# Site: explorida.com # URL: https://explorida.com # Generated: 2026-09-06 03:00:42 # Version: 1.2 # File Type: llms-full.txt # Total Pages: 27 --- ## Summers are for Scalloping in Florida! URL: https://explorida.com/summers-are-for-scalloping-in-florida/ What do you see when you close your eyes and picture the perfect summer vacation? Do you picture yourself swimming in salt water off the coastline of Florida? If not, you’re not doing it right!! Scalloping in Florida is a favorie summer past time! Do you know how much summer fun comes with scalloping? If not, you are really missing out!! Sunshine, salt water and scallops make up the best summer memories! Cruising out to the scallop grounds, donning your snorkel gear, and taking that initial dive for the delectable bay scallop is the best way to spend a sunny summer day! Citrus County, aka the Nature Coast, provides locals and tourists alike with some of the most fertile grass beds for recreational scallop harvest every year. As a matter of fact, the shoreline off the coast of Citrus County was recently deemed as “outstanding Florida Waters”  by Florida legislature! This coastline was recognized as an essential part of Florida’s aquatic preserve, and named the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve by the Florida Senate. Scalloping in these waters truly provides the chance to experience Florida at its finest! ### Why is seagrass important? Helthy grassbeds are extremely important to a thriving scallop population. Scallops are active inhabitants of seagrass beds amid a shallow sandy bottom, and they thrive in our seagrasses. They are filter feeders, but can’t filter sediment so they prefer clean and clear waters. Their choice of marine environment makes harvesting scallops fairly easy!! ### Dive into authentic Florida adventure! Diving for scallops in Crystal River is like partaking in an underwater treasure hunt. You simply snorkel at the surface until you lay eyes on the prized jewel! Once you spot a scallop you shoot to the bottom to scoop it! The depth of the waters that you will dive while scalloping usually averages around 6-8 feet. It is generally pretty easy to scallop, but scallop diving requires you to be comfortable in your snorkel gear. The hardest part of scalloping for the inexperienced snorkeler tends to be using the snorkel equipment. The reason for this is because you must be able to clear your snorkel after you take the dive to the bottom for you score. If you fall into this category, don’t give up! After a few tries, you will get the hang of it pretty easily! When scalloping in Crystal River, the best areas to look for are the shallower grasses. They usually lay near the top of the grass beds, or you will find them in the sandy spots that meet the grass beds. If you find yourself in these areas, your score will probably be much higher. Also, be on the lookout for different species of fish, coral, sponges, turtles, starfish, sea horses and other treasures that mother ocean has to offer! Scalloping is a treasure hunt that serves up a ton of fun and a delicious dinner too! Let this underwater treasure hunt provide your family with memories they will treasure forever!! ### Know before you go Scalloping… If you have a boat, familiarize yourself with scalloping laws before you head out on your own. When scalloping in Florida, be sure to do so responsibly! Seagrass beds are critical to a healthy eco system, and it is our job to protect them. Boating responsibly helps to avoid damage to sea grass. Navigate your vessel through deeper areas, and trim up your boat motors when over grass beds. When possible, try to throw anchor in sandy sports to reduce damage to the grass! No boat, and/or no idea where to start?  Scalloping charters  are a great way to scallop Crystal River! Scalloping with a reputable tour operator like  Explorida , makes your scallop trip easy. Your charter captain will know the best scalloping spots in Florida. Plus, everything necessary for an awesome day on the water is provided on your  Crystal River Scallop Charter . Round up the friends and family and because you won’t want to miss this adventure! --- ## How the Kings Bay Restoration Project Saved Crystal River URL: https://explorida.com/how-the-kings-bay-restoration-project-saved-crystal-river/ The greatest threat to the planet is the thought that someone else will save it . This was the mindset of a few dedicated citizens and business professionals on the Nature Coast who decided enough was enough!!  They set their sights on Crystal River… They were concerned for the health of a major Eco System in Citrus County, and joined forces to make a change! The whole world needs to know about it…. so keep reading! They called themselves  “Save Crystal River.”  