Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we?
We started off as just a couple of locals who were inspired by the privilege unique to Citrus County..… swimming with the manatees! We realized our desire to share this privilege with others, and uncovered a passion for doing it the right way!
We truly believe wildlife encounters have a legitimate place in education. We are proof that close-up encounters inspire more than a picture or a memorable story. When done responsibly these encounters can be a life-changing experience, and create other like-minded individuals who wish to be respectful of Mother Earth and her inhabitants.
We commit to delivering our visitors the best nature encounters in the most sustainable way. Locally owned AND operated, we care deeply about our community and the future of our wildlife encounters. We thrive off our desire to educate all visitors and hope to inspire the inner nature lover of each person that steps foot through our door. It is this inspiration that encourages improvements necessary to create a bright future for our manatee friends. It is this inspiration that is necessary to protect and preserve nature’s playground for our children and for future generations to come.
We pledge to offer our visitors the chance to Explore Florida in a way that supports our local community and respects our environment… all while building a connection with nature.
What do we specialize in?
We love our manatees, but PEOPLE really are our specialty. We treat every visitor like a member of the family and we appreciate each and every guest. Be our guest, and we will strive to surpass your expectations! Our dedication to providing the highest level of personal care and the most stellar experience possible shines bright through your first point of contact with our company, to the moment we part ways as forever friends. We are the VIP visitors center in Citrus County. Other companies may say it, but we mean it! We want you to return time and time again, so our performance matters. We are not a fly by night operation that charges unexpected fees and makes you dress in a parking lot! If your desire is to feel like more than a $60 ticket, then Explorida is the place for you! Come find out for yourself…. We are waiting for you!
When are we open?
Nestled in the historic downtown district of Crystal River, our official hours read 8am to 4pm but our doors are usually open before sunrise! Looking to reach us by phone? Call us anytime from 6am-8pm! After 8pm, though, we need our beauty rest to dream up our next adventure!
We pride ourselves in being responsive to phone calls, voicemails, emails and special requests. If you somehow missed us, It will only be a short matter of time before we make contact with you. If it is a special request you are after, we are committed to going above and beyond to do the best we can to accommodate you. Special requests welcome!
Where are we located?
We are incredibly easy to find with plenty of parking!!
Nestled in the historic downtown district of Crystal River, you can find us at the corner of US HWY 19 and Citrus Avenue, directly behind Town Square. Keep your eyes peeled for the manatee mural, and you found us!
Why choose us?
Not all tour companies are created equal.
Explorida is federally permitted through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to operate swim tours in Crystal River refuge waters. Besides earning Trip Advisors designation as Top 10 Bucket list experience in the world, we have been consistently ranked as a top tier tour provider year after year which proves that our level of customer service surpasses the masses, and our dedication to perfecting your experience is unrivaled. Our commitment to being the best is showcased in our top notch crew, equipment, gear, and wetsuits. Our boats are U.S. Coast Guard certified which means they are clean, reliable, and safe. Our passion for the manatees and their habitat is showcased in our sustainable eco tourism practices, being THE ONLY company with grassbed-friendly anchors AND manatee-safe prop guards. Booking a tour with us is easy, everything is included, you will never get hit with secret upcharges, and cancellations are hassle free. The details matter when choosing the right tour company for you, and at Explorida we have perfected them all.
Where can you swim with manatees?
Taking a guided manatee swim tour is a privilege that is unique to Citrus County, as Crystal River has the only federally supported manatee swim program in the world. Crystal River has a consistent year round population of manatees, and the highest winter concentration in the state. These factors combined have earned Crystal River the world famous title of the ‘Manatee Capital of the World’.
Is swimming with the manatees legal?
When done right, swimming with the manatees is legal in Citrus County, Florida. You MUST follow strict guidelines on every manatee swim tour. We can not forget that swimming with manatees is a privilege, and we must respect the manatee and their home.
Does what you do hurt the manatees?
