Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours - Crystal River, Florida

Kimberly U.

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.

Tricia M.

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!

Cara V. H.

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.

Kay J.

We want to thank the staff at the Adventure Center manatees boat tours , they were so knowledgeable about all things manatee and Crystal River . We had out of town guests and it made for the perfect couples advantage. This is our second time and you better believe we will be bringing more family and friends when they come to visit.

Kait S.

The best experience I could have ever had! The crew was absolutely amazing and clearly love their jobs, getting to work with people excited about the manatees and the manatees themselves! They made sure we had the absolute best time, and got some amazing photos of us!
If this is something you are considering I highly recommend it and plantation adventure should be at the top of your list!
I don't know when, but I will be back!

Catherine J.

Don't look for anywhere else when choosing the RIGHT company to observe manatees. They are dedicated to making sure everyone has a wonderful experience, take photos for you so you can focus on the most amazing up-close experience of manatees/fish, and are devoted to making sure the manatees are calm, safe, and happy. There were other groups from other companies around doing all the wrong things (I e. Splashing, chasing the manatees, yelling), but this company CARES about the well being of these gorgeous creatures. Captain Dave & Tyler were attentive, professional, kind, and were kings of silly "dad jokes". WILL BE COMING BACK !!

Elizabeth W.

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.

Jo A. C.

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.