Swim with Manatees in Crystal River

Encounter gentle manatees and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River. Along the way, you will also observe iconic Florida wildlife, including the red lynx, alligator, black bear, and puma.

Experience Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from Orlando, leading us to the stunning Crystal River. The bus ride to the river dock takes approximately two hours.

This river is a sanctuary for countless manatees, particularly during the winter season. These gentle giants flock to the warm waters, thanks to the natural hot springs that feed the river throughout the year.

Upon arrival, we will set off on a boat expedition to seek out manatees. You can opt to immerse yourself in the water and swim with these magnificent creatures, or stay aboard the vessel to bask in the sun and enjoy the lush tropical scenery.

These tranquil animals glide gracefully in the water and often swim near humans—occasionally allowing you to gently pet their bellies! Intriguingly, they are often thought to have inspired mermaid legends, as sailors reportedly mistook the algae on their bodies for long hair!

We will disembark from the boat and take a break for lunch at the Homosassa State Park. This wildlife sanctuary offers a chance to view endangered species native to Florida and beyond, including cougars, alligators, hippos, and black bears.

At Homosassa, you will also gain access to the underwater observation point for manatees, providing an incredible opportunity to watch these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

In the late afternoon, we will make our way back to Orlando, arriving around 4 PM.

Tour Options Available

During the booking process, you can select from the following tour choices:

• Swim with manatees: this option follows the itinerary outlined above. 
• Swim with manatees + Hovercraft adventure + Lunch: for a more immersive experience, this option includes a delightful picnic lunch amidst nature after swimming with the manatees, followed by a thrilling hovercraft ride that promises excitement—what more could you desire? 

Children under 3 years

The experience is free for children under three, so no prior reservation is required for them.

Pickup Points and Times

This activity includes pickup from various locations within the Orlando, Disney, and Kissimmee areas. When booking, you will have the option to choose your preferred pickup time and location closest to your accommodation.

Manatee Sightings

Manatees are frequently observed in the Crystal River; however, their visibility can vary due to several factors, and we are unable to guarantee the exact number of sightings during your tour.