Short, sweet, and straight to the point. Their goal was to save Crystal River, and that is exactly what they did. They set their sights on Kings Bay, aka the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge. An invasive algea had choked out all the healthy vegetation and left the bay desolate of marine life. ### Why is seagrass important? Aquatic vegetation, specifically seagrass, is extremely important to the health of our ecosystem. Where seagrass grows, it filters the water to help with its clarity. Seagrass beds also act as a carpet on the the sandy bottom. Grassbeds stabilize the ground, holding loose particles in place too! Seagrass is a critical factor in the clarity of the water, but more important to the marine life that relies on seagrass beds to survive. In healthy seagrass meadows you will see a plethora of marine life thriving! From smaller fish to bigger fish and dolphins, from small crustaceans to manatees! How do we know this, you ask?! Well, it is because we have seen it with our own eyes!! ### The past is the past… As locals to the area, and tour operators in Kings bay, we have seen the impact that the Save Crystal River  Kings Bay Restoration Project  has made in our area. We have operated  manatee swim tours  daily for the duration of the restoration project. Although manatee season runs from the middle of November to the end of March, we swim with a resident population of manatees year round. Years ago, we would always suggest taking a manatee swim tour during manatee season, since manatee huddle in the clearest waters of the springs for warmth in the winter. Years ago, this was when manatee would actually be visible beneath the surface of the water. During the summer months, before the restoration project, we would swim in dark dirty water. The bottom was algae ridden and just plain muck… YUCK! Manatee tours in the summer months used to be more of a safari due to the limited number of animals in Kings Bay, and there were often times that we didn’t find a single manatee!! Talk about disappointing!! Since Save Crystal River actually saved Crystal River, the tables have turned!! The summer months give us some of the BEST manatee tour conditions that we experience all year!! Some even better than those during “manatee season.” For the first time EVER we are able to encourage people to come swim with manatees in the summer. This has made a HUGE impact on our tours, as we can redirect some traffic from the busy manatee season to the less crowded summer. ### The Difference was Night and Day! When the vegetation is in full bloom it is breathtaking. The bottom is covered with full lush seagrass beds and the water clarity is at its absolute best! When we snorkel with the manatees in the summer, we get lost in the grass beds counting the different species of fish big and small, and even blue crabs and turtles too! We are even seeing other various aquatic vegetation thriving symbiotically with the eelgrass. It’s truly a spectacular sight. Our residential population of manatee LOVES this project too! Our summer population of manatee over the years has gotten larger and healthier. We now see more manatee in the summer than we ever have, and it is mainly because they have a fully stocked “all you can eat buffet” that they can graze at their leisure. Not to mention, we can actually SEE them. Our manatee thrive in the areas that are most pristine! These conditions are not only good for our customers but for the manatee as well. In clear waterways, manatee are spotted easily and avoided by boaters! Win Win! ### Crystal River is given hope for a better tomorrow… The Kings Bay Restoration project is far from over but has been a huge success so far. During the pilot project alone in 2011, a little over 6000 plants were planted among about three acres. (We will talk about how in another article, because it deserves one of its own.)  That number has grown exponentially to over 5 million plants to date.. and it continues to grow! The individual plants, as they mature, grow together and form acres upon acres of seagrass meadows. The seagrass meadows have replaced tens of thousands of tons of muck and inspired so many! --- ## Explorida Ranks Top 10 Bucket list Experience in the Globe! URL: https://explorida.com/explorida-ranks-top-10-bucket-list-experience-in-the-globe/ ### Explorida’s Great Traveler Reviews Land it a Place Among Travelers’ Favorites Trip Advisor, the worlds largest travel guidance program, has officially announced the 2022 Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Award Winners for the top bucket list experiences across the globe. We are proud to announce that Swimming with Manatees at Explorida Adventure Center has made the cut! “Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests.” The Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” award is Trip Advisors highest recognition. The BOB Award is presented annually to those businesses that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of experiences worldwide. Trip Advisor showcases the reviews of nearly 8 million businesses, so being in the top 1% is a huge accomplishment for Explorida!! READ THE ARTICLE HERE! Amongst the Camel Safari in Dubai (No. 1), the Machu Picchu Trail Trek in Peru (No. 2), and Norway’s Northern Lights Adventure (No.9), Explorida made the list for it’s all inclusive manatee swim tours (No. 10). Not only did the manatee swim tour with Explorida make it into the top ten bucket list experiences in the entire world, but it is the ONLY United States based experience that made that list! Explorida is beyond honored to receive this esteemed designation. From conception, Explorida has set out to dedicate ourselves to the customer experience, while educating on and doing our part to protect the manatee