Manatee Snorkeling Adventure Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pickup

4.7 (286 reviews) 8 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

286 reviews

4.7

Snorkeling on Crystal River with wild manatees — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Snorkeling alongside these gentle giants — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Water Tours Likely to Sell Out Small Group Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 8 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 13 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Gray Line of Orlando

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
Included: Admission into Homosassa State Park
Included: Driver/guide
Included: Use of snorkel equipment, mask & snorkel
Included: Picnic Lunch
Included: River cruise to look for the manatees
Included: Pickup and drop-off from designated hotels

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Bring your breakfast with you to enjoy on the transport vehicle if you wish.
Not included: Airboat Ride on Fridays & Saturdays - tour is priced lower
Not included: Wetsuits must be hired

Itinerary

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

2 hours Admission included

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.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

2 hours Admission included

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.
Stop 4

30 min

If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Holiday Inn Orlando International Dr-ICON by IHG
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club - Dazzler Select
Roomba Inn & Suites Orlando
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort
Super 8 by Wyndham Kissimmee/Maingate/Orlando Area
Holiday Inn Express & Suites S Lake Buena Vista by IHG
Spot X Hotel Orlando/intl Dr By The Red Collection
Baymont By Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista South
Stayable Kissimmee West
Motel 6 Kissimmee, FL - Orlando
Comfort Suites Maingate East
Club Wyndham Star Island

and 293 more pickup points

Using your ticket

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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

Options

Manatee Swim & Homosassa Park

Swim, Snorkel and Boat Ride: Transportation from the Orlando area, 90-Min Boat Ride on Crystal River, Snorkel Equipment, Admission to Homosassa State Park

Pickup included
Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat

Includes Airboat Ride

Includes Lunch

Pickup included