When a guided manatee swim tour is done in a responsible way, it has little or no effect on the behavior of the manatees. By following strict guidelines, we are sure to never interrupt the natural behavior of our manatee friends.
We are animal lovers ourselves and would never intentionally hurt our gentle giants. That said, we know that what we do as an industry is extremely important. Not only do our guided manatee tours offer the opportunity to introduce you a threatened species in a way that facilitates a connection and a love for this animal, but being able to spend so much time with the manatees allows our captains to monitor our manatee population. Captains and guides consistently observe animal behavior and are usually the first to respond when animals are in need of care. As a result we are able to save many manatees that otherwise may have been left to perish. We also know that it’s important to give back and help the manatees whenever they need it. Many of our employees participate in manatee rescue efforts as well as water restoration projects. It is important to us to preserve the gift that Citrus County residents have been blessed with. That is our calling.
Are their rules for swimming with the manatees?
Manatees are a federally protected species, and there are rules in place for their protection. All of the rules are clearly outlined before each guided manatee snorkel tour with Explorida. These rules are based in respect for the animals, as we are visitors in their world.
At Explorida, we understand manatee behavior, and can help you make the most of your time in the water. It is important to remember that your behavior can have a significant impact on the quality of your manatee swim tour. We strive to go above and beyond what is legally required by law, and model proper behaviors to encourage the longevity of your animal encounter.
Can I touch manatees?
Manatees are protected by several laws that make it illegal to intentionally or negligently molest, harass, or disturb a manatee in the wild. Passive observation is the best way to interact with a manatee in its natural habitat.
The manatee viewing experience in Citrus County is unique, as it is legal to swim with the manatees… but passive observation is still encouraged. When on a guided manatee swim tour, the manatees may occasionally touch us and that is ok. Although it is never a guarantee, manatees will sometimes choose to engage with humans. We never swim up to manatees and put our hands on them, and we are committed to discouraging a ‘petting zoo’ mentality. These are wild animals and we would like to keep them that way.
Are manatees swim tours seasonal?
Manatee swim tours are conducted year round, but some seasons are better for manatee viewing than others. Generally speaking, during very cold weather there are many manatees in the area, but when it is warm we will see only a few in more of a safari like tour. It is extremely important to inform yourself of what to predict for your manatee snorkel tour so your group has realistic expectations, and remind yourself while planning, that wild things are indeed wild. Tides, storms, sunlight and seasonal feeding habits can all affect daily conditions, as manatees are wild animals. Many of these factors can not be controlled, and your tour may not turn out like the photos on the website taken in the most ideal conditions. If you ever want a more specific ‘guess’ or want a current update of conditions, you can always call us! We are committed to transparency, and are always honest!
What is the best time to take a manatee tour?
Our earliest morning manatee snorkel tours have the most favorable conditions. And when we say early, we mean early! Being some of the first people on the water for a manatee snorkel tour increases our chances of seeing more manatees in water with better visibility. If that early morning wake up call is not your style, you still have a chance to see and swim with manatees on our mid afternoon tours. Please keep in mind, though, that these are the most popular tour times, which means more crowds. As crowds increase, the prime manatee viewing locations are fewer and farther between. Also, since manatees tend to be most active earliest in the morning, our later tours generally encounter more feeding or resting manatees that may not be quite as interested in us.
How many manatees will I see?
This is a question that no one can answer honestly, as we can only take an educated guess! The highest concentration of manatees in Citrus County is typically found through January and February. Winter cold spells provide us the best chance of seeing the most animals congregated together. During the warmer months, our manatee tours can be more like a manatee safari and even after searching we may only see one or two of our resident animals.
Is there a guarantee that I will see manatees?
Although Crystal River has a very special population of resident manatees that stay with us year round, their behavior is influenced by feeding habits, seasonal weather changes, storms and tides. They are free to come and go as they please. We can never guarantee that you will see a manatee as they are wild animals and their behavior can never be predicted
Do you provide masks and fins?
The mask, snorkel, and wetsuit is provided on all manatee swim tours for no additional cost to you.
