Guided Private Manatee Snorkeling Tour, Photo Package Included

Had such a great time with Celeste, Captain Ron, and Captain Micheal! They made our experience so smooth, fun and safe! All of us got parkas and we were as warm as possible coming out & saw a handful of adorable manatees. 10/10 will do it again next year!

It was so fun!! We got to swim with huge manatees; they were super adorable. The guide was kind. We got super close to the manatees!!!! There were a lot, so it was very worth it. Even though we couldn’t touch the manatees, it was awesome. The manatees MIGHT accidentally touch you, and get close. I was honestly pretty nervous that the manatees got so close (they were huge like I said) but that’s for the best. There are lots of rules for your safety AND the manatees’ safety, that’s good. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!! The water wasn’t that clear the day we went, so when you see them it’s like a surprise!! THEY ARE ADORABLE!!! Go. Seriously. Trust me. Super worth it! Byeeeeeee!!!!!

Capt Ron is the best. He’s relaxed and knows exactly what he’s doing. Puts a drone up and finds the manatees and does a great job of keeping you away from the Kayakers and other boats, so you can enjoy your time with these incredible animals. It’s a special experience!! And who doesn’t like a donut and coffee or hot chocolate when you get out of the water. A perfect experience that is about as good as it gets. Highly recommended.

What a fabulous experience! Capt Ron has over 26 yrs experience between the Navy and Coast Guard, so you couldn't be captained by a better skipper. He's also a huge source of great info about manatees. They are fascinating creatures. Milana, my snorkeling guide, says her ancestors are from various places in Europe, but I'm guessing at least one was a mermaid. She had an uncanny ability to spot manatees and an even more amazing ability to photograph them. I hadn't realized that October isn't the best time to see them. The visibility isn't as good, and most of them are still out in the Gulf where food is more abundant. Even so, I got lots of good looks at the gentle giants and consider it the experience of a lifetime. Next time I visit my in-laws in Florida it will be between November and April, and I'm bringing my snorkeling-loving kids with me!

Liz and Jade are amazing. Their manatee knowledge is second to none. And we saw so many manatees. It was incredible Their office is also phenomenal. Huge and clean. Easy to change into your wetsuit (they provide). They also provide non-alcoholic drinks on the boat. Great experience!

Took the Private Manatee Snorkeling tour on 31 July 24 with a family of four. Capt Ron and Jade did a great job! Although the summer months are not the best time to snorkel with manatee, we were able to see four manatee to include a mother and calf! After snorkeling with the manatee, we were able to visit the Three Sisters Springs for more snorkeling. Springs were crystal clear and very refreshing. Capt Ron & Jade had snacks, coffee, and hot chocolate for us after the snorkeling. Family and I had a great time and highly recommend Capt Ron & Jade for snorkeling with manatee!

It was so cool!!!! The water in February was too…. The manatees were there floating under us!! Totally amazing. I’d go again

Fabulous time with Captain Lauren and Matt. Saw loads of manatees and had a swim adventure with one that was amazing!

Bucket List. Check! Not only were Captain Ron and Lauren an absolute dream team when it came to ensuring we had the best experience, their unrefuted care for the gentle giants we visited and dedication to their conservation was top of the list. It's one thing to jump in the water, find a manatee, and swim around for a bit. It is a whole other level when a guest can see the care for these incredible animals shine through in the staff working the tour. Lauren knows the resident manatees in Crystal River. Captain Ron knows where they hang out. They work as a team along with other tour operations to make sure that the river provides what these animals need. It was awesome!!! There are plenty of tour operations on the river but I do not think one will find another who truly are committed to these gentle giants like Gulf Coast Expeditions. If spending time with manatees in the wild is on your bucket list, call Captain Ron and tell him "Matilda recommended him!"

Absolutely awesome. One of the best water experiences I have ever had. Ron and Lauren are the best!!!

We had a great time! Highly recommend this tour ! Staff was wonderful explaining everything to my grand daughters, patient in answering their questions and knowledgeable.

personal tour with manatees, great guide and captain. saw two manatees! everything provided, wet suits, goggles, snorkel. bring dry votes, towels.

Such a an amazing experience to swim with wild manatees made me cray! I was so happy! Crew was extremely nice and helpful! HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE! Unforgettable day to me and my friends! DEFINITELY WE ARE COMING BACK!!!!

