Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando

4.7
(206 reviews)

8 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

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
Driver/guide
Use of snorkel equipment, mask & snorkel
Picnic Lunch
River cruise to look for the manatees
Gratuities
Bring your breakfast with you to enjoy on the transport vehicle if you wish.
Airboat Ride on Fridays & Saturdays - tour is priced lower
Wetsuits must be hired

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

    The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3

    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.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 4

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

    30 minutes Admission ticket free

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
Supplied by Gray Line of Orlando

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Water Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Involves Animals
Additional fees
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.7 Based on 206 206 reviews
5 stars
169
4 stars
20
3 stars
8
2 stars
3
1 star
6
Likely to sell out
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}