beautiful, and I'm glad we got to check it out from a boats view. Next time I come back to Crystal River, I want to swim with the manatees;)

It's an ok adventure. The captain Aaron was unpleasant; he told me if I wanted to see lots of manatee you should come when it is not high tide. My opinion is if there are 1-2 manatee during high tide don't offer tours during those hours. I wouldn't want to go with Aaron again. His don't care attitude ruined it for me. Aaron is not a people person very rude. My boyfriend and I both felt the same. The lady Shelly who was helping with the snorkel was great, very nice, and calm.

Adventure is an accurate description of this day! Set in the tropical outdoor beauty that only Florida can offer, this experience was one for the bucket list. The set up seamless. The employees direct every step for you so there's no need for concern with details that interfere with your fun. We suited up in the wet suits watched a short 9 minute video that schooled us on the do's and do not's of the adventure. Most important near and dear to my heart was the emphasis on respect and conservation of these magnificent animals and the environment in which they live. RESPECT was important to this group. You are instructed to freeze if a manatee swims in your area or even brushes you. There is no alarm since these docile creatures will not show any aggression. I was however a little startled when one came up beside me looking back at me with the same curious eyes I was giving him. Bring your children too!!!! There were lots of little ones there A great family activity!!! Morgan was our guide. This young lady was beautiful smart and in tune with nature. She truly had love in her heart for these wonderful works of God. She shares with us that part of the proceeds from sales are donated to various local causes for the manatee. She advised $50k had been donated last year for a 'Manbulance'. Amazing adventure beautiful setting and happy to be a part of financially helping these marvelous animals. Put this on your list! You will not regret it!!! I gladly give 5 stars!!!

Epic adventure!!! Such a memorable encounter with all these manatees wow! And Captains Dustin and John couldn't have done a more fantastic job! I was especially impressed with how they went above and beyond to make sure the manatees were safe and comfortable while still being able to give us such an amazing experience! Captain Dustin is a manatee conservationist - which I found very impressive - love how they protect these wonderful creatures! Making reservations online was very straightforward and easy. The office and launch point for the manatee trips is located in the grounds of the Plantation Inn on Crystal River - and since we booked a morning trip, we stayed at the hotel there and it made it so convenient! We just got up and walked over to their office/dock! But there's plenty of parking if you're not staying at the hotel. They easily found our reservation in their system and got us all set up. Since it was winter, they gave us wetsuits and we had our own water shoes. Captain Dustin took one look at us and gave us the correct size wetsuits on the first try haha!! He has a great eye lol! He also helped us put them on properly which was so helpful bc those things are hard to get into. We watched the safety video and learned about the rules we needed to follow to keep the manatees safe and happy. And then we got to hop onto our boat for the day woohoo!! A very comfortable pontoon with plenty of room for everyone. They provide the snorkel gear and even had prescription goggles for those with glasses - near and far sighted!! Above and beyond service!! Our fabulous captains kept us entertained in and out of the water - good laughs and great fun! Everyone in our small group got to have a personalized experience thanks to John and Dustin! They drove us all over the Crystal River to make sure we had maximum manatee exposure! We swam with so many gentle giants - what a day! Be prepared to get up close - bc the manatees aren't scared and they are quite curious! And apparently they love to chew on wetsuit strings and hair to "floss their teeth" haha! They're so gentle though - even though they're huge creatures, it's not scary at all. Such sweet beasts honestly! Absolutely adore them! And if you're not the strongest swimmer, don't worry - the wetsuits are super buoyant and the captains also have noodles to help. I brought my own GoPro but Captain Dustin also had his and did a fantastic job of grabbing photos and video as well! And you have the opportunity to buy a flash drive with ALL the footage from your trip afterwards and it's a very reasonable price - totally worth it! When our time in the water was up, the captains handed us large, soft towels and they even had hot drinks waiting for us!! We had a choice of hot cocoa, coffee, or a "manatee mocha" which was half cocoa half coffee lol...what a perfect end to a perfect adventure! I'd do it again in a heartbeat- such an amazing adventure!! Can't wait to come back and do it again! Huge thank you to Dustin and John for the incredible journey!