and the resources that we, together, call home. This is what our guests experience when they step foot in our door, and this is what got us here today. Swimming with the manatees is a unique privilege that is only offered in Citrus County, Florida. While Manatee migrate to the area in high numbers in the winter months to thermoregulate in the county’s warm springs, manatee can be found year-round in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors from all over the world flock to Crystal River to check swimming with the Florida manatee off their bucket list! “We’re thrilled for Explorida on making such a prestigious list and congratulate their team for delivering unforgettable bucket list experiences for our visitors,” said John Pricher, director of Discover Crystal River Florida. “Like all our certified tour operators, Explorida is an expert in providing a safe, fun, one-of-a-kind vacation adventure, but also take very seriously our shared responsibility of promoting and protecting the local manatee population.” ### When offering guided tours of natural resources, a responsible tour company should embody all aspects of preservation and conservation. At Explorida, it is our mission to emphasize the importance of recreating responsibly. We set the industry standard by equipping every boat in our fleet with Powerpole “spike” Anchors to protect our grass beds, and prop guards to benefit our grasses and our manatee population as well. Our crew is dedicated to running a sustainable operation, and our guests recognize and appreciate that. Ready cross swimming with manatee off your bucket list!? Don’t waste another minute and do it HERE! --- ## Crystal River – Home of the Manatee! URL: https://explorida.com/crystal-river-home-of-the-manatee/ Have you ever heard of Crystal River, Florida? If you have, then you probably know it as the “Home of the Manatee.” If you haven’t, then you need to KEEP READING! Crystal River is located in Citrus County, which is about an hour north of Tampa and an hour and a half west of Orlando. Citrus County is revered as the manatee capital of the world, and rightfully so! Only in the waters of Citrus County, are you able to legally swim with manatee in their natural habitat! That’s right!! Swimming with manatees is a privilege that is uniquely ours. ### Nowhere else in the world are you able to come face to face with the Florida Manatee. In the coldest months of winter, you are guaranteed to encounter these majestic beasts in all Citrus County waterways. Nowhere else in Florida will you encounter more manatees than in the spring-fed waters of Crystal River, Homosassa and Chassahowitzka. Why, you ask? Manatee have a low metabolic rate which limits their ability to keep warm in colder waters. The temperature of our Florida Springs stays a constants 72 degrees year round. Because of this, these springs are the perfect winter home for manatee to escape the cold. Pretty cool, right? (No pun intended). ### Crystal River is a year round home for the manatee! But, this isn’t what makes Crystal River so special. Crystal River didn’t earn its designation as “Home Of The Manatee” from the ones that visit in the winter. That’s right! Crystal River is uniquely the only place in Florida that has a consistent year round population of manatee that decided to become permanent residents. No matter the day of the year, you are almost guaranteed to see manatee in the Crystal River National Wildlife refuge!! While you won’t count as many manatee in the summer, there is a nice size resident population of manatee that thrive in Crystal River, Florida all year. Over the years, our resident population of Manatee has grown in numbers, and each year we see more manatee sticking around for the summer. They enjoy our cool fresh water, lush eel grass beds, and idle speed zones. We can’t blame them though, because WE wouldn’t want to spend our summers elsewhere either!!!! ### Why do manatee love Crystal River? The life of a manatee is pretty consistent.. they sleep, eat, and repeat!! Because of this, our eco system just perfect for them. For instance, we have lots of quiet secluded back country for these solitary animals to rest, plenty of fresh water for them to drink, and plenty of food here to feed their humongous appetite. Manatee are always on the search for food. Manatee graze about 8 – 10 hours a day, consuming about 10 percent of their body weight daily. Weighing in at about 1500 pounds, your average manatee consumes about 150 pounds of grass a day!! That’s what we call a HEALTHY appetite! In the summer months our aquatic vegetation is in full bloom and our manatee love it! Because they can stick around our waterways, they don’t have to work too hard to feast on their favorite foods. Thanks to a recent restoration project (look for that in our next blog) our grass beds are healthier than they have ever been. Not to mention, just off our coastline in the Gulf of Mexico, lies one of the most fertile grass beds left on the Florida Coastline. Collectively, these conditions provide our manatee with a great summer home! Tourists and locals of Crystal River also benefit from the prime manatee viewing in Florida! Having a steady year round manatee population truly sets Crystal River apart from other places