(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando

165 Reviews 4.75 out of 5 stars Based on 165 reviews collected by Cool Orlando and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of travelers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Orlando, USA

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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
See 4 moreSee 6 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Time

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 2 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • A small amount of walking is involved at your leisure through the State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

(9)

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: The Crystal River Manatee Swim or Boat Ride from Orlando has a Free Cancellation policy. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given to customers' questions.

Cancellation Policy

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

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-3170P40

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.75
165 reviews

Average 4.75 out of 5 stars based on 165 traveler reviews collected by Cool Orlando and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
141
4 stars
15
3 stars
4
2 stars
2
1 star
3

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
This is usually booked 27 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$59.95

Wacky Winter Garden Scavenger Hunt

Wacky Winter Garden Scavenger Hunt

New To The Site!
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$27

Rock Hard Revue: Premier Table

Rock Hard Revue: Premier Table

New To The Site!
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$79

2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs (Small-Group)
Likely to Sell Out

2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour in Rock Springs (Small-Group)

 2 hours 30 minutes  Instant Confirmation
from
$120

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

 1 to 4 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$35

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Likely to Sell Out

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$31.94

Orlando Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch
Likely to Sell Out

Orlando Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

 1 hour  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$36

Houston Dune Buggy Adventure

Houston Dune Buggy Adventure

 1 hour  Instant Confirmation
from
$69.99

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cool Orlando wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Orlando over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.