Best manatee experience around. The customer service and guide experience far surpasses any other adventure company in the area. John & Leon were the best guides possible. Everyone got ample time to see manatees. We never felt rushed. Price was right. Bathrooms on site. Drinks & sunscreen available for purchase. Merch too. Wetsuits were top notch & absolutely worth it. The entire experience was phenomenal. John went above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe, felt comfortable and was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. Our guides knew exactly where the manatees were and their knowledge made our experience incredible. Anyone can do this- from the super experienced to the brand new adventurer. 10/10 stars!

Did the manatee boat tours with them and would highly recommend. The guides are great, very patient and informative. My group wasn't a large one was it was a very one on one experience with the manatees. Love the respect for them that they showed also. Great experience

Michelle & Cory were great tour guides! Lot's of fun. The water was a bit murky, and we expected to see more manatees. The USB with photos and videos didn't have everyone - so wasn't worth the extra $$$ for the photography. Regardless, it was nice day in the water.

Went swimming with manatees and it was a perfect experience. I have anxiety and was worried about feeling trapped out there but the boat ride was short and I was kept busy. Ryan was great at getting us to stay together and had a very calm voice when giving instructions. I'm not used to snorkel breathing so there were some moments I was freaked out.

This was my first time going on a manatee tour. Captain Mark and Dive Master Ryan were a dream team! 5/5 stars! I booked the semi-private tour for the second trip of the morning. They were very thorough in instructing guests how to safely view the manatees without being disruptive. They found several areas with excellent viewing opportunities and we even had time to go for a swim in the crystal clear springs area. Mark and Ryan made the trip really fun! I absolutely plan to book another trip on my next visit.

Our nonprofit organization, Children's Dream Adventures, recently sent a foster family on a vacation, and swimming with the manatees was one of the activities that they participated in. We would like to give Paul and his staff a huge thank you! We booked the family on a private tour and the Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River Resort gave us a huge discount! The family had an amazing time and highly recommends The Adventure Center at Plantation on Crystal River, as do I !!!

Amazing!!! So enjoyed our adventure on the river and a big Thanks to Captain Morgan and Mark for that experience. They are both very knowledgeable and passionate about these incredible gentle giants. We ventured out early early morning and it was so worth it. We were surrounded by so many Manatees and it was an experience I will never forget. During our trip, Captain Morgan was engaged in rescuing a Manatee that was in distress. She was able to save the Manatee and care for it. This trip did not disappoint and looking forward to going again.

Love this place! First time ever renting pontoon boat there, but was easy, great experience. Really helpful. Brand new boat. Had a great day on the water. It's a great place stay, hang by pool also. We'll be back.

Captains Ross and Mike were amazing. They are very experienced and did a great job showing us the manatees. They are very patient and answered all of our questions. I would highly recommend this company and crew.

What an amazing experience! Captain Morgan is literally a manatee whisperer. She had them all coming up to her, and as a result, our group of 6 on the boat got plenty of up close encounters with these lovely creatures! Yay! Thank you to Captain Morgan and Captain Christian for our fabulous morning in the water.

We did the Swim with Manatees Adventure here and loved every minute. While it's true that the success of this excursion depends on how compliant the other members in your group are with the rules, Jake did a good job reminding and enforcing good behavior so as not to disturb the manatees. We got lucky and swam with a pod of 5-6 manatees. After this, they took us to 3 sisters spring which I found absolutely magical. That was a bonus I was not expecting. On the boat ride back, we were offered coffee or hot chocolate, which was nice. I would certainly return to swim with the manatees again.

Came down to crystal river for some mantee seeing during our spring break and we're glad we choose plantation adventure center. Dustin and Dan were great tour guides. Dan with his knowledge and love for the mantees and Dustin being our ride or die captain of the boat. We had blast. Great hot mantee mocha too.

Captain Loupy and Jessica kept our group laughing and entertained on the one hour pontoon boat ride we did in February 2021. We didn't see any manatees due to the warm gulf water that day, but had a great tour of the area. I just wish they had their facts about the large house straight - no, it's not John Travolta's home. It's a wonderful wealthy couple who donates time and money to Crystal River's charities. Also didn't mention anything about local boy who did well as a MLB pitcher, so I took a star away. Nice tour worth the price.

