On the Water
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travelers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$79
per adult
Gulf Coast Expeditions
Gulf Coast Expeditions
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Gulf Coast Expeditions provides customers with personalized manatee snorkel tours, scallop charters, and sightseeing tours. We keep our group sizes small and take no more than six people out at a time. Our tours meet daily at our marina location which is conveniently located for a quick boat ride to swim with the manatees and the scallop grounds.
Crystal River, Florida
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Gulf Coast Expeditions
Sightseeing Cruises
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$450
per group
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,154 reviews
Excellent
1,119
Very good
26
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Peta A
Lancaster District, UK65 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We booked the 6.30 trip and later realised it was the morning after the clocks went forward! We dragged ourselves out of bed on a very chilly morning and were met at the dock by Captain Ross. We were made very welcome by him and Lauren and met our two companions on the trip. We chose this company as it’s a small boat taking only 6 people and reading other excellent reviews. We weren’t disappointed, in fact the trip exceeded expectations. We were given wetsuits and shown a short informative video before setting sail. It was extremely cold on the way out and we were grateful for the long jackets we were given. We soon got to the river and into the water, which was surprisingly warm. Lauren led us straight away to manatee, in fact we saw lots including playful pups. It was quite unbelievable how close we got to them. Lauren then led us up a narrow entrance to Three Sisters Springs, a beautiful spot which we had to ourselves. After spending at least 1.5 hours in the water, we made our way back onto the boat for hot chocolate or coffee and back to dock. Lauren filmed us all and, for once, we were happy to buy the film/photos which were all available on flash drive. Special thanks to Lauren for looking after Steve!
If you’re a group of 6 or less and thinking about taking this trip, don’t hesitate, just book it. You won’t be disappointed.
If you’re a group of 6 or less and thinking about taking this trip, don’t hesitate, just book it. You won’t be disappointed.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brina_t4
Brevard, NC184 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Our family of three had a great morning experience with Captain Ron and Lauren on the 6:30 manatee tour along with another couple. The small group size is why we chose the company, however the experience they provided goes well beyond the simple pleasure of a small good experience.
This was our shy four year olds sons first time trying getting off a boat into water and snorkeling in anything other then a pool and Lauren was truly amazing with him. As a Kindergarten teacher of twenty years I can confidently tell you Lauren has an amazing talent with children and I imagine that would carry over to nervous adults as well. She was so patient and kind with him.
My little guy was done in the water early in the tour so he and I were on the boat as the others continued to have a wonderful snorkeling experience with Lauren and the manatees. Captain Ron was so thoughtful to position the boat so that we were able to watch the manatees from the front of the boat during that time. We enjoyed coffee and hot chocolate as well.
Their level of care for both the manatees and their clients truly goes above and beyond that of a traditional tour company. I highly recommend them!
This was our shy four year olds sons first time trying getting off a boat into water and snorkeling in anything other then a pool and Lauren was truly amazing with him. As a Kindergarten teacher of twenty years I can confidently tell you Lauren has an amazing talent with children and I imagine that would carry over to nervous adults as well. She was so patient and kind with him.
My little guy was done in the water early in the tour so he and I were on the boat as the others continued to have a wonderful snorkeling experience with Lauren and the manatees. Captain Ron was so thoughtful to position the boat so that we were able to watch the manatees from the front of the boat during that time. We enjoyed coffee and hot chocolate as well.
Their level of care for both the manatees and their clients truly goes above and beyond that of a traditional tour company. I highly recommend them!
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie W
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Captain Ron and guide Lauren did an absolutely fantastic job! They were both very knowledgeable and made every effort to make our day the best it could be. The highlight of our day was a close encounter with a baby manatee which we will all never forget and the hot chocolate to warm us up on our return to the boat after swimming was delicious. We unanimously agree that we would highly recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions and would not hesitate to use them again.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ggrossman70
Bradenton, FL4 contributions
Jul 2020
This was more than I could have ever imagined! Capt. Ron and Lauren were super friendly and very informative. I couldn't believe we found a manatee so quickly in July. Lauren was in the water making sure we were all able to see the manatee and have a memorable experience, by taking pictures for us. They also took us to the springs, which as another fantastic adventure. I will tour with them again if I get the chance. I highly recommend Gulf Coast Expeditions. You will not be disappointed.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammi S
5 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We did a sunset cruise with Captain Kip. We were the only 2 on the boat but Kip loaded us with information about the areas we were visiting and houses we were seeing. He took us to the entrance of Three Sisters Springs, to a couple of hidden springs, past John Travoltas previous house, to a HUGE Osprey nest and then we sat out in the bay and watched the sunset, which was more than beautiful. Kip was knowledgeable and super enjoyable to be with! Thank you!