I booked a literal last minute tour! No one else had a spot but I’m glad because Lauren and Leah were amazing! I was by myself (hubby didn’t want to do it) and this was a bucket list item for me. They made sure we found great spots to see the manatees and we were lucky to find a mamma and baby. Baby was so playful and curious! I can not recommend this company enough!! The hot chocolate at the end hit the spot! If manatee sightings are what you want do not hesitate to book here! Also I’m a plus size person and had no issues w finding a wet suit or getting on and off this boat! Just do it!!!

It was a wonderful experience. My family greatly enjoyed it - a life time experience! The staff is wonderful and most accommodating to make it work with our schedule. When the weather wasn't perfect, there was no trouble to reschedule. Lauren is very knowledgeable and shared her wisdom freely with us. She loves her job and it shows. Her photographer is equally as caring and enthusiastic and makes sure you have a wonderful time. She took some fantastic photos and the are all yours for a reasonable price. They make a great team and you learn a lot! I can only recommend them highly.

Awesome! Rick and Mike were wonderful to help us have a great experience with the manatees even “towing” grandma. This tour should be on everyone’s bucket list! Small group ( our 4 plus 2 others) was perfect!

What an amazing experience my family and sister had on our manatee adventure. We went first thing in the morning and we were able to see many manatees and a mama nurse her baby calf. Such a beautiful, serene, and once in a life time experience. Our captain Lauren and Guide, Audrey were so knowledgeable about the Bay Area, manatees and their habitat. We learned so much. Audrey took amazing photos/videos which were included in our package. Thank you! Highly recommend this adventure! Donuts, coffee and hot chocolate was a delicious added treat. Highly recommend the private tour! Thank you for an experience my family and sister will never forget.😉 FYI, below only option for family was either “family/young children” or “family/teens” and my kids are young adults.

Lauren and Capt Andrew were incredible! We had the best time! Lauren was so knowledgeable and was a wonderful guide. We had the best time with the baby calf that gave us all the hugs! 10/10 you have to do this!

WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! We saw many manatees up close and personal in the wild!Captain Andrew was an amazing boat driver and Lauren was an amazing snorkeling guide! I was traveling with my parents and my brother who is autistic and nonverbal, but loves water and animals. Everyone was so understanding, kind and gentle with him. Lauren spent extra time with him to help him enjoy his time! My whole family is beyond grateful for every person at Gulf Coat expeditions! Thank you Lauren and Andrew❤️

We had the best guides! I was so nervous to get into the water but our guides were so accommodating and gentle. Loved it!!!

Very cool excursion! Lovely to see these big animals right in front of you! Also had some time to go see the lovely springs and swim for a bit! The People are very nice and take the time for you! A must do! Greets Martin Kelly Bradley ans Nova Voetman Velserbroek , the Netherlands

The girls were absolutely incredible! They were really great with my 4 year old twin boys. I would highly recommend them!

A really good tour. Leah was brilliant at finding the manatees and the photos were excellent. We found two groups which was unusual out of the main season. Would thoroughly recommend it.

Our tour guide Kim, was very knowledgeable about the ecosystem, and taught us briefly on how to be very protective of the manatees. We thoroughly enjoyed her company.

There are so many things we loved that I wish I could write more. Captain Ed, Captain Ron, and Mermaid Kim provided one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. They are personable, kind, and so knowledgeable. I feel like we have made new friends who have welcomed us into their amazing world and work with manatees. We were particularly impressed with Kim’s love of these amazing creatures and her enthusiasm in sharing that with us to provide an absolutely unforgettable experience. Captain Ron and Captain Ed were so kind in working with our schedule and also made us feel so welcome. Highly recommend them. Way beyond our expectations!

Awesome experience! The Lauren & Leigh were absolutely fantastic. Our group had so much fun hanging up w/ them, very sweet ladies.

Lauren & Kip took us out today. Awesome day. We swam alongside manatees and over to the three sisters springs. Beautiful waters and excellent guides

Lauren was a great guide. We saw about 5 manatees and checked out 3 sister's spring. She was knowledgeable and friendly and she took great pics of us.

