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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
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.
Gratuities
Wetsuits must be hired - Mandatory $15 fee
Breakfast
Airboat Ride on Saturdays - tour is priced lower
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Free Parking at this location. This is the final stop and will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line. Departure time from this location is 06:45am. Please let Gray Line know you are boarding here -please call or Whats App 407-522-5911 the day prior.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue. Tour Guide-Driver will provide everything needed.
• Bring swimwear and towels if you intend to swim/snorkel.
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
Pickups are between 6am-6.45am. You MUST contact Gray Line Orlando and let them know which pick up you prefer, they will confirm your pick up time.
$15 pp wetsuite rental fee to be paid at the dive shop.
What to expect
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Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
1 hour 30 min
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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Homosassa River
2 hours
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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Crystal River
4 hours
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. -
Withlacoochee River
30 min
If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Can I cancel Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
Free Parking at this location. This is the final stop and will be assigned to guests that do not contact Gray Line. Departure time from this location is 06:45am.
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.
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Wetsuits must be hired - Mandatory $15 fee
- Breakfast
- Airboat Ride on Saturdays - tour is priced lower
Which places does it visit?
It visits Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Homosassa River, Crystal River, Withlacoochee River.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Gray Line of Orlando
