Why choose this tour ?
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.
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What makes Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando a unique experience ?
The boat will drive into the wildlife refuge where you will hope to see wild manatees on the river. You will be on the boat at least 90 mins.
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.
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.
If the 'Manatee Swim, Park & Airboat' package is reserved then a 30 minute airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River will be included.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- 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
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Half Day Manatee Adventure
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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.
Picnic Lunch included: Choice from a set menu.
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.
Incudes Manatee Boat Ride: Manatee Boat ride with snorkel equipment (mask and snorkel). Wetsuits hire is mandatory for snorkeling. Payable to dive shop - Manatee Swim Value Package
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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
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Includes Airboat Ride
Includes Lunch
Manatee Swim and Wildlife Park with Upgrade Options from Orlando Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Airboat Ride on Tuesday and Thursday tours
- Admission into Homosassa State Park
- Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
- Driver/guide
- Picnic Lunch
- River cruise to look for the manatees
- Use of snorkel equipment, mask, snorkel and fins.
- Wetsuits must be hired - Mandatory $15 fee
- Airboat Ride on Saturdays - tour is priced lower
- Half Day does not include Homosassa State Park or Airboat Ride
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Gray Line of Orlando.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 153 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.
• 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.
