Dive Into Unforgettable Adventures

Come and visit Gulf Coast Expeditions and get to enjoy the best manatee encounters, tours, and more in Crystal River, Florida. Book your tour online today!

Get a Tour Overview

Gulf Coast Expeditions is a family and veteran owned small business specializing in small group, guided Manatee snorkeling tours. Our company is dedicated, not only to an excellent customer service experience, but to the preservation of the Florida Manatee and its environment. We work closely with US Fish and Wildlife to ensure that we are conducting our tours in a safe, responsible and educational manner. In addition, our captains and guides are USFWS volunteers and actively participate in manatee rescues and releases, as well as cleanups and other volunteer efforts.

We Were Voted Best of Florida!

We are so thrilled to be considered one of the best Regional Vacation Destinations in Florida alongside Everglades National Park, The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum), Kayak Excursions – Bunche Beach, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs, and Universal Orlando Resort!

Unique Manatee Encounters

Swim with gentle manatees.

Pristine Snorkeling Spots

Explore Florida's fresh water springs.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Support marine conservation efforts.

Your Underwater Adventure Starts Here

Join us for an unforgettable journey into Florida's underwater world. Secure your spot for lasting memories and unparalleled experiences.

Set Sail With Us

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Why Our Customers Love Gulf Coast Expeditions!

    
 
 
         
   Theda B 
 June 29, 2025
 
 
 Verified Fantastic experience We had booked a trip in June 2025. We had explored many options and read many reviews. All the reviews we could find about Gulf Coast Expeditions were very positive. However, we were somewhat wondering where the company was, a bit away from the harbor in a residential area. But we were taken very well, received good guidance, wet suit delivered and could dress in small cabins and then we drove for the assistant to the harbor. On the cruise, Captain Ron and his assistant quickly found the sea islands and she swam with us so we could always find her and knew that she was on the sea islands. When they moved, Captain Ron quickly found them again or others. We saw several sea wolves and also a mother with her young.Captain Ron has good connections in the area, he knew that there had to be put a seawater in the water that had been for treatment. It was an experience to see it being released. Then we sailed up and saw the floating clear water in Crystal River. When we returned to the company, we had the opportunity to buy photos and videos from the trip, at a really reasonable price, where you do not feel cheated.We had a fantastic trip and will not hesitate to recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions and especially Captain Ron and his sweet assistant.
  
 
        
   esporaf 
 June 26, 2025
 
 
 Verified Tolle Tour Very well organized. Very friendly guide and captain. It was absolutely worth it. Small group is very beneficial.
  
 
        
   Kate D 
 June 5, 2025
 
 
 Verified Unforgetable experience!!! The captain Ryan took us right to the manatees. We got in the water with ease and floated around. The manatees swooped right under us. There were three... big dad, mom and little baby. They weren't afraid of us and fed under us and circled around us. We floated without any movement and the manatees brushed up against me a few times. Oh how I wish I could have touched one, but we respected their environment and let them come to us. Melanie got some great photos too!
  
 
        
   Julie T 
 June 2, 2025
 
 
 Verified Five star excursion Can't recommend this charter enough. We had a great time. Captain Ron and crew were brilliant and made sure we had a great experience with the manatees and provided great pictures and videos for us. Would definitely recommend.
  
 
        
   April O 
 May 26, 2025
 
 
 Verified Great Experience Great trip! Highly recommend! Beautiful scenery! We were taken to several cool locations where we saw alligator, fish and springs. Very happy with the experience!
  
 
        
   Deborah W 
 May 25, 2025
 
 
 Verified Wonderful manatee snokeling! Everything was great! Captain Ron made every effort to make sure we were happy, safe, and had the best possible time. Malayna our guide clearly loved the manatees and the entire area around King's Bay and Crystal River. We loved that she did photos and videos so we could just enjoy the manatees and the wonderful adventure snorkeling with them. 5 stars and we would go with them again!
  