We do not provide fins, nor allow them on our tours. Most of our time on our tours is spent floating at the surface. Because we are not actually swimming, and never needing to swim faster than a manatee, fins really provide no practical use. Plus, on the majority of our tours, we are usually swimming in shallow water, and an inexperienced swimmer with fins can stir up the bottom affecting visibility for themselves and for others. Even if you are experienced diver, please understand that no fins for some, means no fins for all.
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
Yes, wetsuits are required for our manatee snorkel tours. When swimming with manatees, we do so most successfully when we float at the surface. Wetsuits are the key to floating at the surface, as they provide buoyancy.
What wetsuit sizes do you carry?
We carry 3mm full length wetsuits in ALL sizes ranging from a tiny 2T toddler to adult 5X.
Do you provide an in-water guide?
An in water guide is provided on all Manatee swim tours. The in water guide is there to make sure you are comfortable, and to make sure that you follow the rules while on your manatee snorkel tour. They also photograph your experience for you, and those photos are available for an additional price after your tour.
What is the visibility like on the tour?
Because we are swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, water clarity varies daily, tour by tour. It is most important to understand that visibility on your tour will not always be what is depicted in photos found all over the internet. Just as with social media, shared photos are usually highlights, and do not always depict real life. Generally speaking, the manatees only congregate in the crystal clear spring water on the coldest days. On warmer days, manatees can usually be found in areas of differing visibility as they are usually traveling in search for food. While we will always do our best to find manatees in the clearest water, clear can not be guaranteed. Tidal influences, time of day, year, and crowds will all affect the visibility on your tour. This is not an aquarium, but that is what makes what we do so special.
Want to talk more about it? Give us a call! We are committed to setting (and then hopefully exceeding) your expectations.
How deep is the area we will be swimming?
When snorkeling with manatees, the depth of the area we find the animals will vary. Usually we find them in very shallow water, not more than 6 feet.
How long will we be in the water?
The amount of time in the water on each manatee tour will differ, depending on how active the manatees are. Sometimes the manatees will engage with us for a good amount of time, and other times they may not be interested in us at all. If this is the case, you will usually board the boat again to search for other animals.
Do you offer group or private scallop charters?
Our scallop boat is the only boat in the area that can run more than 6 passengers on a scallop charter, with a total allotted passenger count of 14 scallopers. Because of this, we only offer private tours. Gather up the friends and family – because more people equals more FUN!
Are your boats covered?
Our boats are all covered to protect you from the HOT Florida sun! They are also all enclosed to protect you from the winter cold! Our boats do not offer bathrooms.
How long is the ride?
We start and end our scalloping trip in Kings bay so that we can take a cool dip in the springs at the end of every scallop tour! The trip from Kings bay to the scallop grounds is about 35-45 minutes, depending on the location of the best scallop spots that day. The ride to the gulf is a beautiful one, so kick back and enjoy the breeze in your hair on the way there!
Do I need a fishing license?
The perk of booking a chartered scallop trip is that we provide everything for you, including the fishing license! Save yourself the money and we will take care of it for you!
Do you provide masks and fins?
At Explorida, we really take pride in the quality of our gear—and we provide all you need for no additional cost! We have masks and snorkels, and fins in all sizes so lighten your load and let us take care of it!
how deep do you dive for scallops?
The depth of the area in which we scallop varies depending on the tides. Usually the depth of the Gulf on our scallop tours ranges from about 5 feet to about 8 feet at high tide, with an average of about 5-6 feet.
Do you provide an in-water guide?
YES!!!! Explorida is a full service company dedicated to providing you the VIP experience all the time, which means providing you a in water guide on every tour! Your in water scallop guide is there to make sure everyone is safe in the water, knows what they are looking for, and knows exactly how to scoop scallops! They also swim along side you to help you get closer to your scallop limit!!
What is the visibility like for scalloping in the gulf?