One of the best adventures that I have ever had... Ever! The guys running the tour were outstanding And they completely delivered on all the promises. We got up and close to a number of manatees and they actually nudged us, came up underneath us and fulfilled a bucket list goal!!! If you ever get the chance to do this, drop everything and go do it!!!!

Did a manatee snorkel tour with John & Dave. Everything was really nice. The guys were great. So knowledgeable and really aimed to give the most out of the tour. We were given wetsuits before leaving. It was a cold morning so thankful to have these. The boat had an enclosure so we were not exposed to the elements on the chilly morning. They took us to Kings Bay and made sure there were not too many other tourists present before having us get into the water. We were given snorkels and masks and helped into the water. John accounted for us the entire time we were in the water. Every so often he would pull you into the right direction as the tide/current has you moving all over the place. We were in the water for a couple hours. John took many underwater pictures and videos which you could purchase at the end. We saw so many manatees and it was cool how they came right up to you and weren't afraid to push past you. There were several times where we were face to face. It was an excellent experience. After exiting the water, we were offered towels and hot chocolate or coffee. I will definitely return to do this again.

Fantastic and easy! We took our 5 year old son for the 6:45 AM guided manatee tour. Capt. Mark Denver was very knowledgeable about the history of the bay and recent eco clean up efforts. Capt. Cory Bronson helped our group find a sweet mama manatee and her babies! He also captured some amazing pics! If you are on the fence, go for it!

An awesome experience with tour guides who genuinely care about both protecting the manatees and making sure you have a great time. I had a wonderful time doing the manatee tour. It was both informative and fun!

Such an incredible morning with Captain Misty and Captain Laura! We saw so many manatees and a cute baby one that was nibbling on everyone and giving us kisses! It followed us all the way back to the boat! So cute! Then we went to Three Sisters Springs, which was so beautiful with the most clear water! Spotted a baby and mom manatee there! This excursion was worth every penny and we are so glad we went with Plantation Adventure Center. The extra thick wet suits and the hot chocolate on the boat were an added perk we appreciated! Also, Misty took a ton of great photos with her GoPro and the $42 flash drive was totally worth it to preserve this fun memory! Highly recommend this tour!

Cory and Christian were awesome! We have never done anything like this before so we were somewhat nervous. But the leaders were great and made us feel very comfortable. I felt very confident in their experience and awareness in/on the water. It was absolutely wild getting into the water with WILD ANIMALS but we were able to get used to it pretty quickly and we just had a great time. I also want to add that we are both overweight (2XL M AND 3XL F) and not super active people usually and we're a little worried that could cause problems, but we got into the wet suits very easily and did not struggle getting on/off the boat and in/out of the water. We will definitely be back!

This is an excellent tour company. The boat was very stable at sea and the crew was absolutely fantastic.

So I was kayaking as one does in crystal river near kings spring. When a women with a northern accent started yelling "Hey, kayakers " multiple times, then proceeded to yell at us "you're to close to the buoys, which have the text (CLOSED nov 15-march 31), she said "you cant go in those." We were 10-15 feet away both kayak's headed directly to the public vessel owned by the state that had manatee information. She was extremely unprofessional and it came off unsettling to be yelled at by a stranger when we were trying to respectfully enjoy nature. We shrugged it off as a rude busy body, we then watch her get in the water swim towards another boat and proceeded to yell back and forth to her boat. A big rule of manatee engagement is to be quite and no yelling, manatees are skittish and it scares them when loud noises happen. I really hope she gets a new training regimen as it was a terrible and unsettling encounter today. We met another boat, who was polite and informative they didn't give off any bad vibes.

Whether a Florida native or visitor, Plantation Adventure Center hosts a variety of activities that create lifelong memories. Whether renting your own pontoon, participating in a group excursion, or a sunset cruise, PAC offers something for every interest and group size. Today in our group excursion, there were participants from Sweden, Michigan, and other parts of the US. I have been a customer for over a decade and have yet to experience anything less than excellence. Prices are competitive to the competition (though PAC has the highest quality wetsuits, equipment, boats, etc). Great shop with a variety of boating necessities and novelty products. Staff enjoys what they do and it shows! Great website that explains what adventures are offered. Make the most of your life, create that special memory!