to see manatee in Florida. The opportunity for the best manatee viewing is in Crystal River. This is truly a unique privilege, and ranks Crystal River as most deserving of its title as “Manatee Capital of the world.” Looking to meet a manatee? Book a manatee swim tour with Explorida today! --- ## Who are the real friends of manatees? URL: https://explorida.com/who-are-the-real-friends-of-manatees/ ### Swimming with Manatees has become increasingly popular over the last decade. This bucket list experience has garnered worldwide attention through social media and travel blogs globally. With the good, comes the bad. We realize that as we increase in popularity, what we do has become controversial. Rather than argue with those that misinform, we instead strive to educate the open minded. This is the perfect opportunity to explain the importance in what we do. Here are just a few of the things we want you to know about the ‘Manatee Industry’, straight from those of us who know it best. ### People who work with Manatees, LOVE Manatees Local waterways are at the heart of how many local families earn a living, but we could have chosen many different pursuits! We work with manatees because we love them! Seeing them in their natural habitat stirs our souls in a way that we wish to share with the world, and that is why we do what we do. We are able to share our passion through education and life-changing up-close encounters. Swimming alongside our manatees daily, allows us to monitor them closely. We utilize our one on one relationships with our local USFWS officers to respond to manatees in need. We are usually the first to recognize a sick or injured manatee, and we monitor their health. If they need to be rescued and rehabilitated, it is often us that make the call. When they need strong backs to assist with rescue or release, we are there. We work hard daily to ensure a bright future for these majestic beasts! ### Manatees are Dying in Record Numbers, But NOT in Crystal River This one is very important. We have the world’s healthiest manatee population and one of the best-kept habitats for their survival in the wild. Working with dozens of partners like ‘ USFWS ’, ‘ Friends of Crystal River’ , ‘ One Rake at a Time ‘, and ‘ Save Crystal River ‘, the Manatee Industry commits itself to improving our waterways for these beloved creatures. A record number of  sea cows died in 2021  (over 1,100) with most of those deaths attributed to habitat loss and lack of food sources in their wintering ranges. With our cooperation and continued efforts, this has not been and will not be a problem in Citrus County anytime in the near future! ### Guardian Guides: The Presence of Manatee Tour Operators on the Water Creates a Safer Environment for Humans AND Manatees The presence of entities in Kings Bay that can enforce laws is slim most days and non-existent on others. We strive to fill that gap on one of the busiest, most regulated bodies of water in the entire state of Florida. People from all over the world visit our area to swim with manatees. While our industry captures and educates the better percentage of people entering our waters, the remaining percentage braves our waterways independently. We will never stop the crowds, so we work together to manage them! We serve as the stewards of the bay, and police of these waterways. Leading by example is just not enough. We educate, correct, and insist that others act with respect towards our manatee population. Without our presence on the waterways, there is little oversight and no proper example of how to passively observe these gentle giants. The ‘Manatee Industry’ is NOT the problem, on the contrary, we pledge to be a part of the solution! ### We Strive to Educate and Inspire Awareness is the key to combating most environmental issues. Manatee Eco-Tourism provides us the platform to educate by connecting with nature. We inform the public in a fun dynamic that encourages an understanding and deep respect for these animals. We build awareness of the Florida manatee while uncovering its threats, and teach the ways to protect and preserve the population. As we educate our guests through experience, we inspire other communities to model our restoration projects and care more for these delicate habitats. Preserving our natural resources benefits our wildlife and future generations to come! --- ## Home URL: https://explorida.com/ # Experience Explorida Swim with manatees in Crystal River, Florida Book now Explore our tours 5 STAR rated on Google & Trip Advisor with thousands of reviews and counting! ## Most Popular Tours ### Group Manatee Swim Tours Tours daily 3 hours Starting at $55 Max capacity of 10 Book Now Learn More ### Private Manatee Tours Tours daily 3 hours Starting at $420 Small to large group options Book Now Learn More ### Manatee Viewing Eco Cruise Tours Daily 1.5 hours Starting at $35 Max capacity of 13 Book Now Learn More ### The adventure starts here! Explore All Tours ## The adventure starts here! #### Step into an authentic Florida adventure with Explorida as your guide! There is no experience more authentic to Florida than meeting the Florida manatee! At Explorida, our manatee boat tours in Crystal River, FL, offer exactly that. Whether it is swimming with manatees, or