The visibility for a scallop tour on a good day is amazingly clear. Most of the time you can see the grassy bottom from the boat! Of course, the visibility varies on every tour as tidal influences and weather patterns can affect it so we really can not predict what to expect on any given scallop tour!
I don't want to actually scallop, is there a discount?
For our scallop tours, the US Coast Guard counts every body on our boat as a seat, regardless of whether or not you swim. Because of this, we sell our scallop trips per seat and the price is consistent across the board.
How do you clean scallops?
Cleaning scallops is part of the experience… and your captain and guide will show you how it is done!! The best part of it all, is that they will not only show you how it’s done but they will do it for you as long as you are good to them!
Do you shuck our scallops for us?
YES!!!! Explorida is truly dedicated to the customer experience, which means will we shuck your scallops! This is a tough dirty job so be sure to be good to your captain and guide, and they will go above and beyond to ensure they take care of you!
Who can cook our scallops?
Because we send you off with fresh, cleaned scallops – there are many places around town that can cook your scallops for you! Let us know you are interested in this after your charter, and we will point you in the direction of a few of our favorite local places!
Are your boats covered, and do they have bathrooms?
Our boats are all covered to protect you from the HOT Florida sun! They are also all enclosed to protect you from the winter cold! Our boats do not offer bathrooms.
What is the difference between group tours and private tours?
If you decide to take a group tour, you will be booked with others. This is the best route for those looking for the most cost effective way to take a tour with us! When you book a private tour, your group will have the boat to yourself. Whether you have a small group of two or even a larger group, we have the perfect private tour for you!
How many people do your boats hold?
Each tour we offer has a different passenger capacity. We can accommodate groups of 2 or groups of 16 on a single boat!! For larger groups, just give us a call and we will make accommodations for you, with a discount!
Do you offer any discounts?
We often run promotions with promo codes for certain tours, and if you’re lucky enough to run across one be sure to provide the code at booking to receive your discount!
Does snorkel gear cost extra?
All the gear that you need for your tour is included for every trip you take with us! There are no hidden fees or up charges for anything necessary for our tours! We are committed to being transparent, and hitting you with undisclosed upcharges does not align with our standards! Everything is included in the price.
Are there any hidden fees?
There are no hidden fees associated with our tours! We are committed to being transparent, and hitting you with undisclosed upcharges does not align with our standards!
I don't want to go in the water, is there a discount?
We do offer a discount to non swimmers on our manatee swim tours, if there is someone in your group that wants to stay dry while you swim! We also offer a manatee viewing cruise which is most ideal when your entire group wants to stay dry!
Do you charge the same price for children?
Regardless of age or size, the Coast Guard counts every person on the vessel towards the passenger count. Because of that, children are charged the same price as adults.
What is your cancellation policy?
Due to limited seating, we request that you process any/all cancellations at least 2 days prior to your scheduled tour. Guests who process cancellations at least 2 days prior to ‘any’ scheduled tour will receive full reimbursement. Guests with short term cancellations (less than a 2 day notice) can reschedule at no additional cost or can opt for a gift certificate to reschedule at a more convenient time. In the event that we are required to cancel due to bad weather conditions, boat issues, or other circumstances beyond our personal control, you will be offered the opportunity to reschedule “or” receive full reimbursement.
What happens if we miss our tour?
If your group misses a scheduled tour, we will do the best that we can to accommodate you by rescheduling your party. In the event that you cannot reschedule, we will be unable to process a refund but will most definitely provide you with a gift certificate to return at a more convenient time.
Do you ever cancel tours due to weather?
We understand that many of our visitors travel from far far away to take a tour with us, so we do the best we can to work around bad weather conditions. In most situations, we are able to delay our tours to accommodate for bad weather. Very rarely do we have to cancel tours due to unfavorable weather conditions, but it does happen! In the event that it happens, we will offer you the chance to reschedule. If you are not able to reschedule, we will most certainly return your money!
How do you handle the privacy and security of customer information?
We take your privacy and the security of your information very seriously! We are committed to keeping all payment information secure and NEVER EVER sell any of your contact information. You can count on us!