Water activity

Orlando: Swim with Manatees and Homosassa State Park Visit

4.1 / 5

16 reviews

Activity provider: Gray Line of Orlando - Gator Tours
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    Water activity

    Orlando: Swim with Manatees and Homosassa State Park Visit

    Activity provider: Gray Line of Orlando - Gator Tours
    Likely to sell out
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 99 per person

    Swim with the gentle manatees in the clear waters of the Crystal River of Florida. Visit the Homosassa State Park, home to a variety of endangered species including the state panther. This is the perfect tour choice for the whole family to enjoy.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
    Duration 11 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English
    Pickup included
    Please wait outside the lobby of your hotel, with the following exceptions: • Royal Pacific Resort - the Pacifica Ballroom entrance • ICON Park - base of The Wheel, at the rear of Universal Blvd • Crossroads Plaza - outside the Gooding’s Supermarket Please call 407-522-5911 to reconfirm pick up location and time.
    Small group
    Limited to 13 participants

    Experience

    Highlights
    • In the clear blue waters of the Crystal River, swim or snorkel with the gentle giants of the marine world, manatees, on this day-long tour
    • The curious and friendly manatees will almost certainly come over to greet those who snorkel or swim and may even roll over to be tickled
    • Visit Homosassa State Park and view many of Florida’s endangered species, such as the state panther
    • A relaxed and fun touring experience that is great for the whole family to enjoy
    • Transportation to and from the tour location are included
    Full description

    The gentle manatees of the Crystal River await your arrival on this delightful day-long tour where you can swim with these curious creatures. Your day will begin with complimentary pickup from one of the key meeting points in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista and Disney. You will then be whisked away to the picturesque Crystal River. Crystal River is home to the curious and endangered manatee. Also known as Sea Cows, these creatures are most definitely the gentle giants of the marine world. Here you have the chance to snorkel or swim in the clear blue waters. Manatees are curious creatures and will often come to greet those who choose to snorkel or swim. They may even roll over to be tickled! Those who prefer to stay above water may wish to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. After lunch at your own expense, you will visit the beautiful Homosassa State Park, one of Florida’s best kept secrets. There, enjoy the chance to see many of Florida’s endangered species, such as the state panther, and watch the manatees again from an underwater viewing chamber. Fun, relaxed and light-hearted, this day-long tour and swim with the manatees is the perfect tour choice for the whole family!

    Includes
    • Roundtrip transportation from key meeting points in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, and Disney
    • Pontoon Boat ride on the Crystal River and Kings Bay
    • Snorkeling and swimming in the river alongside wild manatees, if spotted
    • Admission to Homosassa State Wildlife Park
    • Licensed guide/driver
    • Certified dive master and captain on the boat tour
    • Mask, snorkel, and fins
    • Food and drinks
    • Wetsuit fee ($15 to be paid onsite at dive shop)
    • Tips
    Covid-19 precautions
    Safety measures in place
    • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes
    • Sunglasses
    • Swimwear
    • Change of clothes
    • Towel
    • Sunscreen

    Not allowed

    • Pets
    • Luggage or large bags

    Know before you go

    • Please confirm your reservation, as well as your pick-up location and time at least 48 hours in advance
    • Don’t forget your underwater camera
    • Tour is not available on some holidays, including Christmas day; check availability
    • Please note that since these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed.
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.1 /5

    based on 16 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      4.3/5
    • Transportation
      4/5
    • Value for money
      4.1/5
    • Safety
      5/5

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    Overall, a great day

    The trip was great. Unfortunately, we had to wait 30 minutes for the driver in the morning and already had the fear that we would not be picked up (we were unable to reach anyone under the given mobile number). For breakfast there is an orange juice directly from the region and 2 sweet snacks. So rather sparse. The driver himself was able to tell a lot about the region and the history of Orlando. So if you still want to have one or the other secret tip is right with him. Arrived at the Crystal River a short film and a few simple rules for dealing with the animals are shown. WATER IS VERY COLD. So take the chance and get yourself a neoprene suit. Blue lips had many. Even before we could see the first Manati we were taken the illusion that we can fall on a variety of animals .. Unfortunately, one meets only isolated animals. Nevertheless a madness experience. It was fun and the food afterwards was really good. Have lots of fun with it

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    May 31, 2016

    A
    Alexander – Germany Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Wonderful day trip

    Friendly and courteous driver (Donald) and boat crew (Tom and Carlos) . Really enjoyed the lunch at the diner with great good and really nice waitress. Loved the convenience of having transportation included in the package. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

    June 30, 2019

    J
    Julie – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    The driver was very friendly and accommodating. The dive staff was very entertaining. Diner food was great.

    November 8, 2021

    J
    Jordan – United States Verified booking

    Helpful?

    Product ID: 12104