Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
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.
Options
Manatee Swim Value Package
Swim, Snorkel and Boat Ride: Transportation from the Orlando area, 90 min Boat Ride on Crystal River, Snorkel Equipment, Admission to Homosassa State Park
Half Day Manatee Adventure
Duration: 7 hours: Visit Crystal River for the manatee swim and boat ride, enjoy lunch and trip back to Orlando. No airboat or state park visit.
Picnic Lunch included: Choice from a set menu.
Shorter day tour : Due to flooding caused by Hurricane Milton, the state park and airboat ride are closed. This tour is a lower cost for this.
Incudes Manatee Boat Ride: Manatee Boat ride with snorkel equipment (mask and snorkel). Wetsuits hire is mandatory for snorkeling. Payable to dive shop
Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat
Includes Airboat Ride
Includes Lunch
Reviews
203 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice tour
Julia S,
Aug 17, 2025
- Viator
5.00Nicely planed. It was a pleasure to be on the tour. Everything worked smooth. The guide took good care of us
Swim with the manatees
Jayne R,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00What a fantastic day. Oscar our guide was superb, kept us complete informed of each step of the day. Swimming with the manatees was incredible. The wildlife in the Homosassa park was such a delight, seeing the manatees being fed was a super event. The airboat ride is not to be missed- an experience we will never forget
Swimming with Manatees
Lucinda M,
Jul 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00I had a lovely day and everyone was so lovely. Highly recommend this experience and stepping away from the parks. I'm gutted as forgot the name of my tour guide for this trip. He was lovely, Knowledgeable and deserves recognition. Thank you 😊
This was a unique and fun...
Sarah W,
May 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a unique and fun experience. I would recommend this to others, but would recommend coming in the winter so you have a better chance of seeing manatees. Our guide, Carmen, was great. She was very friendly and full of fun facts.
Wonderful experience.
Michelle K,
Apr 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Exactly as described. Professionally and knowledgeable staff at all sites. Picked up on time. Manatee experience wonderful even though water was a bit murky due to time of the year. Park was great, saw lots of cool animals. Airboat ride was awesome, saw lots of alligators and other wildlife. Would highly recommend.
Related Experiences
Operated by Gray Line of Orlando