manatee sightseeing, we will get you up close and personal with the Florida manatee for a truly unforgettable experience! There are plenty of reasons to trust us with your tour, but here’s a quick few that make us stand out above the others: • Permitted w/ the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service • Safe, Reliable, U.S. Coast Guard Certified Boats • Dedicated to Sustainable Eco-Tourism Operations • Five star rated on Google and Trip Advisor • Top Notch Facility, Equipment, and Service • Hassle Free Bookings and Cancellations ## Meet A Manatee You can’t officially explore Florida without meeting a manatee. Learn more ## An experience worthy of your bucket list on TripAdvisor #### Explorida Ranks Top 10 Bucket list Experience in the Globe! Amongst the Camel Safari in Dubai (No. 1), the Machu Picchu Trail Trek in Peru (No. 2), and Norway’s Northern Lights Adventure (No.9), our all inclusive manatee swim tour ranked Top 10! Not only did our manatee swim tour at Explorida make it into Trip Advisors top ten bucket list experiences in the entire world, but swimming with manatees at Explorida was the ONLY United States based experience that made that list! We are honored to have earned this designation, but more so honored to share this experience with our guests. Don’t hesitate, and let's cross swimming with manatees of your bucket list today! Book Now Explore Our Tours ## What to expect for each season ### Winter It's Manatee Season! Manatee seek winter refuge in our springs, so this is when we have the chance to see most manatees. Manatees, though, follow weather patterns, and not the calendar! ### Spring Spring brings warmer weather and manatee migration begins as weather warms up. Coupled with flocks of spring travelers, spring offers safari like conditions. Be sure to read our traveler tips to maximize your experience during this time. ### Summer Early summer marks the settling of our resident manatee population, and the rebound of our grassbeds from its winter shed. This can create great conditions! Midsummer, however, is when locals and visitors enjoy our refreshing spring waters as much as our manatees! ### Fall This is our favorite time of year to swim with manatees. Although we swim with our smaller resident population, the vegetation is in full bloom and the waters are usually quieter making for a better experience overall. ## PARK, PLAY, STAY FOR THE DAY! Located in historic downtown Crystal River, not only are we easy to find but our central location offers the best way to park and play! With plenty of free parking at our front door, our location serves the unique opportunity to swim with manatees and then discover the town's many delights. Wander our downtown district lined with quaint boutiques, gift shops and local eateries, soak in the natural beauty of our springs at your choice of waterfront parks, and cap off your day with a delightful dinner and/or a breathtaking sunset over Kings Bay. Discover Crystal River #### We're people people ## Feel like more than just a ticket We love what we do, but customer service is our specialty. 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. This is proven in the quality of our shop, gear, boats, and crew!! We are dedicated to the customer experience and strive to exceed your expectations. We are the VIP visitors' center in Citrus County. Other companies may say it, but we mean it! Book Now #### Trust Us with your Trip ## The dedication is in the details The details matter when choosing the right tour company for you, and at Explorida we have perfected them all. Our commitment to being the best is showcased in our top notch crew, equipment, gear, and wetsuits. Our passion for the manatees and their habitat is showcased in our sustainable eco tourism practices, being THE ONLY manatee tour company with grassbed-friendly anchors AND manatee-safe prop guards on every boat. We pour our hearts into perfecting your experience, so booking a tour with us is easy, all inclusive, free of secret upcharges, and cancellations are hassle free. Its clear that we love what we do… book with us, and you will love us too! Read More #### Snapshots ## Memories are made here --- ## Things To Do URL: https://explorida.com/things-to-do/ # Discover Crystal River like never before --- ## About Us URL: https://explorida.com/about-us/ # Experience Explorida ## What is Explorida all about? ### We started off as just a couple of locals who were inspired by the privilege unique to Citrus County. When you can swim with manatees in your back yard, it is easy to take this privilege for granted – but, not for us. We quickly discovered a passion for sharing our privilege with others, and uncovered a passion for doing it the right way! Explorida is not only the largest and most comfortable tour facility in Crystal River, we are proud to feature one of the largest and most unique souvenir/gift shops. We couldn’t stop there, though. We sprinkled finishing touches through our shop that shine a light on our dedication to your experience. You will see this in our dedicated customer lounge, graciously spacious orientation area, our private climate controlled changing rooms, and our well maintained indoor restrooms. Gone are the days of being crammed in a small stinky dive