I had such an AMAZING time with Captain Misty and Steve! I went out on the 7am tour. It was early but this is the recommended time if you want to see the most manatee. I arrived at 6:45am and it was 32 degrees out! Don't freak out! You get a wet suit and the water is so so so warm (72 degrees on the day I was there). We watched a quick video and boarded the boat. Our group was 10 people; I think the max number they take out per session is 14. The ride was about 10 minutes out to the spring. We were given snorkels and a noodle (if you wanted one) and one-by-one got into the water. There were manatees everywhere from the moment we anchored the boat. I was very nervous at first since they bumped into and surrounded you! Misty had a GoPro and took videos and pictures during the tour. You are also allowed to bring your own. We stayed in the water for about 1.5 hours. When we got out, Captain Steve had towels and made us hot chocolate/coffee for us. It was much colder coming out of the water than it was going in. When we got back to the dive shop, Misty put the videos and pictures on a small TV. We were able to purchase a flash drive for $42 if you wanted to bring them home. We were able to change and dry off in the bathrooms. Showers and lockers were also available. I would highly recommend this experience and company! The crew was very experienced and made sure that we had a great time! You won't regret it!

I absolutely recommend doing the snorkeling with manatees activity! Spent lots of time in the water, and Eric and Tim were very informative! Super helpful with getting acclimated to the manatees and overall this was one of the best adventures of my life!! Thank you, Eric and Tim for helping me achieve one of my biggest dreams!

Love love love this team!! Captain John and Dustin are US Coast Guard master dive instructors and made this adventure a day to remember for life! The warm suits kept us dry and floating making the trip so comfortable! They literally take you by the hand to see these magnificent sea giants while respecting their natural habitat and their privacy. However, it's obvious that several of the manatees know and love Captain John and came up and hugged him and wouldn't leave his side! Young and old they make this trip fantastic for everyone making sure you have plenty of time to experience this once in a lifetime experience. The hot chocolate, towels and video afterward top it all off and makes it extra special!! It's refreshing to have individuals in the customer service space go over and above. Thank you for an awesome day!!

We would recommend. The boat was enclosed with plastic, which made it much warmer. They also gave us parkas to wear after coming out of water, which was a nice touch. Captain Kip & Misty were awesome. Only downside was we were hoping for more pictures of us. The entire group was only four and we only got a handful of our two. Kind of expected more for being out there for a couple hours.

We did the Manatee Tour and it was nothing short of AMAZING!!! I'm a single mom of 2. My oldest is high functioning autistic (15) and my son is 7. Our tour guides were great!! I cannot express enough how attentive they were!! I cannot remember all of their names but they were all so wonderful! One of our tour guides Jake made sure that everyone had their own personal encounters with the manatees ( no you cannot touch them) but we each had such an amazing experience. I had my 7 year old on my back for part of the time and made sure we each had a wonderful experience ( slightly hard with a child on your back; but worth it as he still saw manatees.) After being my own sea cow with a child on her back:; ( I will add floating him on my back was our choice not the guides. Just a recommendation). After that I was able to explore on with him having a nice hot chocolate on the boat. My daughter (autistic 15 years old) got in was like " nope" but they made her so comfortable that she got in and explored the water and she had a wonderful experience!! They took amazing videos and pictures. I will definitely be back!!! I will be recommending Jake amd his crew as my tour guide he was so wonderful at making sure everyone in our group had such a wonderful experience!! I literally can't wait to come back!!! Next time I will be doing a scallop dive ( I won't bring the littles. Momma needs a break.) But if you want something awesome!!! This is it!!! I literally have nothing bad to say about this experience it was absolutely wonderful can't wait to come back!!

Amazing! Made our trip worthwhile. Scalloping with Captain Dustin and AJ, took the water tour, and rented paddle boards. I highly recommend the adventure Center. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel ( I don't recommend the hotel).

Captain Loupy & Mermaid Jessica were amazing! Because the gulf temps warmed up we were told there could have been less manatees in the springs, but that did not stop us from seeing these magnificent creatures. We went to Three Sisters Springs and luckily the spring had just opened so we were the first to go through! It was amazing! The water was crystal clear in the beginning but got more murky as swimmers kicked up debris. After seeing the other pontoon and tours we were so glad to have chose Plantation Adventure Center. The 5 mm wetsuit allows you to float without a noodle. Hope to return again one day!

