Meet friendly manatees and swim alongside them in the sparkling waters of Crystal River. You'll also get to discover characteristic Florida animals like the red lynx, alligator, black bear, and puma.
Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
We'll pick you up from Orlando in the morning and head for the Crystal River. The bus journey to a dock on the river lasts around two hours.
Crystal River is home to numerous manatees, especially during the winter months. These friendly water giants are attracted to the river's year-round warm waters thanks to the natural hot springs that supply it.
Reaching the river, we'll embark on a boat trip in search of manatees. You'll have the choice to dive into the water and swim with them, or to remain on deck and enjoy the sun and the tropical landscapes.
Manatees are quiet animals and swim peacefully alongside humans - sometimes they even let you stroke their bellies! Did you know that they're believed to be the origin of mermaid myths? It's said that sailors mistook the algae that sometimes covers the animals for a woman's hair!
We'll get off the boat and give you some free time to have lunch in the Homosassa State Park. At this wildlife reserve, you'll be able to admire endangered species from Florida and other parts of the world, such as cougars, alligators, hippos, and black bears.
At Homosassa, you'll also have access to the underwater manatee observation point, where you'll get to see observe these gentle giants swimming in their natural environment.
In the afternoon we'll return to Orlando, arriving back around 4 pm.
Tour Options
When booking, you can choose between the following tour options:
- Swim with manatees: in this tour, you'll follow the itinerary described above.
- Swim with manatees + Hovercraft ride + Lunch: for an even more complete experience, in this tour, after swimming with the manatees you'll have a delicious picnic lunch in the middle of nature. The fun will continue with a hovercraft ride that will add a thrilling touch to the day—what more could you ask for?
Children under 3 years old
The tour is free for children under 3 years of age and therefore no reservation is necessary for them.
Pick Up Points and Times
This tour includes pickup from various points in the Orlando, Disney and Kissimmee areas. When making your reservation, you'll be able to select the exact time and the hotel or pickup point nearest to your accommodation.
Manatee sightings
Manatees are very common in the Crystal River. However, their presence depends on many factors and we cannot guarantee the number of specimens you'll be able to see.