 
        
   Rhubba286 
 May 14, 2025
 
 
 Verified A must do! Awesome experience! Absolutely loved Malayna and Captain Ron! Would highly recommend, however, I do think I would prefer a private outing if we come back. I’ve figured out I’m not a people person when I’m not at work 😂🤣😂 However, there was only 2 other couples on this experience. Definitely worth the money!
  
 
        
   Gillian D 
 May 10, 2025
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience We are currently on holiday as a family of 3 from Scotland, we had the most incredible day today swimming with the manatee, absolutely beautiful docile creatures. This has to be one of the best experiences we have had. Our 10yr has been buzzing all day and has already said he is 100% doing this again next year! Big thanks to the captain and gabby who took us out and looked after us.
  
 
        
   Brigitte K 
 May 8, 2025
 
 
 Verified Wonderful manatee experience Team Captain Ron and his crew (Madleine) informed my husband and I about the rules with a video and then skipped to the Manatees. Unfortunately, the water was quite murky, but the two did not give up until we were allowed to experience a calf and later a large specimen. It is very special to be able to get so close to these large, peaceful and gentle creatures. As a super nice extra, the team drove us to the Crystal Springs and there we were again allowed to explore the crystal clear water with its wildlife snorkeling. Madleine has photographed a lot and so we can take our memories home.We had a lot of joy and can only recommend this provider. The equipment (wetsuits, diving goggles and snorkeling) was also in very good shape and was cleaned and disinfected after use. Thank you Captain Ron and Madleine for the wonderful afternoon.Brigitte and Jürgen.
  
 
        
   William A 
 May 7, 2025
 
 
 Verified Great Experience Great experience. Everyone was polite, friendly, and easy to talk to. Having a smaller tour gave us plenty of time to look around. If you've never tried a tour like this, I highly recommend this organization.
  
 
  
 
  
 
   Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 1195 reviews 
 
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Answers to the Most Common Questions

Why Do We Recommend Our Early Morning Tours?

The manatees are more active early in the morning and there are fewer boats on the water, so you have the best chance of a more interactive experience on our morning tours.

How Long Will the Trip Be?

Our manatee trips are 3 hours long but in water time varies from thirty minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the number of manatees and temperature.

What is the Age Limit on Your Tours?

We will take children age 3 and up on our tour, but we can accommodate all ages if you book a private tour.

Do You Have to Be a Strong Swimmer to Go on a Tour?

You do not have to be a strong swimmer since the wetsuit will keep you buoyant; we also have swim noodles and snorkel vests if needed.

Can I Bring My Own Gear?

You are welcome to bring your own equipment. We maintain dive quality gear for your use if you don’t have your own. We can supply everything you need!

Can We Bring Our Own Camera?

You are welcome to bring your camera, however if you are taking underwater pictures for commercial purposes you will have to contact the FWC for a permit. Our in water guides will also be taking photos and videos of your adventure that may be purchased at the end of your trip for $40.

Will There be an In-Water Guide?

Our experienced and knowledgeable guide will get in the water to ensure that you will be safe and staying within the rules set by the FWC. The guide will also take pictures throughout the trip that will be available after the tour.

What Do We Need to Bring?

All you will need is a bathing suit and a change of clothes and a towel. We highly recommend sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and bug spray for warmer days

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

If you cancel within 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100% cancellation fee. Rain checks or refunds may be given if the captain cancels a trip due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will not be refunded.

What Are the Manatee Tour Conditions During Summer?

While manatee season here in Crystal River is from November to April, we do have a resident population of 60-80 manatees that live around the area year round. Please be aware, however, that during the warmer months, manatees do not need to be right in the springs to survive, so we will have to spend some time looking for them and they may not be in super clear water. It's still an amazing experience though, because you'll get to experience our bay the same way the manatees do every day!

After we've had some amazing manatee time, and time permitting, we'll get you to one of our beautiful springs so we can show those off as well!