Captain Ed and Leah were great! They know the waters and the area. Weren’t in the boat for more than 8 min or so and were able to get in water with a mother and juvenile manatee. Mom left but the juvenile stayed for a long time and interacted with my sister and me! We floated and he/she approached and nudged us, and was so curious! Amazing experience! The we were able to swim and see another mom and younger manatee, watching the little one with his little flipper’s trying to keep up with mom as she went up for air and then back down again, so amazing and cute! The absolute best was being able to see, from a distance, as to not intrude on their space, a mom with a one week old manatee, so small and white, amazing! After swimming with quite a few manatees Leah took us up stream to experience the area where the fresh water springs that supply all the fresh water to the bay that are home to the manatees. Beautiful spot, crystal clear water, so beautiful to be in that spot! Captain Ed and Leah took great care of us and made sure we were safe and comfortable! Both my sister and I highly recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions, I’ve already given their name to several friends that are headed to Florida in the near future.

Our guides got us out early before everyone else and we spent 30-45 minutes with a juvenile manatee.They had hot drinks on board it was a little chilly and we were explained the rules for interacting with these gentle giants. Try these guys out you won’t be disappointed

There were only 3 of us on our private manatee snorkeling adventure, so Lauren was able to really give us special treatment. She was AMAZING to say the very least. She had such an enthusiastic personality and the baby manatee we saw absolutely adored her, so he stuck around and was VERY curious! She got amazing photos and a couple adorable videos. She had a great memory and remembered each of our names and was sure to call us over one by one, so we could all experience face to face moments with these precious creatures. We were there at the tail end of winter and knew we wouldn't see hundreds of manatees. Lauren told us, "you practice patience and we'll practice persistence" and boy did they! Captain Mike knew the area well and had eagle eyes to spot the floaty potatoes. He also gave a great lunch recommendation (Waterfront Social). I chose this company above the dozens of others in the area because they are small and veteran owned. No big corporate conglomerate shuttling 20-30 people out at a time here. Do yourself a favor, and book this adventure. You won't regret it!

Highly recommend. Captain and Kim we the best guides. We had a enclosed boat with heat . We used both. They took us to places to see manatees and also to play. The kids really enjoyed.

They were i amazing i would definitely recommend coming here if your looking for somewhere where you can swim with manatees.

Went on a manatee excursion. Lauren was amazing with my grand daughter. She is 5 and had never experienced anything like this before. She was so kind and patient with her. Todd is a great captain and manatee spotter. We have went many times. Could not recommed a better group to be your guides. Always a great time. Highly recommend.

Everything about this experience was absolutely amazing from beginning to end! The boat was sparkling clean, beautifully decorated and even had a heated cabin where we were served hot chocolate - which perfect for a chilly morning! Captain Ed and Kim were so knowledgeable and friendly. Ed found us a great spot with lots of manatees and Kim took lots of great photos to capture the day. We can’t wait to go scalloping with them this Summer. Highly recommend this tour! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Captain Ron and crew were phenomenal! They gave us the most unforgettable swimming with manatees trip!

My family came down for a visit from NY and we booked a private manatee snorkeling tour with Gulf Coast Expeditions and it was wonderful. Lauren and Captain Ron were very informative the whole time on the tour. We found the manatees almost right away on Kings bay. Lauren explained the process of getting into the water with the animals and if was amazing. Captain Ron took all around the bay and even gave us hot cocoa and coffee. My father in law who is 89 loved to watch the kids swim with the manatees. This is a once in a life time experience. I would recommend this tour to any of my visitors that come down again.

Captain Ron and Lauren were terrific! Even in the off season they spotted 2 manatees for us to swim with and brought us to the 3 Sisters Springs which were INCREDIBLE. It was an amazing day I won't ever forget. Do this!