We had an amazing time with Captain Loopey and Jessica. They love the animals and were really helpful and informative. Did I mention fun too? One of the best things I've ever done. Also would recommend a private tour.

Such an amazing experience. Captain John and Captain Ross made the trip so incredible. Went on an afternoon tour and saw plenty of manatees. Was able to get extremely close to them multiple times. Captain John also took video and photos of everyone in the water. Highly recommend this tour!

Swimming with manatees was definitely the best decision I've ever made in my life, and I'm so glad I did it here. Captains Lance and Memphis were wonderful, and the whole experience was great, from our extra thick wetsuits that helped with buoyancy, to the great pictures and videos that Captain Lance captured on his GoPro. After seeing other groups with tons of people, thin suits & noodles (which just make you splash around and scare manatees away), I was so grateful I picked the Adventure Center. I was warm in my suit even in the early morning. They split us into two smaller groups so we each got ample time with manatees and it wasn't super claustrophobic being in a huge group. They prep you with rules for manatee interaction (basically, don't be a jerk). Lance had lots of great tips for how to encourage manatee interaction (hint: be like a manatee and stay still!) and would bring us face to face with willing manatees if there was one nearby that wanted to interact. He also told us lots of facts about manatees and other fish in the environment. Once you were still, these wonderful playful animals would come up to you, rub against you, try to eat your hair, and hug you. It was the best. It helped that we went on a cold day, since there were lots of them resting in the springs. So if possible, go in chillier weather! Overall I highly recommend this experience and crew. I hope to return to do it again someday!

We came to Crystal River specifically to swim with the manatees. We were also staying at the Plantation Inn, which does offer packages. We were there mid July 2017. If you are staying at the Plantation Inn, you can't beat the convenience and location of this dive shop, which is right next to the inn and also on the water. So the manatee watching experience was pretty good. We were on the first trip of the day. It was a nice ride out to the viewing area, which turned out to be in the waterways/canals behind the homes on Crystal River. After the captain scoped out the scene with the other boat captains, i.e. where the manatees have been sighted, we moved in to our place in line and got into the water. I'd say they were at least 6 other boats vying for prime viewing spots. All the boats and crews did a good job of keeping things from getting chaotic, and our crew was no exception. Not only did we swim with manatee, but we got up close and personal with a baby manatee. The baby was the size of a large adult hog. The adult manatees, quite a bit larger. Very peaceful and docile. One thing I noticed, is that many other groups were swimming with noodles. I asked about why we were not using them, and it was because the wet suits used at Plantation are a thicker variety, and the extra flotation is not required. So that's a plus for a warmer experience, as the spring fed river water can be chilly... But if you want to swim down in that thicker wet suit, well you better have good lungs and a better kick. On the way back we stopped for a swim at Hunter Spring. It was a nice stop, as were had more room to move around. In the canals it was rather cramped, but this was quite nice. Oh, and can be an observer on the boat, if you are not one for the water. It's still going to cost you something, but not as much as the swim with the manatee experience (since you won't be needing the wet suit, mask and snorkel). Which reminds me, no fins as they really kick up the sediment which would make viewing a drag. Even without the fins, the soft bottom get stirred up quite a bit at times. The dive shop itself is on the small side, but seems to have all the essentials, and few non-essentials (manatee plush toys, t-shirt, etc.) too. Bottom line: My bottom line is going to a pro tip, which will come as no surprise to anyone living in this area. You can easily do you own manatee viewing, and save a bit of money. There are many public areas to access the water, either with kayak, inner tube, or even stand-up paddle board. Now there are best times of the year for this, so do your research. If we were to return to the area, we'd Airbnd a place to stay, maybe a place with SUPs and/or tubes, and enjoy the area on our own. PS. I see all the other 5 star reviews, but I don't think I have enough to go on to say that it's "As good as it gets." I don't know what other tours might offer, and I have no cost data. That being said, we have no complaints about the experience. As mentioned, if your staying at the inn, you can't beat the location.

PERFECT DAY! Swimming with manatees has been on my bucket-list for 10 years. I lucked out by choosing Plantation Adventure Center. First of all, you can't find a nicer group of folks. I talked with Henri, the owner prior to booking a 7am (yes, early but totally worth getting up before sunrise!). From the moment I stepped in the shop, all staff were friendly and helpful. Wetsuits came in all sizes and they tell you that their suits are the thickest out of all the outfitters for two reasons -to stay warm and for buoyancy. I have been in many a wetsuit and theirs was very comfy. All equipment is cleaned which is evidenced at the end of our trip when they are soaked in a big tub and hung to dry. There was a very informative video everyone watches - what not to do when snorkeling with manatees. This was excellent. I stayed at the resort so the walk to the Adventure Center was an easy peasy 3 minutes from my room. Captain Mark gave a safety briefing before we embarked. The boat was clean and in good shape. We were the first boat to arrive and there were plenty of manatees to see. Dustin Molina, our divemaster, photographer, manatee and conservationist was on the ball, making sure everyone was comfortable in the water, taking photos and making sure his 10 snorkelers all got an up close and personal to see manatees. Everyone in our group was very respectful. This is an important statement. Snorkelers from other outfitters were not - and it was a bit distressing and unfortunate to see another snorkeler from a different group than ours poke and touch a manatee which is forbidden and fineable. If conservation and protection of wildlife is important to you - go with Plantation Adventure Center. While I was in the water, my friend who had come along but didn't want to snorkel said that Captain Mark was super friendly, pointing out things and sharing recommendations on restaurants. Back on the boat, there were towels to dry off and "Manatee Mochas" waiting for us - a mix of hot chocolate and coffee which really hit the spot. It was great to see the joy on everyones face when they came back on the boat. I would recommend the photo package which is only $41 for a thumb drive with pictures and videos. I traveled from cold Upstate NY to Crystal River specifically for this experience. Totally 110% recommend.

I decided to swim with the Manatees for my birthday this year. I am super excited that I chose to go with Plantation Adventure Center at Crystal River, for my experience! Captain Dallas was an AMAZING guide! He was very knowledgeable, funny & patient. He also made sure that everyone had a chance to see the animals, in a safe/close distance, and continually asked if he missed anybody on seeing the animals. He really was making sure everyone had a great experience! Captain Memphis was our driver, he was friendly and drove the boat smoothly. They were a great team to be with on this trip. I am not a great swimmer but, with help of our wet suits & I used a pool noodle, I was able to float comfortably and really enjoy this experience. I didn't feel rushed and I am so glad I got to do this. I would definitely do this tour again! It was awesome!

It's a hard decision deciding what company to pick when researching crystal river. Here's why you should go with plantation.. 1. The thicker wet suits allow you to float so you don't have to deal with a noodle + stay warm. 100% worth it!! (Goggles and snorkel also provided) 2. 3 hrs long 3. Free parking 4. Towels/hot chocolate/coffee on board. 5. Passionate staff that are serious about protecting the manatees and teaching about them. (Thanks Cptn Loupy and Jessica) 6. Boat has side covers which makes it slightly more enjoyable on a colder day. 7. Only 11 people on the boat 8. One tour guide goes in the water and takes go pro footage for purchase after tour if you don't have one. 9. Easy online booking. (Some confusion: Besides the private tour, the others are the same even though they are named different numbers. It's so they can tell them apart).

Had a great boat tour today with captains Christian and Dustin. Very safe and informative tour. We saw 5 manatees on off season ! Would definitely recommend:))

This was soooooo dope! We had a party of 7 and came 30 min late and the service was NOT affected at all! The staff was SUPER friendly AND the experience was Mark & John were OG's. Highly recommend coming here and going on a manatee tour. Ask for the GOAT of manatee tours and they should put you with those two. Thanks soooo much

Courtney was our in-water guide with the manatees this morning. She absolutely deserves a six star rating. She was knowledgeable about the manatee and coached us on how to be still so that the manatee would approach. By remaining still, there were manatee approaching us from every direction. It was fantastic. She was superb.

Had the beat experience with our guides Dustin and Memphis. Our kids go to swim up close and personal with several manatee. Dustin and Memphis both were outstanding guides. We will be back next year to use Plantation again.

