Swim with the majestic manatees in the spring-fed Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Then drive to Homosassa for a rip roaring good time on an airboat. Ride, slide and glide up and down the Homosassa River while searching for dolphins.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Snorkel through the estuary surrounded by birds, fish, and other wildlife
- Submerge yourself in the manatee’s world with a guide’s supervision and expertise
- Feel alive as you speed down the Homosassa River while searching for dolphins
Full description
If you’re looking for a full day of adventure, this is the plan for you — if you’re coming to Crystal River for the manatees, then why not stay on for an airboat tour on the beautiful Homosassa river? This tour takes care of all the details from start to finish for you.
Your first experience of the day is a 3-hour manatee swim at Crystal River. Embark on your journey with a Coast Guard Certified Master Captain who will be your in-water chaperone, educator, and photographer. First, in a classroom-style setting, get snorkeling tips and learn the ins and outs of “passive interaction”, which will ensure the manatees enjoy the experience as much as you do.
When you finally get in the water, submerge yourself in the manatee’s world. This rich estuary will amaze you — fish, birds, and wildlife are all around. Finish your adventure by viewing your Captain’s photos back at the facility and visit the gift-shop.
Then, located only a 15-minute drive south of Crystal River, jump on an airboat tour to explore the mangroves, canals, and backwaters of Homosassa. Brace yourself as the speedboat explodes beneath you, and keep your eyes peeled on the horizon — sometimes dolphins surprise you as they play and frolic in the area. Hold on to your hat and find your adventure seeker amid the birds, dolphins, and fish.
For families and thrill-seekers alike, exploring the backwater salt-marshes where other boats can’t go delivers a pure Florida experience that’ll take your breath away.
Includes
- Coffee and tea
- Captain
- Guide (for manatee swim)
- Wetsuits and snorkel mask
- Ear protection (for airboat ride)
- Water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport between activity 1 and 2
- Photo packages
- Bathing suit and towel
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- Children under 3 years
- Wheelchair users
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Tour 1 starts at the Manatee Tour Center. Directions to the airboat tour will be given here.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Not allowed
- Pets
- Selfie sticks
Know before you go
- The manatee swim takes place rain or shine except for severe weather. Please call ahead if you have concerns.
- The manatee swim experience takes 3 hours from start to finish.
- The airboat tour is weather dependent. This part of the activity will be scheduled depending on the departure time chosen for the manatee swim.
- The airboat tour takes 1.5 hours from start to finish.
- The two activities depart from different locations, and you will need to provide your own transportation between them.
