Manatees Swim, Snorkel and Boat Day Tour from Orlando
Escape from the crowds and join us on a relaxing day at the river. Ride with us from Orlando to Crystal River, a spring fed oasis known as the Manatee Capital of the World. After an educational overview and receiving your snorkel equipment it will be time to take the boat along the river. The nature is abundant in this spring-fed river known for its crystal clear water. When you spot a manatee you will be able to enter the water and snorkel alongside these gentle giants. During the afternoon we visit Homosassa State Park, known for its rescue and rehabilitation of Florida Wildlife.
Highlights
- Boat ride on the Crystal River
- Swim and snorkel where wild manatees live
- Visit the Homosassa State Park to see rescued Florida Wild Life
What's included
- Roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee or Disney areas
- Equipment provided: mask, snorkel and fins
- Boat ride on Crystal River
- Admission to Homosassa State Park
- Comfortable & air conditioned transportation
- Mandatory $10 wetsuit rental for any swimmers to be paid on tour day
- Food and beverages
- Optional gratuities
Overview
After boarding the tour vehicle we will head off towards Citrus County, and the famous Crystal River, the only place in the world where it is legal to swim and snorkel with wild manatees. After some information from our professional tour guide and a safety presentation at the dive shop, you will be fully prepared for your boat ride.
The Coast Guard Certified Boat Captain will slowly cruise down the river looking for the wild manatees. You can choose to snorkel and swim in the crystal-clear water, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the natural surroundings on the boat tour. Manatees, also known sea cows, are gentle giants and when snorkeling in the river where they often swim, they sometimes come to greet you or even roll over to be tickled. You cannot approach wild manatees; they are wild on the river but if we spot them manatees often will come near to humans. This is an experience you don't want to miss out on.
Back on solid ground you will have chance to change at the dive shop before we head to lunch. We will include a stop at a local cafe for you to purchase lunch.
The afternoon allows us to spend time at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park - one of Florida’s best kept secrets. At this 210-acre park, you will have the chance to view many of Florida’s endangered animals such as the state panther, and black bears. Known as the 'Natures Fish Bowl', they have an underwater viewing chamber looking towards the springs; which is where the parks manatees like to hang out - they are house there during their rehabilitation before being let back into the wild. This park toys to rescue and rehabilitate as many animals as it can, whilst providing a safe having for those whose injuries often make it impossible for them to return to the wild.
Arriving back into the Orlando area round 5pm, this tour really is a true Florida adventure, and something unique to this area.
Additional Information
Please Note
Please wear swimsuit under clothes in the morning as it will make things easier upon arrival at the dive shop.
Bring towels and a change of clothes for after the dive time.
Mandatory $10 wet suit rental for any swimmers to be paid on tour day
This activity may not be available on some holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Know before you go
Upon arrival in Orlando or before leaving the UK, please call Gray Line Orlando Gator Tours in order to confirm your booking.
During peak season popular tours may have limited or no availability. Please phone as early as possible in advance of your preferred date in order to confirm your booking and to avoid disappointment.
From the UK call Free Phone 0800-520-0512, or from the USA call Toll Free 1800-537-0917 to schedule and confirm your reservation. The local number is 407–522-5911. We will then also re-confirm your pick up location and time.
We have meeting points throughout the tourism corridors of Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, and Kissimmee including the Disney and Universal areas. Please arrive to your meeting location at least 5 to 10 minutes prior to the departure time. Wait outside the meeting point as the Guides will not go into lobbies or stores to look for guests
Cancellation policy
This ticket is cancellable up to 1 day prior to departure.
