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Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando

Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando

Overview

Come and enjoy the real Florida... Get up-close with the gentle manatee and see the beauty of Crystal River as you explore the Homosassa State Wildlife Park.

The tour heads up to Crystal River is where you can snorkel - swim in the rivers where wild manatees live. It's an early morning departure, so bring breakfast snacks to eat during the journey.

Following a safety briefing and collecting your mask, snorkel & fins (wetsuits hire is $15 and required for swimmers) you board the boat. You do not have to swim or snorkel, you can opt enjoy the boat ride looking for nature alone should you prefer.

When manatees are spotted you can get into the river should you wish, get some great photos.

In the afternoon explore Homosassa State Park. The park is home of many species of native wildlife that have been rescued. You are there at lunchtime, so you can opt to purchase it from the park cafe, or bring yourself a picnic if you prefer. A True Florida Day Out!

City: Orlando

Sun 23 Feb

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $98.99

Make a reservation

Sun 23 Feb

Starting at $98.99

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Admission into Homosassa State Park

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Driver/guide

River cruise to look for the manatees

Use of snorkel equipment, mask, snorkel and fins.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides

What To Expect

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river. You will be on the boat at least 90 mins.

Homosassa River

We will visit the State Park at Homosassa. You will walk around the State Park and see the animals and view the manatees in the underwater viewing chamber at this hospital facility for injured manatees. There is also a cafe at the park so you could purchase lunch here if you wish, or if you prefer to pack yourself a picnic they do have picnic tables you can use inside the park.

Crystal River

Upon arrival at the picturesque Crystal River, you will enjoy a fabulous narrated boat tour. You will be provided masks, snorkels & fins, and encouraged to swim alongside these friendly creatures under the guidance of certified dive masters. The manatees are endangered and have come to the Florida springs year-round to find shelter and food. In the winter months the manatee population can reach several hundred and during summer, the average count is 80. They are "gentle giants" and have no teeth. After your cruise, you head to Homosassa State Wildlife Park, famous throughout Florida for the rehabilitation of injured animals. It is here you’ll have the chance to see the current manatee residents at the park during an informative and entertaining feeding session with one of the park rangers. You’ll also see bears, panthers, alligators and even a hippo as you explore the rest of the park. Roundtrip transport from the Orlando area and a knowledgeable driver-guide is also included.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (39)

Jessica_S

Nov 2022

The guides were informative and very nice. They brought us to this spring which was gorgeous just to swim about for a little bit. We went at the end of November so there wasn't a lot of people out which made the experience all around more pleasant. We will most definitely do this again In a few years.

kayleighb798

Oct 2022

We booked through Tui as part of our holiday and it states that round trip collection is included from Disney resorts, it does not specify the resort is actually the WDW Swan and no others so those staying at other resorts should be aware that you will need to get an uber as our collection was supposed to be 6.35am. Our guide was 20 minutes late... We could've used the free Disney transport if the actual collection time was as late as they turned up! Although our guide was very apologetic and friendly. This is very frustrating when you have 5am wake up calls to be on time. Minibus is very small and cramped. Manatee experience is fantastic and I would do it again. The dive guides were amazing, great with first time snorkellers or those concerned about swimming. The state Park is disappointing. The panthers show stereotypical behaviour so you can see they are very stressed and unhappy. I personally think it's cruel to keep wild birds that have injuries so severe they cannot be released. Amputating a birds wing and then keeping it in captivity doesn't seem right to me. On arrival back at the Disney area we drove straight past everyone's resorts to go to WDW swan and our particular group ended up having to get a boat to the boardwalk, then a bus to Disney springs to get a bus to all stars. People booking their tour need to be aware of collection points so they can make sure they have arrangements made or make a decision on whether they can afford to find extra travel money.

Beachbar23

Oct 2022

We booked via Floridatix and it was Greyline that organised the bus from Orlando to the manatee swim at Crystal River. They picked us up on time from Orlando at 6:10 am and the bus guide and driver were very welcoming and professional. When we booked the trip in Jan 22 it included a small breakfast on the bus and lunch included in the price. Also cost of wetsuits. In the summer 22 unknown to us this was removed from the package but we were not advised. So after getting on the bus at 6:10 for the next two hours we had no water, coffee or breakfast and as there is no cafe at the manatee swim area we had to wait until 12:30 before we reached a cafe so we could get something to eat or drink. So that was six hours without food or drink and it was a really hot day. I have since received a refund from Floridatix for exra money we paid out for the food and wetsuits. The bus journey was fine but we were uncomfortable and hungry during the manatee swim. I suggest that as you are picking people up so early you make sure you advise people that there is no food or drink beforehand so we can either buy our own to take or you offer to stop at a shop along the way. We were told that the package changed after we booked in January and that you did not inform Floridatix. I would advise people to check this before travelling with their provider.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Thank you for feedback. We are so glad you enjoyed the manatee swim, but we are disappointed for you that you were not informed by your travel agent you booked with that changes had been made to the tour. These changes were actually put in place in December 2021. We informed all our reseller clients and even changed the name of the tour so there could be no mistakes. We also decreased the price of the tour from $119 to $99 a person. The change was the removal of the food, the wetsuits have never been included in tour price, no tour company going to the Crystal River from Orlando includes wetsuits. At the time you booked the changes had already been made for all new reservations. You booking was received at the lower price point then the former price that included breakfast. You reseller company did not inform us that they refunded this to you, which we are very happy they have. This is because they would have been aware that this was their error - but we are really sorry this happened as the be hungry is no fun. We appreciate your feedback and will put in place for our office staff to remind guests when they reconfirm that they can bring breakfast snacks with them on the tour vehilce if they wish. We appreciate this feedback! We hope you loved Orlando and hope to see you next time you travel to the state! Tori