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Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando

147 Reviews4.73 out of 5 stars Based on 147 reviews collected by Cool Everglades and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Orlando, USA
Snorkeling alongside these gentle giants
Snorkeling on Crystal River with wild manatees
Manatees live naturally on the Crystal River
Manatees taking by the underwater camera
If you wish to, go snorkel on the river.
Manatee photos taken by underwater cameras
Smile for the photo!

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8 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

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.

What's Included

  • Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
  • Admission into Homosassa State Park
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Gratuities
  • Wetsuits must be hired - Mandatory $15 fee
  • Breakfast Bring your breakfast with you to enjoy on the transport vehicle if you wish.
  • Airboat Ride on Saturdays - tour is priced lower
  • Half Day does not include Homosassa State Park or Airboat Ride
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Time • 07:00 AM

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

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.
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4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Withlacoochee River

If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-3170P40

Reviews

4.73
147 reviews

Average 4.73 out of 5 stars based on 147 traveler reviews collected by Cool Everglades and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
125
4 stars
13
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
3

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