shop like snorkeling sardines!! But the Explorida Experience isn’t complete without the cherry on top… and for us that’s our one of a kind educational displays dedicated to manatee education and conservation. It was our goal to create a five star tour facility that truly broke the mold, and we did just that. ## Location & Hours ### Easy to find and open from sunrise to sunset! Nestled in the historic downtown district of Crystal River, our official hours read 8am to 4pm but our doors are usually open before sunrise! Our full service tour facility/gift shop is super easy to find, provides abundant free parking, and provides the central most location for guests to swim with manatees and then explore the many other activities our charming town has to offer! Looking to reach us by phone? Call us anytime from 6am-8pm! 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! ## 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. ## Explorida Values ### Mission At Explorida, 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 by facilitating a soulful connection with nature. It is our Mission to prove that. ### Vision We thrive on our passion to educate our 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. ### Commitment Locally owned AND operated, we care deeply about our community and the future of our wildlife encounters. We commit to delivering our visitors the best nature encounters in the most sustainable way….all while having the most fun possible! --- ## Blog URL: https://explorida.com/blog/ # Education: The key to Conservation --- ## Contact Us URL: https://explorida.com/contact-us/ # Contact the Crew ## We're here for you Have questions? Call us or send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible! info@explorida.tours 545 N. Citrus Ave. Crystal River,FL 34428 --- ## Scallop Charters URL: https://explorida.com/scallop-charters/ # Explorida Scallop Charters ## Explore the real florida ### Spend your summer the right way… enjoying salty dives and sweet memories! Citrus County, also known as the Nature Coast, has provided locals and tourists alike with some of the most fertile grass beds for recreational scallop harvest every year and has rightfully earned its designation as the #1 scalloping spot on Florida’s coastline! Let Explorida serve you the most authentic Florida experience yet! Hop aboard our USCG–certified vessel and join your captain on this scenic scallop charter trip from Crystal River, FL, to the Gulf of Mexico!! In addition to your master captain, you will be paired with an expert in-water guide who will be there to assist every step of the way, for no additional cost. Your guide will scallop along with you to contribute to your haul and help you get as close to limit as possible! At Explorida, we are dedicated to going above and beyond… so your captain and guide will even shuck your scallops for you! ## Scallop in style ### Our scallop boat is extra comfortable and can accommodate groups with up to 14 passengers! That’s right—our scallop boat is one of the only in the area that is certified by the United States Coast Guard to safely carry more than six passengers on scallop charter trips out of Crystal River, FL. Our single boat can accommodate up to 14 passengers making it a great fit for the whole family! Round up the scallop squad and ride in comfort under the full shade of our double bimini top, and enjoy the views from our back to back bench seating. This boat ranks in the top of its kind for comfort. More friends means MORE FUN! Don’t Miss out! Book your tour now! ## Come Prepared ### What's Included • Fishing license for all • Mask, snorkel, fins • Scallop Bags • Bottled water • USCG Master Captain • In-water guide/scalloper ### What to Bring • Soft-sided cooler/insulated bags • Lunch, snacks, drinks • Sunscreen (no aerosol please) • Sunglasses, hats, sunshirts • Towels ### Other Considerations • Offered July 1st - September 24th • 5 hours from start to finish • Level 2/3 snorkeling experience • Requires diving depths of 5-8 feet • Maximum capacity is 14 people ## Scalloping Charters ### 5 Hours ### Ages 3+ ## Manatee Swim and Scallop Charter ### 8 Hours ### Ages 3+ ## Scalloping and Spring Hop ### 7 Hours ### Ages 3+ --- ## Manatee Swim Tours URL: https://explorida.com/manatee-tour/ # Manatee Swim Tours ## Crystal River - Manatee capital of the world ### Join us to embark on one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime Citrus County is revered as the manatee capital of the world, and swimming with manatees is a privilege that is uniquely ours. Get up close and personal with the Florida manatee on this three- hour, swimming with manatees tour in the federally protected waters of Florida’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Our Manatee swim tours offer the flexibility to book with (no more than 10) others on a group tour, or you can reserve a private manatee swim tour and keep the boat all to yourself! This tour is offered daily, year-round, so book now for your chance to meet our gentle giants and take home memories that will last forever! ## The Explorida Experience ### For this once in a lifetime trip – Experience Explorida! Your manatee swim tour begins and ends at our full service facility. We start with a brief overview of the