Manatee Snorkel Tour From American Pro Diving Center

The American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, Florida, offers an enthralling manatee snorkel tour that immerses visitors in the gentle giants’ natural habitat. Led by experienced guides, this small-group excursion provides an up-close encounter with these captivating marine mammals. From personalized attention to top-notch gear, the tour ensures a safe and enriching experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer, the manatee snorkel tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe of these remarkable creatures.

Key Points

• American Pro Diving Center offers a small group Manatee Snorkel Tour in Crystal River, USA, providing personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.
• All necessary snorkeling equipment, including wetsuits, is provided, along with complimentary beverages like hot chocolate in winter.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, and wetsuits are available for toddlers to adults, ensuring inclusivity.
• Customers praise the professionalism and engaging nature of the guides, describing the manatee encounter as a must-do activity.
• Flexible booking options with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview and Experience

The Manatee Snorkel Tour from the American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, USA, offers an immersive educational experience to observe these gentle marine mammals in their natural habitat.

Suitable for all ages, the small group tour ensures personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. Participants can choose to snorkel or stay aboard, with all necessary equipment provided.

The tour operates year-round, with hot chocolate offered in the winter months. Reviewers praise the professionalism of the staff and the memorable manatee encounters, though some note variable water conditions and crowding.

Inclusions and Equipment

To ensure a comfortable and well-equipped manatee snorkeling experience, the tour provides all the necessary gear. This includes masks, fins, snorkel sets, and wetsuits in a range of sizes to fit toddlers through adults.

Complimentary beverages, such as hot chocolate in the winter, are also available. The tours are led by professional in-water guides and US Coast Guard-certified captains who ensure the safety and enrichment of the experience.

While gratuities, food, drinks, and photo packages are available for purchase, the $5 marina parking fee isn’t included in the tour price.

Meeting and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Manatee Snorkel Tour is 821 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Strollers are allowed, and wetsuits are available for all sizes from toddlers to adults.

Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the tour time and wear their swimsuit under their clothes for quicker check-in.

The small group size ensures personalized attention from the guides, creating a memorable and accessible experience for all.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

With the accessible and inclusive nature of the tour established, it’s worthwhile to examine the customer feedback and experiences reported by previous participants.

According to the reviews, the tour has received an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 174 reviews. Travelers have consistently praised the professionalism and engaging nature of the guides, who enhance the educational aspect of the experience.

While some have encountered variable water conditions and occasional overcrowding, the majority have highlighted the tour as a memorable and exceptional customer service experience.

The reviews suggest the manatee encounter is a must-do activity for visitors to Crystal River.

Booking Information

Prices for the Manatee Snorkel Tour start from £52.35 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, providing flexibility. The tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing participants to adjust their plans if needed.

To maintain a small group atmosphere, the tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers.

With these booking options, guests can easily secure their spot on this exceptional manatee snorkeling adventure from the American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River, Florida.

Preparing for the Manatee Snorkel Tour

To prepare for the Manatee Snorkel Tour, guests should arrive at the meeting point, 821 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, USA, at least 30 minutes before the scheduled tour time.

This allows for quicker check-in, as guests should arrive with their swimsuit already on under their clothes.

The tour provides the following gear:

1. Mask
2. Fins
3. Snorkel

Wetsuits are available in all sizes, from toddlers to adults.

Non-swimmers can choose to stay on board the boat.

Guests should be prepared for a memorable, educational adventure observing Florida manatees in their natural habitat.

What to Expect During the Tour

Once guests have arrived and checked in, they’ll be outfitted with the provided snorkel gear, including a mask, fins, and snorkel.

Guides will provide a safety briefing and instructions on proper snorkeling techniques. Guests will then board the boat and head out to the manatee viewing area.

Once there, the guides will lead guests into the water, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe. Guests can expect to see manatees swimming gracefully in their natural habitat, sometimes even approaching the snorkelers.

After the tour, guests will return to the meeting point, where they can purchase photos and souvenirs if desired.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Although the tour provides all necessary equipment, guests may want to consider bringing their own waterproof camera or GoPro to capture their manatee encounters.

While the guides are knowledgeable, guests can enhance their experience by:

1. Arriving early to ensure a spot on the boat and ample time to get suited up.
2. Packing a small dry bag with any personal items, snacks, or water.
3. Dressing in layers, as the boat can be cool, especially in the winter months.

With these additional considerations, guests can make the most of their manatee snorkel adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to See Manatees?

The best time to see manatees is year-round, as they inhabit the warm waters of Florida. However, the peak season is typically during the colder winter months when they seek out the warmer springs and canals for refuge.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkel Gear?

Guests can’t bring their own snorkel gear for the tour. All necessary equipment, including mask, fins, and wetsuit, is provided by the tour operator to ensure proper fit and safety. This allows for a seamless and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

How Deep Is the Water During the Tour?

The water depth during the tour typically ranges from 3 to 8 feet, allowing easy access for swimmers of all skill levels. The guides ensure participants’ safety and comfort throughout the snorkeling experience.

Are There Any Age or Health Restrictions?

The tour is suitable for all ages, with wetsuits available in sizes from toddlers to adults. Infants must sit on laps, and the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive experience for travelers of varying abilities.

Can I Take Underwater Photos During the Tour?

Guests can bring their own underwater cameras to capture photos during the tour. The tour provides all the necessary snorkel gear, ensuring guests can easily take photos of the manatees in their natural habitat.

The Sum Up

The Manatee Snorkel Tour from American Pro Diving Center offers an unforgettable opportunity to get up close with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With knowledgeable guides, top-notch equipment, and a focus on safety and enrichment, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Crystal River. Prepare to be amazed as you snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures in their serene, natural environment.