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan K
Moab, UT6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Very welcoming and organized tour. Very nice crew! Attentive to the needs of all age groups and made us all feel comfortable. Very little information regarding Manatees given however. I was hoping to learn about Manatees life style, cycle, origins, body structure, eating habits, etc…
We received information regarding how to behave around them so as not to disturb them. This is very important as they are endangered-a fact I knew but did not learn about on the tour. We did learn about the young, orphaned and rehabilitated manatees which was very interesting!
We received information regarding how to behave around them so as not to disturb them. This is very important as they are endangered-a fact I knew but did not learn about on the tour. We did learn about the young, orphaned and rehabilitated manatees which was very interesting!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard K
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Captain Ron and Captain Lauren are unmatched in their experience, professionalism and knowledge of all things Manatee. They also have awesome senses of humor! I can't say enough about what a great experience we had with Gulf Coast Expeditions (and we're World travelers). If you want to swim with and see the Manatees, look no further. Captain Lauren is an excellent field guide. The photos and videos she took are perfect and provide a lasting memory of a truly amazing experience. Hot coffee and hot chocolate are on board - a very thoughtful touch. We will definitely be back. Thank you, both!
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda H
15 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Captain Lauren and Diver Leah were AWESOME! We got to watch a small male and huge female chase each other around. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable and enjoy what they do which made it more fun for us. Love to go again when it's deeper in the winter season and more manatees around
Written December 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
8 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
This tour far surpassed my expectations! We (my 2 daughters and granddaughter and I) couldn't have had better tour guides! Lauren drove us on the boat, giving us important info for the tour and interesting info about the area and manatees. She was so accommodating and even backed up so we could get a great photo of the beautiful sunrise.
Michelle was a lifesaver in the water. My granddaughter was very anxious and Michelle stayed with her keeping her calm and teaching her how to use the snorkel gear and move in the water. She had the patience of a saint and made us all feel safe and comfortable. It was so nice being a small group. The other couple we toured with was also so nice and we all felt like one big family when it was over, with Michelle being the mom to us all, guiding and leading us through it.
On the way back we all enjoyed hot chocolate and joked around. It was the trip of a lifetime and we will all cherish it and think back on it with the fondest of memories. Thank you Michelle and Lauren for giving us such a wonderful experience!
Michelle was a lifesaver in the water. My granddaughter was very anxious and Michelle stayed with her keeping her calm and teaching her how to use the snorkel gear and move in the water. She had the patience of a saint and made us all feel safe and comfortable. It was so nice being a small group. The other couple we toured with was also so nice and we all felt like one big family when it was over, with Michelle being the mom to us all, guiding and leading us through it.
On the way back we all enjoyed hot chocolate and joked around. It was the trip of a lifetime and we will all cherish it and think back on it with the fondest of memories. Thank you Michelle and Lauren for giving us such a wonderful experience!
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krystal C
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
This tour greatly exceeded my expectations! I am a homeschool teacher that took three sixth grade students (and my mom) on this awesome field trip. Captain Ron knew so much about the manatees and the area. We learned so much from him. His partner, Lauren, is a jewel! She stayed in the water with us the entire time and made sure that we had the best experience possible. Each of us had "a personal Manatee experience" because of her. The personal attention that we received was what made this an awesome experience. I observed the other larger tours and noticed that people on those tours were not able to experience the manatees like we did, in fact they looked a little overwhelmed! Both Ron and Lauren really cared about the manatees and made sure that we learned how to respect these amazing, gentle creatures. The ride on Captain Ron's boat was also really fun. On the way back to the marina, we spotted dolphins and Captain Ron was more than happy to slow down and let us enjoy the wildlife. And don't forget the hot chocolate! It was the perfect ending to our perfect day! Thanks Ron and Lauren for an unforgettable experience!
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this suitable for someone who isn't a strong swimmer? Or people who haven't snorkeled before? Is most of the time spent underwater?
Written March 5, 2018
This is fine for non swimmers. You mainly dog paddle around and float with your snorkel on and a noodle under your arms for bouncy. most time is spent with face just under the water so you can watch the manatees. My aunt was scared and she was able to swim to them and watch them under the water. Lauren is very patient and helpful for the scared.
Written March 20, 2018
Does anyone who has done this tour remember if there was a bathroom on the boat?
Written March 1, 2018
No restroom on the boat, but they have one in the office.
Written July 30, 2020
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.