rules and manatee viewing prohibitions in our spacious, comfortable orientation area. After we gear up in our private, sizeable, climate controlled changing rooms, you will be paired with one of our expert in water guides and shuttled (just about a mile) to the boats! Here you will hop aboard our safe, comfortable, and clean US Coast Guard certified vessels alongside your Master Captain to embark on your journey into the Kings Bay refuge waters. On your manatee swim tour, your in-water guide will ensure your manatee swim is safe and memorable, also serving as your professional photographer to capture your manatee swim exp. Your photos will be available for purchase (for only $32) upon arrival back to our facility. ## A Step above the Rest ### Intimate, Expert-Led Manatee Tours Our facility is spacious meaning you will be comfortable. Our tours are staggered, meaning you will never be gearing up alongside all the company boats at once, keeping your experience intimate. Our group tours are limited to 10 passengers, which means our group tours are small and manageable, benefiting both our guests and the manatees. Our captains are trained to find manatees on every tour, even in the offseason, and will deliver the best manatee tour in Crystal River, FL—every time. Our facility, gear and crew is what separates us from the rest, but our passion for what we do is what makes us the best. ## manatee tours Daily #### Know before you go! Crystal River has earned its designation as Manatee Capital of the world not only from our record amount of wintering manatees, but also because of our year round manatee population. No matter the time of year, though, its important to understand that this is a wildlife tour. We are swimming with manatee in their natural habitat, where Mother Nature reigns supreme. Conditions vary daily, tour by tour, and can never be predicted.. even during manatee season. Daily conditions and the amount of manatee you will see varies with things like weather, tides, and crowds. At Explorida, we are dedicated to transparency and will do the best to set your expectations. At the end of the day, we are dedicated to your experience and ensure we do the best to provide a safe, fun, and memorable trip!! Book now ## Come Prepared ### What's Included • Wetsuit • Snorkel Gear • Coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water • USCG Master Captain • In water Guide/Photographer ### What to Bring • Swimsuit • Towels • Flip Flops/Sandals • Water Shoes (optional) • Change of clothes ### Other Considerations • 3 hours long • Perfect for Beginner Snorkelers • Float noodles provided • Ages 3+ For Group Bookings • Optional photo package is $32 +tax (per booking) • Personal Cameras welcome ## Discover our Manatee Tours Explorida offers two distinct manatee swim tours to suit every adventurer. The Group Tour provides an economical experience, allowing your group to join others on a boat at a competitive price. This tour has an age minimum of 3+ and is limited to no more than 11 passengers keeping the group small and manageable . For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Private Tour offers a more personalized tour. This tour offers benefits like flexibility among itinerary, manatee viewing and spring locations, as well as one on one access to your own swim guide and even bigger discounts for larger groups. The private tour is offered to groups as small as less than 6 up to groups as large as 48! Either tour option ensures unforgettable memories! ## Manatee Swim Tours ### 3 Hours ### Ages 3+ ## Private Manatee Swim Tours ### 3 Hours ### Ages 3+ --- ## FAQs URL: https://explorida.com/faq/ # Frequently Asked Questions 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.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!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!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!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.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’.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.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. 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. 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. 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!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.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.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 predictedThe 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. 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.We carry 3mm full length wetsuits in ALL sizes ranging from a tiny 2T toddler to adult 5X.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.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.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.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.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!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.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!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!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!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.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!!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!