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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 where you can snorkel or 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 (wetsuit hire is $15 and required for swimmers) you board the boat. When manatees are spotted you can get into the river for great photos. If you prefer, you can opt to simply enjoy the boat ride while enjoying nature.

In the afternoon explore Homosassa State Park. The park is home to many species of rescued native wildlife.

If you purchase the Florida Adventure Tour fully inclusive option, you will also ride a Wild Airboat Ride on a river to spot the alligators and nature and enjoy a picnic lunch.

City: Orlando

Sun 15 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $159.00

Make a reservation

Sun 15 Jun

Starting at $159.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours

Admission into Homosassa State Park

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Driver/guide

Picnic Lunch

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

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 (169)

Ranel_M

Mar 2025

Unless you go in the peak season don't expect to see more than a few manatees. We went late March and only saw one.

Nicky_G

Mar 2025

I enjoyed swimming in the Crystal River although I didn't manage to see a manatee underwater. Apparently January and February are the best months to go as more manatees are usually present in the river. (From March onwards many of the manatees migrate to the open ocean). It was a new experience for me to wear a wet suit and use a snorkel. It would be helpful if participants had some previous experience of using a snorkel although this is not essential. Participants also need to be able to swim to a basic standard. The walk around the park after the swim was very interesting with the chance to see manatees (along with other animals.)

Kathy F

Mar 2025

Great experience to snorkel with the manatees, and ride on the air boat on the everglades. Carmen was a very accommodating and interesting guide