Explore Florida’s most spectacular wildlife with this full-day outdoor adventure. Encounter the notorious West Indian manatee while snorkeling, see unique species at a local state park, and enjoy an electrifying airboat ride - all in one day.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 12 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English
Pickup included: Please arrive at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Please see the pickup times for each location below: Margaritaville Resort 8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee, FL 34747 7:45 AM Golden Corral 8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821 8 AM Orlando Starflyer 8265 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 8:30 AM
Small group: Limited to 15 participants

Highlights

Encounter the beautiful West Indian manatee in its natural habitat
Enjoy a snorkeling adventure in crystal clear waters
Discover Florida’s unique wildlife from both land and sea
Learn about the inhabitants of Homosassa Springs State Park
Experience the thrill of an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River

Full description

Snorkel thorugh marine life in the Crystal Rive on this day trip from Orlando. Ride in a comfortable and airconditioned bus to Homosassa Springs State Park for a guided visit. Find out about manatees and go for an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River.

In the morning, head out to the beautiful Crystal River area to start your snorkeling adventure. Explore the river and admire unique wildlife in its natural habitat. Learn about the magnificent manatee and have the opportunity to see them up close. Next is a guided visit to the Homosassa Springs State Park. Discover local wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, bobcats, alligators, and more.

Learn about the park’s manatee rehabilitation program and stop at an underwater observatory built over the mouth of a spring. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading to the Withlacoochee River, to end your day with an exciting airboat ride.

Ride through this area which is another natural haven, where you can see more local wildlife. Feel the thrill of skimming over the water with an exhilarating trip in a flat-bottomed boat.

Includes

Boat tour on Crystal River
State park entrance fee
Airboat ride
Lunch
Roundtrip transportation
Guide
Local taxes and fees

Wetsuit rental fee
Drinks
Gratuities

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Important information

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen
Insect repellent

Know before you go

All guests who want to participate in the manatee swim must rent a wetsuit from the local partner for $10 before the boat departs
A boat tour on Crystal river and an airboat ride is included in the ticket price
Entrance fees to the State Park are included in the ticket price
Local taxes and fees are also included in the ticket price
Drinks will not be provided
Rental fee of wetsuit and tips are not included in the ticket price

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 11 reviews

Sort by:

We were picked up early punctually by an upbeat, enthusiastic driver who fed us a delicious breakfast and briefed us on our day. He seemed to realize that we wanted to eat and go back to sleep. We arrived at the office where we were to get our gear, and all went smoothly. Lacy and Whitney were our guides, and Chad was our boat captain. Lacy coached us on what we could expect once we got in the water and took us in for some practice. They all warned us that it was off season for the manatees and we might not find very many. Delightfully, they were mistaken. Manatees were below us and all around us. It was impossible not to touch them, although we'd been warned not to. We got back on the van for lunch and were on our way to the park and airboat ride, which were equally good. I would highly recommend this tour and these guides and will request them myself if I go back to Orlando.

July 31, 2021

Good

July 9, 2022

July 3, 2022

Orlando: Manatee Encounter, Snorkeling, and Airboat Ride

Orlando: Manatee Encounter, Snorkeling, and Airboat Ride

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating: