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 During
the winter months, December through March, Crystal River boasts the largest manatee
population and is the only place in the world that you can swim with the manatees. Many people
come here to snorkel because of the large manatee population that migrate up into the warm natural spring fed waters
that remain a constant 72 degrees all year round. Yes, 72 degrees year round, so you will want to bring your wetsuit.
Crystal River Manatee tours are a great experience for the whole family. Come and play with the manatee it is a great time
whether you sit on the boat and watch, or get in the water and snorkel with them. It will be a memory you will cherish the
rest of you days here on earth.
 Manatees are one of natures most fascinating creatures. Gentle for their
size they love to have contact with humans. While swimming with these gentle giants is prohibited almost everywhere else,
at Crystal River, Florida humans and manatees can have a relationship that few attractions in the world can offer. In Crystal
River you will have the chance to get in the water and spend time with these animals on a personal level. When you first
arrive you will be shown a video of what you may and may not do with the manatee. This way there is no surprises after you
get in the water and are having fun with them. Just remember they are wild animals and you are not allowed to keep them from
eating or their natural behavior. If they want to interact with you, and they will, they will come and tell to get over here
and pet me and play with me I am bored. They do love to play with people. If you don't think so now, ask yourself after you
get out of the water, did you play with them or did they play with you?
 Manatees love cameras, so if you are going to be around them make sure that you have one on hand as they love to roll and
play for the picture. Many people who have taken a manatee tour will agree that the pictures you will get of the manatee
are worth it. We offer several types of manatee tours, including morning tours, private tours and large group tours (maximum 16 people).
 Dive Operator:
We will be diving with
Crystal Lodge Dive Center on their
specially designed snorkeling pontoon boats. The minimum group size is 4 and the maximum group size is 16. Space fills up fast so
contact us or
sign-up online so we can reserve space
on the boat.
Location:
Crystal River, FL is located on the West coast (gulf side) of Florida approximately
2 hours (100 miles) Northwest of Orlando.
Click here to
download printable driving directions to Crystal River, FL.
Trip Dates:
This dive charter is offered from December through March. See our
Dive Calendar or our
Travel Page
for our next dive trip. If you do not see a manatees trip scheduled, please contact us and we will setup a trip for you.
 Lodging:
There are several motels in the area to choose from. We can reserve you one night of lodging (double occupancy) at the
Best Western Crystal River Resort
at your request. We have stayed here on several occasions and the accommodations were comfortable. If you would like to make your own reservations you can call the
hotel direct at (800) 435-4409 or (352) 795-3171. Mention you are a scuba diver to receive special
discounted diver's rates. The mailing address is:
614 Northwest Highway 19
Crystal River, FL 34428
Newly Renovated Guest Rooms- Less than 5 Minutes Charter Boats
- Boat/Trailer Parking
- Outdoor Pool
- Complimentary Continental Breakfast
- Late Check-Out
- 2 Queen Beds Per Room
- Micro-fridges, Hair Dryers, Iron & Ironing Board
- High Speed Internet
- FREE Local Calls Under 30 Minutes
- FREE Long Distance Access
- High Speed Internet Access
Breakfast:
Breakfast will NOT be provided. The hotel offers a
continental breakfast or you are free to find something on your own.
Lunch:
Lunch will NOT be provided. However, if people
would like to relax and visit and reminisce about the activities enjoyed during the day before heading home, we could all meet at the restaurant next door
to the dive lodge. The restaurant offers outdoor dinning, nice music, great atmosphere, and is beach side.
Dinner:
Dinner will NOT be provided. However, if people
would like to relax and visit and reminisce about the activities enjoyed during the day before heading home, we could all meet at the restaurant next door
to the dive lodge. The restaurant offers outdoor dinning, nice music, great atmosphere, and is beach side.
Trip Costs:
Reminder, the minimum group size is 4 and the maximum group size is 16. You should arrive about
1/2 hour before dive time and unload your personal gear and complete release forms and watch a short required video on the protection of manatees.
Save 10% ($5) if you sign-up for both the morning and afternoon
snorkel tours. On all dives there will be complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks for your convenience. The prices below DO NOT
include weights or personal dive equipment. If necessary, we can arrange equipment rental for you. However, we need to know what equipment you need to
rent at the time of your reservation.
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Snorkel Trips
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Depart
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Arrive
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Morning Tour
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8:30 AM
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11:30 AM
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Afternoon Tour
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1:30 PM
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4:30 PM
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$25.00 per person per trip
• 2-3 Hour Snorkel Tour
• Bottled Water
• Soft Drinks
• Snacks
• Ice Chest and Ice
Optional (Add) per person per day
• $69.00 - 1 Night at Best Western (Double Occupancy)
• $129.00 - 1 Night at Best Western (Single Occupancy)
Optional Rental Gear (Add) per person per day
• $10.00 - Mask & Snorkel
• $15.00 - Wetsuit
• $10.00 - Fins
Optional (Subtract) per person per day
• $5.00 - Morning and Afternoon Trips
Deposit:
A 25% deposit of your total package (hotel, snorkel tours, rental gear) is required at the time of booking.
All hotel accommodations and snorkel tours must be paid in full 15 days prior to trip date.
Forms Required:
Everyone will need to complete the
Liability Release for Boat or
Excursion form prior to entering the water.
Materials/Equipment Required:
You will need to provide the following or make arrangements for:
- Personal Dive Equip -
Mask, Snorkel, Fins, Booties, Wetsuit
- Personal Items -
Jacket, Towel, Sunscreen, and Sunglasses
Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations notifications are required prior to departure date of the dive trip.
- 2 or 3 Tank Boat Trips - 48 hour cancellation notice required for full refund
- Dive Trips with Lodging - 72 hour cancellation notice required for full refund
- International Trips - 70 day cancellation notice required for full refund minus the un-refundable
deposit. Less than 70 day cancellation notice will be 50% refund minus the un-refundable deposit unless we fill the spot with another person.
Space is limited and based upon availability. Prices may change without notice.
How To Sign-Up:
Space fills up fast so call us at (407) 658-4797 or
contact us by email or
sign-up online so we can reserve space
on the dive trip.
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For more information, please call us at
(407) 658-4797 or
email us at
or
click here
to request
additional information or
sign-up online
for a class or dive trip.
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