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.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!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!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!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.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!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!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!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.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!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!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.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.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.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!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! --- ## Explore All Tours URL: https://explorida.com/discovery/ # Uncover Florida's natural wonders ### Group Manatee Swim Tours Tours daily 3 hours Starting at $55 Max Capacity of 10 Book now Learn more ### Private manatee swim Tour Daily 3 hours Starting at $420 Small to large group options Book now Learn more ### Manatee Viewing Eco Cruise Tours daily 1.5 hours Starting at $35 Max capacity of 13 Book now Learn more ### Scallop charters Offered Seasonally | July - Sept. Combo Tours Available Max Capacity of 14 on One Boat Offered Private Only Book now Learn more --- ## 404 Error, content does not exist anymore URL: https://explorida.com/404-error-page/ # ERROR 404 - NOT FOUND // You may have mis-typed the URL, // Or the page has been removed, // Actually, there is nothing to see here... << Go back to home page >> --- ## Cart URL: https://explorida.com/cart/ ## You may be interested in… ## Your cart is currently empty! ## New in store --- ## Shop URL: https://explorida.com/shop/ # Explorida Merch --- ## Manatee Viewing Eco Cruise URL: https://explorida.com/manatee-viewing-eco-cruise/ # Explorida Manatee Viewing Eco Cruise ## Immerse yourself in nature, ABOVE the water’s surface! ### Join us for the best manatee viewing in Crystal River, all while staying dry! For the majority of the year, it is difficult to see manatees in Crystal River from shore, as they constantly move about our waterways searching for food.. but not with Explorida! On our manatee boat tours, we offer up the best manatee viewing in Crystal River, year round, all while staying dry! Join this Manatee viewing eco cruise to pair with one of our expert Master Captains who are trained to find manatees on your manatee boat tour, even in the offseason!! Our master captains and will deliver the best manatee tour in Crystal River, FL—every time. ## Tour King's Bay in style ### For this once in a lifetime trip – Experience Explorida! The Explorida manatee boat tour is the best way to see Crystal River. Our large, comfortable, fully shaded, manatee viewing boats feature back to back seating to improve your view for the ride! Have your cameras ready to capture the outstanding scenery and diverse wildlife along the way, as we should also spot an impressive variety of wildlife that calls the refuge “home”. On our tour, you will learn the history of manatees in Crystal river, and also the history of the wildlife refuge. This is truly a nature lover’s Eco Tour offering up the chance to see many species of birds, turtles, and even a dolphin every now and then! Book now ## Come Prepared ### What's Included • 1.5 HR. Eco Cruise • Bottled Water • USCG Certified Master Captain ### What to Bring • Hats • Sunglasses (Polarized are Best) • Flip Flops/Sandals • Cameras • 5$ for Marina Parking (Per Car) ### Other Considerations • Group Tour - limited to 13 • Call for private booking requests • Tour is offered daily, year round ## Manatee Viewing Cruise ### 1.5 Hours ### Ages 3+ ## Don’t Miss the Boat! The meeting location for this tour is Petes Pier Marina. You will find our boats clearly marked with EXPLORIDA on the sides, and parked at the Floating dock nearest the “Bait Shop.” Please arrive no sooner than 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure your captain is ready to meet you! Once you pay for parking, head to the bait shop in search for the Explorida crew dressed in Neon Green! --- ## 4OC- SEA TURTLE SM URL: https://explorida.com/product/4oc-sea-turtle-sm/ NO LONGER STOCKING NO REORDER LEVEL UPDATED --- ## CS Albert pin URL: https://explorida.com/product/albert-enamel-pin/ albert the confused manatee pin --- ## PZ OTTER 18 IN URL: https://explorida.com/product/pz-otter-13/ 18" (48cm) Sea Otter & Starfish SKU 316130 --- ## AR TEE STRAW HAT - 2 URL: https://explorida.com/product/ar-tee-straw-hat-2/ MOMBBY --- ## Color Florida Book URL: https://explorida.com/product/colrng-book/ COLORING BOOKS FOR ADULTS AND KIDS --- ## AZ TEE TOWEL URL: https://explorida.com/product/az-tee-towel/ 30 X 60 FLORIDA MANATEE TOWEL sales@atoztowels.com 8375 NW 30TH TERRACE DORAL, FL 33122 --- ## IA FIDGET TEE URL: https://explorida.com/product/ia/ Manatee Bubble Pop Fidget Toy --- ## PZ BRIGHTEYE TEE URL: https://explorida.com/product/pz-big-eye/ 10" (25cm) Bright Eye Manatee PZ SKU 406633 --- ## AZ cabana towel URL: https://explorida.com/product/az-cabana-towel/ Striped cabana towels in multi color ---