What an awesome experience! Dustin and Steve really took care of us. We were practically best friends by the end!! Captain Steve took us right to the site and Dustin knew exactly where to look. Their wetsuits are top notch compared to the others we saw... the other competitors have 3mm wetsuits (unlike the 5mm that we were wearing) and require that you use a pool noodle to help you stay afloat. We went during the off season and still saw several manatees. They're very good at locating them for you. Dustin will guide to you be as close as possible to them (without harming them) and gets GREAT photos that you can purchase at the end. Bonus that we got to go to the 3 sisters spring where the water was crystal clear. So so so pretty. Worth every penny. We will be back with more people! Thanks again to Dustin and Steve!!!

We did the sunset cruise. Amazing price, beautiful scenery, good length tour, captains very nice. It was a bit too cloudy to see the sunset, but still a very relaxing boat ride. Saw a few manatees and dolphins. Captains pointed out a few things and let us know if there was wildlife to see but mostly just played music and cruised, answering peoples questions individually if they had any. I plan to do it again when I'm in the area.

We took a semi-private manatee tour on on a Saturday at 9:45am with captains Lance and Memphis. When we checked in at the dive shop, we were able to get our wetsuits, and watched an informational video that detailed staying calm and not pursuing the manatees. There are also marked zones where you cannot explore in the water, as they are manatee sanctuaries where you cannot enter so you don't disturb the resting manatees. It wound up being a private tour (for the four in our party) because the other two spaces were not filled. I would definitely recommend paying a little more for the semi-private or private tours. We really got personalized attention that made a huge difference in the quality of the experience. Lance and Memphis were awesome, taking time to review information about the local environment as well as what to expect when we got in the water on our trip to the site. These details were very helpful in relieving any anxieties the group had. I was pleased with the extra thickness of the wetsuits and the quality of the masks and snorkels. The wetsuits make you naturally buoyant and my mask did not leak, as I have experienced in other snorkel trips in the past. They had solution on the boat to spray in the masks to prevent them from fogging up. Lance also took time to orient each member of our group to the equipment in the water when we first got in. This was especially helpful, as one member of our group did not have much experience and was a little uncomfortable at first with snorkeling. We visited two sites on our trip. The first was Kings Bay. There were a few other boats there, but it was not overly crowded with people when we arrived. We were lucky to have an AMAZING manatee experience here. It seemed one of the manatees was familiar with Lance, and she spent a significant amount of time exploring him when we arrived. Lance pulled each one of us closer for an individualized experience. The friendly manatee kept rubbing against my daughter and nibbled on her wetsuit zipper. The manatee then came face to face with me, touching my nose. She was fascinated with my long blonde hair. She put it in her mouth and pulled on it. I couldn't believe how close she allowed us to be. It was such an incredible experience. Lance had his go pro camera and was filming and taking pictures the entire time. He got some spectacular footage. We also saw several other manatees passing, as well as a huge tarpon swimming by. My daughter was a little cold at the end of the experience, but they had thick over-wetsuit coats on board and hot chocolate, so she warmed right up on the way to our next stop, Three Sisters Springs. This was also a cool experience. We did not have the close, 1 to 1 interaction at this site, but the swim through the channel to the springs was pretty. The water was super clear, and we got to see several manatees swimming under us on their way through the channel. Then we had time to explore the three different springs and see the manatees resting there. Both parts of the trip were remarkable and we felt very lucky to have had these experiences. When we got back to the marina, we took a hot shower in the facilities there, and were able to use the towels from the boat. They take your wet suits and towels and put them in bins on the dock to clean before you go back into the drive shop at the end to review your pictures and videos. One thing to note is that you will need to bring some kind of shampoo/conditioner if you want to take a shower there. We decided to purchase the video and photo content from them because the clarity and quality of the content was remarkable. It was $40 to purchase the contents and they put them onto a cute manatee thumb drive for you. One of the members of our group also had his own waterproof camera, which he was allowed to take with him when we were in the water. Overall, I cannot say enough positive things about this trip. Lance and Memphis made us feel immediately at home and took care of everything we needed. I would definitely do this again in a heartbeat. We now have memories to last for a lifetime! And even the teenagers were happy. :)

Wanted to swim with the manatee, signed up for the semi-private tour, got suited up and that's when my life changed forever. Let me tell you... man, oh man... I think I must have been a manatee in another life because I felt right at home with them. Well, after my initial shock at the size of them which gave me a bit of a fright. Definitely worth a snorkel in the river. Captain Mike and Captain Ed were great guides!