Off season success! We looked for a tour company that specialized in small groups, thinking we would have a much better experience, and that theory was spot on. Just our family - no crowds or unattended snorkelers distracting us. Captain Ron is prior U.S. Coast Guard, very cool and personable. After arriving at the office, we changed into nice wet suits, listened to clear instructions, and jumped into the company van for the short and comfortable ride to the marina. Lauren is a USCG Licensed Master and was our "in water guide" and photographer. What a gem - she was there with us alongside the manatees making sure each family member had more than one special close-up encounter. She didn't forget about Mom (I tend to stay back to give my kids prime time - not on her watch lol.) She is a natural at this and a calming force. We got to experience a baby manatee nursing close-up! The underwater pics and videos (with sound) that Lauren took are spectacular and it was a no-brainer to get the flash drive full of memories for 30 bucks. We could hear the manatees grazing and communicating. There's more! We also visited Three Sisters Springs - the refuge for wintering manatees during Manatee Season (November 15 to March 31). Because this was off season, there were no manatees in the springs but we had a blast exploring the crystal clear waters - while on the lookout for a harmless skate that was spotted recently. Our teen daughters, and Mom and Dad, loved this trip! We will recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions to our friends without hesitation.

I don’t know if I can explain in just 100 words how amazing this experience was for our family. They’re just the best, easy going tour guides and what was so amazing is how they truly wanted to give us the best experience. Ron and Lauren really made this the most memorable experience. We felt like we were hanging out with friends and they let us savor every moment. I hope that this will not be a once in a lifetime experience. I hope we can see them again and create new memories. I’m grateful for Gulf Coast Expeditions for giving us this magical experience and we highly recommend the private encounter. I was able to see manatees in their habitat without the worry of taking pictures. Lauren was our guide and photographer. And she knew how special this was for all of us. Our pics and video are so awesome. Thank you both so much. We miss you already!

We had a wonderful experience! The guides were very welcoming and created a fun environment! It was amazing seeing all the manatees and it was organized well, yet also very relaxing. The facilities were all very nice and it was overall an awesome time! Thank you!

Amazing private tour with Captain Ron and Lauren! We were a group of 4: 3 adults and our 7-month-old son. Had a bunch of laughs on the boat and Lauren was great and informative in the water, plus we saw several manatees! It was a wonderful, memorable morning!

Toured with Ron and Lauren. We were a group of 6; 2 of the 6 are on the autism spectrum. They were super patient and encouraging with the kids. They were persistent in their efforts for us to see manatees up close even though it’s after the “season”. Great experience.

We had a great time this morning. Ron and Lauren found several manatees - Lauren was a great guide in the water and made sure the kids had safe, close encounters with these gentle creatures. Both Ron and Lauren were wonderful with our apprehensive 10 year old and 2!! Teens with autism. We also hit 3 sisters springs - crowded but worth it. Would highly recommend this outing.

Thank you Ron and Lauren for a wonderful afternoon. Lauren was very helpful and informative during our snorkeling. Even though it was the end of the season, we were able to swim with a manatee! We hope to return earlier in the year to see more manatees. The photos are a good reminder of our tour.

Had a fantastic time swimming with the manatees! My friend and I on went on the 6:30 AM tour and enjoyed watching the sun come up. Captain Ron was a great educator about all things manatee. Lauren guided us in the water and was our videographer. I had never snorkeled before and appreciated her patience. The pics and video turned out well. Overall a memorable trip that I highly recommend.

The tour with Captain Ron and Lauren was FANTASTIC! They brought us to a perfect place where the manatees were swimming all around us. We had our 7 year old daughter who was a bit nervous about swimming with the manatees, but Lauren took great care of her and made her feel at ease. It was an amazing experience. In additional to see the manatees, Captain Ron and Lauren provided a wealth of information regarding the manatees. An extra was bonus was the photos that Lauren took of us and the manatees and then had a flash drive with the photos and videos for us at the end of the tour. This tour was the highlight of our trip!

I've always wanted to swim with manatees, and this trip was a fantastic opportunity to experience incredibly close encounters with them. Captain Ron and first mate Lauren were both amazing-- funny, friendly, informative, and super helpful. There are far fewer manatees to see in the Crystal River area later in the season,, so I wasn't hopeful about even spotting any. But Ron and Lauren were relentless in tracking them down and guiding us in the water to get the best view while still maintaining "manatee-friendly" rules. Coming almost face to face with a manatee feeding on the grassy bottom was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

This was our last day of our trip to Florida and what a way to end it! Captain Ron and our guide Lauren were amazing. They were friendly, funny, and extremely knowledgeable about the Crystal River and its wonderful wildlife. Not only did we get to see manatees but we had a baby manatee swim right next to us. My teenage daughter said it best "It was a once in a lifetime experience." Gulf Coast Expeditions exceeded our expectations and we will be back!