Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available 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
Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat
Includes Airboat Ride<br/>Includes Lunch
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.<br/>Picnic Lunch included: Choice from a set menu.<br/>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.<br/>Incudes Manatee Boat Ride: Manatee Boat ride with snorkel equipment (mask and snorkel). Wetsuits hire is mandatory for snorkeling. Payable to dive shop
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
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river.
2
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.
3
Stop 3
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.
4
If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.
What's not included
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
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
92 reviews
5★
75
4★
10
3★
2
2★
2
1★
3
Tripadvisor
4.7
125 reviews
5★
105
4★
10
3★
6
2★
1
1★
3
Important information
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
Meeting point
For Universal Resort Guests. Pick-up area is the PACIFICA ballroom lobby located at the rear of the resort on Pacifica Way. Departure time from this location is 06:00am. Please inform Gray Line you are boarding here by phone or Whats App on +1-407-522-5911 the day prior to tour
Important notes
• 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.
About Orlando
Orlando is renowned as the theme park capital of the world, home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Beyond its famous attractions, Orlando offers a vibrant dining scene, luxurious resorts, and natural beauty with its lakes and parks.
Top Attractions
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is the world's largest theme park resort, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous entertainment and shopping districts.
Entertainment
Multiple days for a full experience
Expensive (Multi-day tickets recommended)
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort features two theme parks, a water park, and the CityWalk entertainment district, offering a variety of thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Entertainment
1-3 days depending on interests
Moderate to Expensive (Multi-day tickets recommended)
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a marine-life theme park featuring thrilling rides, marine animal exhibits, and educational shows.
Entertainment
1 day
Moderate (Combination tickets available with other parks)
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a fascinating look into America's space program, with exhibits, tours, and the opportunity to see real spacecraft and astronauts.
Educational
1 day
Moderate (Special exhibits and tours may cost extra)
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art features a diverse collection of American and contemporary art, as well as traveling exhibitions and educational programs.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Budget (Free admission on the first Thursday of the month)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Floribbean Cuisine
A fusion of Caribbean and Floridian flavors, featuring dishes like grilled fish, jerk chicken, and tropical fruit salsas.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted for various dietary restrictions
Orlando-Style BBQ
Slow-smoked meats with a variety of sauces, including traditional and sweet and tangy options.
Lunch/Dinner
May contain allergens like soy and gluten
Fresh Citrus
Florida is known for its citrus, and Orlando offers a variety of fresh citrus dishes, including marmalades, sorbets, and cocktails.
Snack/Dessert
Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly
Popular Activities
Theme park rides
Water sports
Zip-lining
ATV tours
Spa treatments
Beach days
Boat tours
Shopping
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and crowded attractions. It's ideal for those who want to experience all that Orlando has to offer but be prepared for higher prices and long lines.
15-28°C
60-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Orlando is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate in tourist areas. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
Getting there
By air
- Orlando International Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from downtown
- Orlando Sanford International Airport • 40 km (25 miles) from downtown
By bus
Orlando Greyhound Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Lynx Bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Orlando. It serves major attractions, hotels, and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Orlando
International Drive
Winter Park
Bal Harbor
Thornton Park
Day trips
Cocoa Beach
80 km (50 miles) • Half day to full day
A popular beach destination known for its surfing, beautiful beaches, and the Kennedy Space Center.
St. Augustine
180 km (112 miles) • Full day
The oldest city in the United States, featuring a rich history, beautiful architecture, and scenic views.
Daytona Beach
90 km (56 miles) • Half day to full day
A popular beach destination known for its racing history, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Festivals
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival • May
Orlando Film Festival • October
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival • March
Pro tips
- Arrive early to popular attractions to beat the crowds and lines
- Download official apps for theme parks and attractions for planning and reservations
- Consider staying at an on-site hotel or resort for perks and convenience
- Plan your itinerary in advance and prioritize your must-see attractions
- Take breaks and stay hydrated, especially during the hot and humid summer months
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
